There is plenty of parking on the uphill side of the road. However, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL when pulling into the parking lot when heading downhill.
The Lions Club placed a plaque at the posted coordinates. Use this plaque to identify Nordoff Peak. Turn approximately 90 degrees to the right and identify the Topa Topa Bluffs. You will use these two prominent features to complete the Additional Logging Requirements.
This Earthcache is intended to be an educational experience; no test exists. I will ask you to make your observations and share them with me. These are your observations, so there are no wrong answers. If you make a mistake on a technical question, I will provide you with a better answer.
ADDITIONAL LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
Use the GCHQ Messedge Service to send me the following information:
1. Use the first line to identify the Earthcache, and let me know how many people are with you
2. Observe the cliffs below the Nordhoff Peak and Topa Topa Bluff. Using the information in the lesson, describe your observations.
3. Based on your observations, do you believe that the Nordoff Peak and the Topa Topa Bluff were formed at approximately the same time and subject to the same tectonic forces? Support your belief.
4. There are hills in front of Topa Topa Bluff. Describe what is similar or different about these hills compared to the Bluff.
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THE GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF THE TOPA TOPA MOUNTAINS
This area was once covered by ancient seas, which led to the deposition of marine sediments, sandstone, shale, and limestone. Over time, these sediments formed into layers of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks frequently form into distinct flat horizontal layers of varying thickness, color, and composition. However, tectonic activity, river cuttings, and other forces can cause these layers to tilt, fold, or separate. The "Topa Topa Bluff," with its impressive sandstone cliffs, is an excellent example of tilted sedimentary rocks. Although 6,367 feet high, the Pacific Ocean's wave action likely cut the shear cliff.
The photo to the right is limestone formed into layers in Colorado.
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EAST/WEST ORIENTATION
The Topa Topa Mountains run east-west and are part of the Transverse Ranges in Southern California. These ranges are oriented in this direction due to the complex tectonic forces at play where the Pacific Plate meets the North American Plate along the San Andreas Fault and several smaller faults. These fault's movement caused the crust to compress and lift, creating east-west mountain ranges instead of the typical northwest-southeast trend of most California ranges.
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