thumbnail

Surficial Geologic Map of the Owlshead Mountains 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, California

Scientific Investigations Map 3496
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3496

Links

Abstract

The surficial geologic map of the Owlshead Mountains 30' x 60' quadrangle depicts the distribution and characteristics of surficial-deposit materials and neotectonic deformation for an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers (km2) located in the western Basin and Range Province of eastern California. The map represents a new compilation of the surficial geology that encompasses deposits within the late Pliocene to Quaternary. The map is based primarily on new mapping conducted between 2001 and 2009. Map compilation was supported by field observations distributed across the map area, combined with reference to several published and unpublished mapping sources that mostly emphasized neotectonic deformation. The surficial-deposit units included in the map follow a classification scheme that systematically denotes depositional process, relative age, and any secondary sedimentologic or morphologic characteristics. Identification, correlation, and age estimation of map units are based primarily on the relative degree of development of certain time-dependent characteristics such as surface morphology, including local dissection and surface preservation, surface clast modification, and degree of soil development; these characteristics are implicitly incorporated into unit designations. The map represents a detailed and regionally uniform synthesis of the late Neogene geology for this large area that provides a framework applicable to many interpretative studies, such as regional patterns of deposition and dissection; surface drainage development and evolution; and the distribution, style, and timing of neotectonic deformation.

Suggested Citation

Menges, C.M., and Cossette, P.M., 2023, Surficial geologic map of the Owlshead Mountains 30' x 60' quadrangle, Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3496, pamphlet 46 p., 2 sheets, 1:62,500, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3496.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Physiographic and Geologic Setting
  • Previous Quaternary Studies
  • Mapping Methods
  • Explanation of Map Units
  • Neotectonic Deformation
  • Description of Map Units
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Surficial geologic map of the Owlshead Mountains 30' x 60' quadrangle, Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, California
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3496
DOI 10.3133/sim3496
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description Report: iv, 46 p.; 2 Sheet: 59.92 × 42.54 inches and 50.57 × 30.83 inches; Database; Data Release
Country United States
State California
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details