Wiley Canyon Oil Seeps EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Geocaching HQ Admin: It has now been over 30 days since Geocaching HQ submitted the disabled log below and, unfortunately, the cache owner has not posted an Owner maintenance log and re-enabled this geocache. As a result, we are now archiving this cache page.

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Hidden : 12/18/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


View of the Pico Anticline from East Canyon


Wiley Canyon cuts across the Pico Anticline (a fold in layered rock, convex upward, with older rocks toward the core). The rocks that make up the anticline were deposited in a marine environment during the Miocene between 8 and 10 million years ago. These rocks were deposited at a similar time and in a similar environment as the Monterey Formation, another Miocene marine rock.

Oil is also found in these rocks. Numerous oil seeps can be found along the crest of the Pico anticline. In fact, up the canyon from the seep where you are standing is the site of California's first commercial oil well.

The oil seeps here were created by the same geologic mechanisms that created the oil fields and seeps found off the California coast such as Santa Barbara. Native Tataviam Indians once drew tar from the canyon to waterproof their baskets.

The oil is under great pressure underground, so when it rises to the surface, it may react like a carbonated drink and release bubbles of carbon dioxide and methane.

Logging Requirements
1 - Post a photo of yourself at the site.
2 - Send me the answers to the following questions: Is it bubbling? Go back down the trail a few feet to N34º20.868 W118º33.817 Check out the small natural arch up on your left on the way, then study the almost vertical striping in the cliff face. What could the black stripes be?

Many thanks to TerryDad for helping me establish this Earthcache!
Sources:
- http://www.venturacountytrails.org/News/0061-EdDavisPark/NewsPage.htm
- Thomas L. Davis & Jay S. Namson, Role of Faults in California Oilfields, PTTC Field Trip, August 19, 2004
Photos:
- http://www.scvresources.com/geology/newhall.htm

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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