Geologic map of the Sierra Nevada, California and western Nevada
California Geological Survey
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Abstract
THE GEOLOGIC MAP OF THE SIERRA NEVADA is a core component of the Sierra Nevada Earth Science Atlas, which also includes geophysical, neotectonic, economic, and geochronologic data.
The map illustrates the distribution of geologic units across the Sierra Nevada and related adjacent areas. Geologic units are grouped by type and age into three categories: Principally Paleozoic and Mesozoic metasedimentary and metavolcanic wall rocks, most of which are grouped into terranes; Paleozoic and Mesozoic plutons and intrusive suites, which intrude the wall rocks and form the core batholith of the range; and Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks and surficial deposits that unconformably overlap the older units. Related rock units were combined and simplified for presentation at a scale of 1:400,000, as shown in the list of map units and associated correlation of map units (Plate 1B) and description of map units (Appendix A). Tectonic faulting, folding and uplift have overprinted the rocks and have strongly influenced the spatial distribution of units and the distinct morphology of the Sierra Nevada as we see it today.
The Atlas is the result of collaborative work by scientists and mapmakers from the California
Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey. The Atlas was originally envisioned by the late geologist Warren Nokleberg (1939-2021), who contributed much to the initial geologic map compilation
Suggested Citation
Graymer, R., and O'Neal, M.D., 2026, Geologic map of the Sierra Nevada, California and western Nevada, chap. of Sierra Nevada Earth science atlas, Report: iv, 115 p.; 2 Plates: 42.00 x 66.00 inches and 42.00 x 28.50 inches; Data Package.
Study Area
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | Geologic map of the Sierra Nevada, California and western Nevada |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | California Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center |
| Description | Report: iv, 115 p.; 2 Plates: 42.00 x 66.00 inches and 42.00 x 28.50 inches; Data Package |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Monograph |
| Larger Work Title | Sierra Nevada Earth science atlas |
| Country | United States |
| State | California, Nevada |
| Other Geospatial | Sierra Nevada |