CASE HISTORY - GEOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA

PROBLEM: How can rocks tell a story of Earth's history?

Look at the Generalized Geologic Map (will open in separate window) of California. Answer the questions below. You will need to refer to a geographic map and/or topographic map to find landmarks in California.

1. This is a generalized geologic map of California. List the 11 geomorphic provinces that are found on the map. They are written in capitol letters. Then determine the overall age of the rocks and the overall rock type.

2. Look at a geographic and/or topographic map of California and find the following areas. Describe the areas and from the Generalized Geologic Map determine the age, type of rocks and geomorphic province.

3. List the major faults.
   
   
4. San Francisco is found on what side (east or west)of the San Andreas fault.
   
   
   Los Angeles is east or west of the San Andreas fault?
   
   
   Are most of the major faults located in the northern part or southern part of the state of California?
   
   
5. The Sierra Nevada is mainly a granitic type of rock that was originally cooled deep inside the crust of the earth. How do you think the Sierra Nevada mountains got to the surface?
   
   
6. Do you think these geologic units continue into the Pacific Ocean? Explain.