Smith (8/20/07) back to syllabus GEOL 260/260L

Geology of Point Lobos

GEOL 260/260L commonly takes a fieldtrip to learn geologic principles from the rocks, soils, and vegetation exposed at Point Lobos, CA. If you are interested in completing a self-guided geologic exercise for extra credit, click here to download a self-guided mapping exercise. Take a look at the topics list below and explore the terms in your course textbook before attempting the trip.

Field trip to interpret the geologic history of Point Lobos

This trip will give you more experience identifying rocks and structures and interpreting a geologic history based upon first hand data. We will get more experience making geologic maps, using the spectacular Point Lobos State Park as the subject. You will come away with a greater appreciatio of the active sedimentary processes associated with the marine setting.

Formations we will see...Santa Lucia Granodiorite, Carmelo Formation, Monterey Shale, uplifted "Carmel River" deposits, Qa of the Carmel River.

Key words and topic in no particular order...

Submarine fans

Submarine canyons (ancient and present)

Plutonic

Intrusion

Nonconformity

Angular unconformity

Pebbly mudstone

Turbidite

Conglomerate

Folding (syncline, anticline)

Original horizontality

Marine depositional environments

Marine terraces

Uplift (rock and surface)

Paleogeographic reconstruction

Local stratigraphy and changes of environment

Relationship of strike and dip to map symbol of strike and dip

Grain size---energy of environment

Fossils---environment

Uplift = faulting?