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The Jurassic in California, US

Jurassic in California map

undifferentiated rock units help

Geologic map of CA from California Geological Survey (625 KB PDF)

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Jurassic Fossils
Fossil photos from Jurassic in California

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Paleontology and geology

Beginning in the Jurassic, subduction of the Farallon Plate under the western edge of the North American Plate generated widespread volcanism, began creating the ancestral Sierra Nevada, and added exotic terranes composed of oceanic sediments and crust to the continent. Ammonites, marine reptiles, bivalves, and echinoderms were common in coastal waters and their fossils are now found in the Jurassic shales, sandstones, and limestones of Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Terrestrial sediments contain a record of gymnosperms (seed-bearing plants) such as ginkgoes, cycads, and conifers from a warm, moderately wet climate. This map indicates additional exposures in the northern part of the state.

Links to more on the Jurassic in California

Organizations | Resources

Organizations

Government Agencies (showing 1 of 1 listings)

Dr. John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center: The Dr. John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural history of Orange County, California. The Cooper Center, a partnership between O.C. Parks and California State University Fullerton, is committed to the preservation, curation, and management of the fossils and artifacts collected within the County.

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Resources

Courses and Lectures (showing 1 of 1 listings)

Paleogeography of the Southwestern U.S.: The paleogeography of the southwestern U.S. from 1.8 billion years ago to 10 million years ago. Text and images by Dr. Ron Blakey from Northern Arizona University.

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