Elk Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk Hills |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 374 m (1,227 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Kern County |
| Range coordinates | 35°16′53.869″N 119°26′38.422″W / 35.28163028°N 119.44400611°W |
| Topo map | USGS East Elk Hills |
The Elk Hills are a low mountain range located in the western part of Kern County, California. These hills are part of a larger group of mountains called the Transverse Ranges. They are found close to and east of the Elkhorn Hills, which are in San Luis Obispo County, California.
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What Are the Elk Hills?
The Elk Hills are not very tall mountains. They are considered "low" because their highest point is only about 374 meters (1,227 feet) above sea level. This makes them more like rolling hills than towering peaks.
Where Are the Elk Hills Located?
These hills are in Kern County, which is in the southern part of California's San Joaquin Valley. This area is known for its flat farmlands and oil production. The Elk Hills stand out from the flat valley floor.
What Are the Transverse Ranges?
The Transverse Ranges are a special group of mountains in Southern California. They are called "transverse" because they run east to west. Most mountain ranges in North America run north to south. The Elk Hills are a small part of this unique mountain system.
Environment and Wildlife
Even though the Elk Hills are not very high, they are home to different types of plants and animals. The climate in this part of California is generally dry. This means the plants and animals living here are adapted to dry conditions.
Plants of the Elk Hills
You might find plants that can survive with little water. These include various types of shrubs and grasses. Some plants might have small leaves or waxy coatings to help them save water.
Animals of the Elk Hills
Many animals live in the Elk Hills. These can include small mammals like rodents and rabbits. You might also see reptiles such as lizards and snakes. Birds are also common, including raptors that hunt in the open areas.
Geology of the Elk Hills
The Elk Hills were formed over a very long time. Their geology is linked to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. This movement created the Transverse Ranges.
How Were the Hills Formed?
The rocks and soil in the Elk Hills were pushed up and folded by forces deep within the Earth. This process is called orogeny, which means mountain building. Over millions of years, these forces slowly lifted the land to create the hills we see today.
