2) The Physical Environment

Malibu's physical environment is what initially began attracting people and continues to do so today.  There is no part of Malibu where the physical geography isn't noticeably present. 

Malibu is located in the southernmost end of the Transverse Ranges.  The Transverse Ranges are mountains formed by the slippage of the North American Plate and Pacific Plates against each other over time.  As a result, these mountains are made out of sedimentary rock that was once a part of the sea floor.  Millions of years of violent geologic activity have resulted in Malibu having many complex, folded mountains that are separated by dramatic canyons.  All of this is in very close contrast to the large, flat beaches that sit right in front of the mountains. 

Malibu, located in the 34* North latitude, benefits from a Mediterranean climate.  This climate renders warm to hot, dry summers paired with mild to cool, wet winters.  On average, the warmest month is August with a mean temperature of 77 degrees, the coolest is December with a mean temperature of 53 degrees, and the city receives an average rainfall of 18 inches per year. 

Due to Malibu's coastal location and Mediterranean climate, it's vegetation is primarily in the family of Coastal Sage Scrub.  Common plants in this family include California Sagebrush and Buckwheat.  In the northern parts of Malibu, vegetation is primarily chaparral.  Popular in these areas are drought deciduous shrubs and California oak trees.  The soils in Malibu are pretty diverse.  They range from beach sand to acidic sand on hard pan to alkaline clays.