Project 2 - California

SB: Santa Barbara - Cachuma Lake area - The Santa Ynez Mountains represent the western portion of the Transverse Range which runs in an east - west direction. The crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains tilts sharply to the south and you may notice this in the lines of the rock strata.

The Juncal Formation is the oldest rock formation and is made of sandstone and shale formed about 50 million years ago and averages 4500 feet in thickness. This formation is best seen in the Red Rock region and the upper Santa Ynez Valley.

Cozy Dell Shale is derived from a fine sea mud deposited about 37 million years ago. This shale is exposed along the saddle between La Cumbre and Cathedral Peaks and also on the connector trail between Rattlesnake and Tunnel Trails.

Matilija Sandstone was formed next in geological time by weathered granite particles accumulated as a layer of sand on the ocean bottom. Its hardness has made it less prone to erosion than other formations. It is best visible in the upper part of the San Ysidro Trail and near La Cumbre Peak.

Coldwater Sandstone is buff-colored and contains mollusk fossils in its upper layers. The upper Jesusita Trail and the Cold Springs Trail contain this sandstone.

Sespe Formation is a mixture of shales, sandstone, and conglomerates, and contains iron oxides which give it its red color. Outcrops are visible on the Jesusita Trail and in the Montecito Foothills.


Catalina Island is a small island 22 miles into the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Los Angeles. On this small island, you can scuba dive, snorkel and enjoy a tropical climate similar to what you would find in more exotic destinations like Hawaii. There is diversity in the plant life on Catalina Island, since there are 396 species that are native to Catalina Island.



Game fishing for deep-sea marine life like tuna, barracuda, marlin, mackerel and broadbill swordfish is a popular activity. With all this fresh fish around, you will be impressed with the excellent seafood that is plentiful and not outrageously priced. You can explore the different restaurants on foot, and take a walking tour all over the island, since it is so small.

Blue Shark - http://www.elasmodiver.com/Blue%20shark.htm

San Diego Natural History Museum - http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/herps/crot-cat.html

Santa Barbara Geology
Around Santa Barbara
SB: the MEIAF micro cryo facility
Distantion 360
California National Parks