Explore California’s deep past through a detailed geologic map and a clear guide to its rock formations.
This book presents a comprehensive look at the geologic formations of California, accompanied by a reconnaissance map that helps readers understand how the state's rocks evolved from ancient times to the present. It surveys major rock types, their ages, and how they shape the landscape across coastal ranges, inland plains, and mountains.
The volume provides both descriptive geology and practical references, including discussions of batholiths in the Coast Ranges, granitic sands indicating ancient batholith extents, and various metamorphic and sedimentary units. It also covers petroleum-bearing formations and lists publications useful to researchers and students.
- Grounded descriptions of pre-Cambrian to Devonian formations and their characteristics
- Explanations of map symbols and how formations are shown on the reconnaissance map
- Context for California’s major mountain belts and batholiths
- Appendices and references that support further study
Ideal for readers seeking a solid, accessible overview of California’s geology, from students to researchers.