Kettleman Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kettleman Hills |
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 Location in California
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 415 m (1,362 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Kings County |
| Range coordinates | 36°0′13.836″N 120°3′25.489″W / 36.00384333°N 120.05708028°W |
| Topo map | USGS La Cima |
The Kettleman Hills are a group of low mountains in western Kings County, California. These hills stretch for about 30 miles (48 km) from northwest to southeast. They run alongside the famous San Andreas Fault to the west.
The Kettleman Hills get their name from Dave Kettelman, a pioneer rancher. He grazed his sheep and cattle here in the 1860s. The hills rise to about 1,200 feet (366 meters) high. They separate the large San Joaquin Valley to the east from the smaller Kettleman Plain to the west. These hills are also home to an important oil field.
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Exploring the Kettleman Hills
Where Are the Kettleman Hills?
The Kettleman Hills are part of the California Coast Ranges. These ranges are a series of mountains found along the coast of California. The Kettleman Hills are located in the central part of California, within Kings County. They act like a natural border between two different flat areas of land.
How the Hills Got Their Name
The name "Kettleman Hills" comes from an early rancher named Dave Kettelman. He was one of the first people to bring sheep and cattle to graze in this area. Even though the name is spelled a little differently from his last name, it honors his connection to the region in the 1860s.
Oil and Energy in the Hills
The Kettleman Hills are known for the Kettleman North Dome Oil Field. An oil field is a place where a lot of oil is found underground. This oil can be pumped out and used for energy. Finding oil here has made the Kettleman Hills an important spot for energy production in California.
Managing Waste in the Hills
Near the Kettleman Hills, there is a very large facility that helps manage waste. This site, operated by Waste Management, Inc., covers about 1,600 acres (6.5 square kilometers). It is located southwest of Kettleman City. This facility plays a role in handling different types of waste materials from communities.
