Ch 2. North America's Environmental Setting

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          Two hours and a half from Los Angeles, Solvang is located approximately 15 miles north of the Pacific Coast. It is surrounded by the Purisima Hills to the north, and the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Ynzez river to the south. Solvang is one of the communities that are located in the Santa Ynez Valley, along with Buellton, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Santa Ynez. The Santa Ynez Mountains on the south separate the Santa Ynez Valley from the Pacific Ocean; these mountains range in elevation from 800 to 2,500 feet (City of Solvang).

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          Climate in Solvang is mild with warm days and cool nights, and lots of sunshine throughout the year. Average temperature ranges between 54 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can reach high 80's during summer and low 40's during winter. Rainfall averages 16 inches within the Santa Ynez Valley although it is variable from year to year. Fog also plays an important factor in the climate of the area. Santa Ynez valley is the only east-west running valley on the Pacific coast; this allows the flow of fog and offshore breezes to temper the climate (City of Solvang).