Los Angeles to New York

The San Andreas Fault is clearly visible in this topographic image, running diagonally down through the San Gabriel Mountains from the top centre of the picture.

The elevated section of this freeway has completely collapsed after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

This earthquake simulation shows that Los Angeles is badly affected by ground shaking and by the subsequent damage caused, with the worst areas highlighted in red.

A roadside cutting shows the dramatic folding of rocks along the San Andreas Fault.

1906 - The Los Angeles relief camp in Golden Gate Park, where 10,000 people were fed every day after the 1906 earthquake.

Building damage after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which caused $20 billion worth of damage.

Earthquake damage to freeways, like this in Oakland, California, is a real risk in Los Angeles.

The San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean act as clear natural barriers to further urban sprawl of the city.

A roadsign at Newport Beach, Los Angeles, highlighting the risk of tsunamis as a side-effect of off-shore earthquakes.

A night-time view of downtown Los Angeles and the 110 Freeway.

The ramps of Los Angeles's interchanges fill with sky with twisting, tangled patterns.

Original Metropolitan Transport Authority publicity material for a Los Angeles Freeway.

Thick clouds of yellow smog hang over Los Angeles.

1896 - A "forest" of oil derricks outside Los Angeles.

Frequent forest fires, such as the Station fire in 2009, adds to the smog problem and the blanket of smoke over the city.

1954 - Teenagers arrested for hot rod racing on Artesia Street in South Compton, Los Angeles.

Downtown Los Angeles is surrounded by a spider's web of freeways and intersections.

Typical rush-hour traffic on the I405 through Central Los Angeles.

Grafitti and street art throughout Los Angeles demonstrates the multicultural and inner-city influences on modern culture, such as art and rap and hip-hop music.

The Hollywood sign has long been an icon of fame and fortune, although it started life as an advert for a housing development.

The iconic gateway of Los Angeles' Chinatown, which has been in existence in various locations across LA since 1880. It is now near Broadway and is a major tourist attraction and immigrant hub.

The Los Angeles Unified School District Marching Band at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, a celebration which has been held on New Year's Day since 1890.

A pro-immigration protest in Los Angeles in 2010 in support of legalising immigrants and their role in supporting the local community - many immigrants enter LA every year.

A dancer takes to the streets as part of the annual “Day of the Dead” festival in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which celebrates Hispanic influences and traditions on this ancient day of remembrance.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood is home to the Walk of Fame and is a world famous landmark.

Multicultural influences and increasing poverty are evident in an arcade of shops in downtown LA.

The famous 1920s Figueroa Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, a favourite spot for celebrities, shows a mix of Californian Mission style and Moroccan flair.

Korean children dance and celebrate in traditional costume during the annual Korean Festival Parade.

1887 - An early aerial balloon photograph of Los Angeles. With the arrival of the railroad in 1876, the city had begun to expand rapidly with many immigrants arriving by rail to seek their fortunes.

Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame commemorate the actors, musicians and directors who have made Hollywood what it is today.

May Day, 2010 - 60,000 peaceful protesters march for immigration reform.