Geology of Northern California
... This trip was a great representation of the dynamic geology of a slice of Northern California geology. ... We stopped here and talked about how the geology is starting to transition from the Great Valley to the Coastal Ranges. ... His running commentary on the geology of the area was enlightening. ... The most prominent geologic difference between the Point Reyes Peninsula and the remainder of the California Coast is the presence of granite rock and the absence of the Franciscan Formation (greywacke, shale, conglomerate and chert) commonly found west of the San Andreas Fault. ... Instead, the rocks that make up the peninsula match those of Southern California mountains. ... The existence of several terrace levels at one coastal site is evidence of the long-term geologic processes affecting the California coast. ... It was such a difference from the beaches of Southern California. ... After going on this tour of the Northern California Coast Range, I can now enjoy and appreciate this area better and understand the processes that produce such diverse geology.