Meridian, Kern County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meridian
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Kern County |
Elevation | 433 ft (132 m) |
Meridian is a small place in Kern County, California. It is called an unincorporated community. This means it is not an official city or town with its own local government. Meridian is located about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) northeast of a place called Mettler. It sits at an elevation of 433 feet (132 meters) above sea level.
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What is Meridian?
Meridian is a community where people live, but it does not have its own city hall or mayor. Instead, it is managed by the larger county government. This is common for many small areas. These communities still have homes and businesses. They are just not set up as independent cities.
Unincorporated Communities Explained
An unincorporated community is a group of homes and buildings. It is not part of any official city. The county government provides services like roads and police. This is different from a city, which has its own local rules. Cities have their own police and fire departments. They also have their own city councils.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many communities start small. They might not have enough people to form a city. Or, residents might prefer county services. Being unincorporated can sometimes mean lower taxes. It also means fewer local rules. People in these areas still follow state and county laws.
Where is Meridian Located?
Meridian is in the southern part of California. It is found within Kern County. Kern County is a very large county. It covers a big area of California. The community is near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. This valley is famous for its farming.
Kern County: A Closer Look
Kern County is one of California's biggest counties. It is known for its agriculture. Farmers grow many crops there. These include grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. The county also has oil production. It is a major source of energy.
The San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is a long, flat area. It runs through the middle of California. It is one of the most productive farming regions. The valley gets very hot in summer. It also has mild winters. This climate helps many different crops grow well.
Elevation of Meridian
Meridian is 433 feet (132 meters) above sea level. This means it is not very high up. It is located on flat land. The elevation can affect the weather. It can also influence the types of plants that grow there. Being at a lower elevation often means warmer temperatures.
What is Elevation?
Elevation is how high a place is. It is measured from sea level. Sea level is the average height of the ocean's surface. Places with high elevation are usually in mountains. Places with low elevation are often in valleys or near the coast.
How Elevation Affects a Place
Elevation can change many things. It affects the air temperature. Higher places are usually colder. It also impacts the amount of oxygen in the air. Higher places have less oxygen. For Meridian, being at 433 feet means it has a typical valley climate.