United States West Coast
The West Coast ( English West Coast or Pacific Coast ) of the United States usually refers to the four western states of Alaska , Washington , Oregon and California located on the Pacific coast . Nevada and Arizona are sometimes included in the West Coast states due to their cultural similarity, but geographically they are not included because they are not on the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes the term west coast is used more specifically only for the areas west of the Cascade Range , Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert .
Hawaii is a special case and is not part of the west coast.
history
The west coast was settled by whites as the last part of the heartland of the United States , and not until the mid-19th century. The majority of the population, especially in California , came in connection with the gold rush . Since settlement coincides with the end of slavery , there are relatively few blacks in the states of the west coast. The southern areas (California), on the other hand, are quite heavily populated by Mexican immigrants, which is also noticeable in the culture (for example the Mexican cuisine ).
Geography and geology
The Alaska Panhandle , Washington , Oregon , and the northern part of California are separated in a north-south direction by the Cascade Range , which separates the rainy and forested west from the rather dry east. This region is known (together with neighboring countries) as the Pacific Northwest . The southern part of California has a much drier climate. Deserts can also be found further inland.
All states on the west coast are regularly hit by earthquakes ( transform fault ) and have strong volcanic activity as they are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire . The coastal areas are also dangerous for tsunamis and have already been devastated in places. There is a tsunami warning system for the west coast.
The coast itself is partly steep coast and beach. The beach can be used with vehicles in places. However, the visitor must be aware that due to the prevailing ocean currents, the water is always quite cool even in midsummer, even in Southern California. The coastal fog in July around the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco (cold sea, very warm hinterland) is typical . The sections of Southern California with regular and above-average waves are used by surfers . Because of the water temperature, sunbathing and beach walks are typical leisure activities.
