The Coastal South (Chapter 10)

There are many differences between the physical geography of the Coastal South and the Antelope Valley. First, the topography of the Coastal South is generally low; for example, according to the textbook, the highest point in the state of Florida is only 345 feet above sea level. In contrast, the Antelope Valley is referred to as the "High Desert" due it its relatively high elevation, since the valley floor averages 2,500 to 3,500 feet above sea level! Also, the climate of the Coastal South includes abundant rainfall, while the Antelope Valley's desert climate includes very modest levels of precipitation. While summers in both the Coastal South and the Antelope Valley tend to have hot summers, the major difference is that the Coastal South has high levels of humidity, while the AV has a "dry" heat with lower humidity. The following graphs compare the levels of rainfall and humidity in the city of Palmdale in the Antelope Valley with the United States averages:

(Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/South-Antelope-Valley-California.html) 

However, despite the differences in their physical geographies, the Coastal South and the Antelope Valley share many similarities in aspects of their respective economies and cultures. Just as in the Coastal South, government and military activity have contributed significantly to the Antelope Valley's economy, especially through the aerospace industry. As discussed in a previous blog post, the AV is home to Edward's Air Force Base, which is the nation's second largest Air Force base and the AV's single largest employer, and United State Air Force Plant 42, which is an aircraft manufacturing plant and the AV's second largest employer.

Also, just as NASA has contributed to the economy of the Coastal South, NASA also plays a role in the economy of the Antelope Valley. NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center is located adjacent to Edward's Air Force Base just outside of Lancaster in the AV. It is described by NASA as their "primary center for atmospheric flight research and operations." The center's location in the Antelope Valley, according to NASA, allows the center to "take advantage of the excellent year-round flying weather, remote area, and visibility to test some of the nation's most exciting air vehicles."

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center outside of Lancaster:


Also, Palmdale is home to the Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 located near Plant 42.
I see this building very often as I drive by it in Palmdale:


(Sources: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/about/overview.html#.UyyjjvldWNi,
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/daof/gallery/index.html)

Finally, the Coastal South takes pride in its diversity and cultural heritage, such as through the celebration of Mardi Gras. Similarly, the Antelope Valley also likes to celebrate the many different cultures that make up its population. For example, the Antelope Valley International Heritage Festival is an annual event that celebrates a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. I liked what Robert Alvarado, one of the founders of the festival, said at last year's festival:

Cultural events such as the Heritage Festival are important in the Antelope Valley because we are one of the most diverse areas, not just in our county or just in our state, but in the entire United States. We want people to know that we have a rich, diverse community in the Antelope Valley and they are welcome to come out once a year and celebrate with us.

Below are several pictures of the 19th annual AV International Heritage Festival hosted last year in Palmdale:

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(Source: http://theavtimes.com/2013/09/14/a-celebration-of-culture-unity/)