Geology and Minerals

Geology and geological history of California

The geology of California is highly complex, with numerous mountain ranges, substantial faulting and tectonic activity, rich natural resources and a history of both ancient and comparatively recent intense geological activity. The area formed as a series of small island arcs, deep-ocean sediments and mafic oceanic crust accreted to the western edge of North America, producing a series of deep basins and high mountain ranges. One of the most important events was the advent of the San Andreas Fault around 29 million years ago in the Oligocene, when the region subducted a spreading center in the East Pacific Rise. This produced major crustal stretching, volcanism and displacement of up to 125 miles (201 km).

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Aira Caldera
• ▸Fyodor Matisen
• ▸Chaos Crags

Uncatalogued shelf

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