Imperial Valley is a rich irrigated region in the desert of south-central California just north of the Mexican border. It is below sea level and was once a part of the Gulf of California. The Colorado River delta gradually cut off part of the gulf. The area’s fertile silt soil supports agriculture. The All-American Canal brings water for about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from the Colorado River. It provides water for over 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares). At the north end of the Imperial Valley lies the Salton Sea, a shallow, saline lake.
The valley is one of the country’s richest farming regions. Crops can be grown there all year. Summer crops include alfalfa, cotton, and sugar beets. In winter, farmers raise melons and other specialty crops. Major towns include Brawley, Calexico, and El Centro.
