Satellite image Built up area Dry grassland Intensive farming Forest Silicon valley

Industry in Silicon Valley

Case study of industry in a MEDC

Silicon Valley is south of San Francisco Bay and is really called the Santa Clara Valley

This is the U.S.A.’s main area for computer technology and aerospace hardware

All these products are based on the silicon chip. The area is close to 3 universities which provide research facilities and a skilled workforce.

It is near to 3 major airports and a major freeway linking San Francisco and LA.

It is near the Pacific Coast surf beaches and skiing in the Sierra Nevada is a few hours’ drive.

High quality apartments and housing is available

Clean, modern industrial estates can be located near residential areas

Silicon Valley has a warm, sunny climate throughout the year

Many hi-tech companies are located here

The building where Hewlett and Packard began in 1963 was little more than a shed!

Silicon Valley is now suffering from high levels of congestion and land values as building spreads across orchards and farmland

San Jose is the capital of Silicon Valley

Some companies are now building their own power stations to overcome energy shortages

1. Design a poster (with a sketch-map) to attract high-tech companies to Silicon Valley. 2. Not everyone is happy about the growth of Silicon Valley. Mike Rochip is a local resident who intends writing to Arnold Schwarzenegger to complain. What points would he make in his letter? (Why write to Arnie?)