California is a state in the western part of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its Mexican vibe.

“Eureka!” is the state's official motto. Originating from Greek, this exclamation meaning “I have found it” was said to have been uttered by ancient Greek scientist Archimedes (c. 287-212 B.C.E.) when measuring the specific gravity of gold. It is often used when there is a sudden discovery. It stems from a pivotal moment in California’s history: the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century. Legend has it that in 1848, a carpenter at Sutter's mill in Coloma shouted “Eureka!” upon finding gold flecks in the American River, sparking a frenzy that drew fortune seekers from far and wide.

The grizzly bear is the state's official animal adopted in 1953 and had been on the state's official flag for decades before that, despite its extinction in the region. The last known grizzly bear was hunted down in the 1920s.

California lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates interact, causing frequent shifts and movements beneath the Earth's surface. Over 100,000 earthquakes occur in the state each year.

“Watermelon snow” is caused by a type of microscopic algae known as Chlamydomonas nivalis, which thrives in snowfields during warmer months, creating the illusion of pink-tinted snow. It occurs in the Sierra Nevada, California, where the temperature is cold throughout the year at altitudes of 3,000-3,600m (10,000 -12,000ft).

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