Part 6/10:

The rugged mountains surrounding Los Angeles, such as the San Gabriel and Santa Monica ranges, owe their existence to tectonic forces at play. The San Andreas Fault, a major geological structure, is responsible for significant earthquakes and the uplift of these mountain ranges. The interaction of these tectonic plates is what has sculpted such dramatic geography, providing a striking backdrop for the city while also setting the stage for both seismic and fire-related disasters.

Through illustrations, Prince depicts how plate movement results in the elevation of the land — sometimes abruptly transitioning from lofty peaks to flat plains. This abrupt change can lead to dramatic weather-related events, with dry winds accelerating the threat of fire following a hot, arid spell.