GEOGRAPHY THROUGH MAPS
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada rises along eastern California and into Nevada. Its granite-rich core, steep eastern front and glaciated valleys distinguish it from the volcanic Cascade arc farther north.
Fast Facts
- Mount Whitney is the highest summit of the contiguous 48 U.S. states.
- Much of the exposed granite formed underground before uplift and erosion.
- The range produces a strong rain shadow toward the Great Basin.
Connected lessons
- Sierra NevadaMap, explanation and practice
- Why the western interior is dryGuided exploration
Geographical connections
- Mount LoganRelated places
- Pacific Coast RangesRelated places
- Cascade RangeRelated places
- Great Basin DesertRelated places
- Great Salt LakeRelated places
- Death ValleyRelated places
- Rain-shadow effectInfluences