The Dirt on LA: A Deep Dive (Maybe Not That Deep) into Los Angeles's Underbelly (Well, Underlayer)
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, sunshine, and... what kind of dirt is under all that sunshine, anyway? Fear not, intrepid internet adventurer, for I, your trusty (and slightly sarcastic) guide, am here to unearth the truth about the soil of LA.
Not Your Average Garden Variety
Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its sprawling fields. Forget rolling hills of picture-perfect farmland – LA's a concrete jungle, baby! But beneath all the pavement and Hollywood hustle, there's a hidden world of, well, dirt. And it's not your average, run-of-the-mill kind of stuff.
So, what exactly is lurking beneath LA's shiny exterior? We're talking about a mix of things, depending on where you stick your shovel (metaphorically, of course – permits and all that).
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The Coastal Classic: Sandy Loam – Ah, sandy loam. The Goldilocks of soils – not too sandy, not too clumpy, just right for... well, maybe not building a sandcastle on the beach, but definitely a decent base for the sprawling metropolis that is LA. This is the most common type of soil you'll find on the coastal plain, offering good drainage and aeration. Perfect for those aspiring Hollywood palm trees, anyway.
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The Mountain Mystery: A Loam Smorgasbord – Head towards the San Gabriel Mountains, and things get a bit more interesting. Here, you'll find a delightful variety of loams – sandy loam, silt loam, and even clay loam. Each with its own quirks and personalities, just like the Hollywood characters they might support (clay loam, we're looking at you with your dramatic shrinking and swelling tendencies).
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The Great Urban Unknown: HAHT Happens – Los Angeles has a long history. And let's face it, Angelenos like to move things around. A lot. This means a good chunk of the city's soil is what soil scientists call Human Altered and Transported Materials (HAHT). Basically, it's a fancy way of saying "we dug something up over here and put it over there." So, the exact makeup of this urban mystery mix can vary wildly, adding an extra layer of intrigue (or frustration, depending on your gardening goals).
So, what does this all mean for the average Angeleno?
Honestly, for most of us, it probably doesn't matter all that much. Unless you're planning on becoming an urban farmer (in which case, more power to you!), the type of soil under your feet is unlikely to be a daily concern.
But hey, a little knowledge about the ground beneath your feet never hurt anyone, right? The next time you're stuck in LA traffic, you can ponder the fascinating world of sandy loams, mysterious loams, and the ever-evolving urban soil tapestry.
And who knows, maybe you'll even impress your friends at your next pool party with your newfound expertise on Los Angeles's underbelly (underlayer). Just be sure to keep it light and breezy – after all, that's the LA way.
