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14: Transverse Ranges

Last updated

Jan 11, 2025
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- 13.11: Detailed Figure Descriptions
- 14.1: Physiographic Overview of the Transverse Ranges Province

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Introduction to the Transverse Ranges

The Transverse Ranges Province is a geologically diverse region with a complex geologic history. Much of the early geologic evolution of this region can be correlated to that of other geomorphic provinces in California. However, this province is also somewhat of an anomaly when compared to others across the state of California: as the name suggests, the mountains, valleys, and faults within the Transverse Ranges Province are oriented east-west, transverse to the dominant north-south trends seen elsewhere in California and western North America overall. How did this region come to be oriented in such a different way compared to surrounding regions? How have the dramatic changes to the California plate boundary over the late Cenozoic impacted this region?

This chapter will present a general overview of the region that will allow for comparison to other provinces and will direct you to the relevant chapters for more information. Our focus here will be on the Late Cenozoic geology of the region impacted by the emerging San Andreas fault system. We’ll see that this period produced dramatic structural rotation and translation of large crustal blocks along with the development of deep structural basins that are a major source of oil and gas. Modern transpression across this region that is accommodated by reverse and strike-slip faults continues to shape the landscape, producing unusually steep relief that is subject to landslides, as well as active seismic risk that impacts millions of Californians.

Note that the evolution of this region is closely related to the northern Peninsular Ranges Province (including the offshore Borderlands Region). This is particularly notable in the case of the Los Angeles Basin, which is located to the south of the Transverse Ranges Province. Because of the similarities, we’ll be discussing the Los Angeles basin and the offshore northern borderlands region in this chapter even though they aren’t strictly part of this province.

Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : Location of the Transverse Ranges Province of California. This east-west trending province is situated south of the Coast Ranges Province, southwest of the Mojave Province, and to the north of the Peninsular Ranges Province. The province includes the offshore Channel Islands of San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Anacapa. Access a detailed description of this image. "The Transverse Ranges Province of California" by Emily Wright, is licensed under CC BY-NC / a derivative from the original work.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

Locate the Transverse Ranges Province and its major elements (mountain ranges, faults and key geologic features) on a geologic map of the state.
Explain how the modern physiographic features found within the Transverse Ranges are produced by Late Cenozoic tectonism.
Describe the primary bedrock geologic characteristics of the Transverse Ranges province.
Recall the general geologic evolution of the Transverse Ranges Province in the context of the evolution of California.
Explain the origin and current location of petroleum reserves within the Transverse Ranges Province.
Assess the geologic hazards and risks associated with the Transverse Ranges Province.

14.1: Physiographic Overview of the Transverse Ranges Province
This page describes the Transverse Ranges Province in California, characterized by its east-west mountains near the San Andreas Fault. It highlights notable ranges like San Bernardino and San Gabriel, which are popular for recreation, and mentions sedimentary basins like the Los Angeles Basin, known for their geological significance and oil deposits, evidenced by extensive drilling infrastructure.
14.2: Bedrock Geology of the Transverse Ranges Province
This page reviews the geology of the Transverse Ranges, focusing on significant features such as the San Andreas and San Gabriel Faults. It highlights Proterozoic and Mesozoic rock formations, including unique anorthosite complexes and Pelona Schist, indicative of regional geological processes.
14.3: Cenozoic Sedimentation and Basin Development
This section extends the discussion of the geology of the region to younger basin units, as well as those that are uplifted in younger mountains in the western portion of this province. The focus is on sedimentary units and the comparison of depositional settings they provide across the region.
14.4: Tectonic and Structural Evolution of the Transverse Ranges
This section provides a simplified explanation of the tectonic evolution of this province. The focus is on the period of geologic time the corresponds to the development of the modern San Andreas Fault System.
14.5: Geologic Hazards of the Transverse Ranges Province
This section reviews select geologic hazards in the Transverse Ranges Provinces. Special attention is paid to events that have shaped state law or impacted areas of high population density.
14.6: Mineral and Petroleum Resources of the Transverse Ranges Province
This page discusses the Transverse Ranges Province, notable for its rich oil and gas reserves primarily from the Monterey Formation. It highlights significant oil fields like the Wilmington Field and natural asphalt seeps such as the La Brea Tar Pits, which have preserved fossils. Additionally, the region is home to various mined minerals, including gold and gypsum, reflecting its geological diversity.
14.7: Chapter Summary
A summary of the Transverse Ranges chapter.
14.8: Detailed Figure Descriptions
Descriptions of complex images within this chapter, for users who have difficulty seeing and interpreting images.

Thumbnail: "Transverse Ranges Province" is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 by Allison Jones.

Introduction to the Transverse Ranges

Learning Objectives

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