Earth Sciences

Example of lichen encrusted igneous rock
Example of lichen encrusted igneous rock
A view of the "Subduction Zone" where Franciscan Melange dominates (high in serp
A view of the "Subduction Zone" where Franciscan Melange dominates (high in serpentine soil)
The DRI weather stations, installed 2011
The DRI weather stations, installed 2011
Lisque Mesa weather station, UCSB Geography Department
Lisque Mesa weather station, UCSB Geography Department

Geology

Sedgwick showcases a unique geologic history. The Little Pine Fault separates the relatively young eroded sediments and rolling hills of the Paso Robles formation from the sharply uplifted ancient rocks of the Franciscan Formation. This collection of rocks on the northeastern corner of the Reserve is a mélange of 150 million-year-old sea-floor rocks and organisms metamorphosed through the crushing pressure of the earth’s plates. Distinctive green serpentine outcroppings, deep rust-colored chert, and blueshist are beautiful examples of these rocks. The vegetation in this area is also unique, as the mineral composition of serpentine soils presents an inhospitable environment for many plants.

Geologic History of the Transverse Ranges Region, block diagrams and more
Soils Map
Geology Map
Dibblee Map

Weather

Station links:
1. In 2011 the Natural Reserve System, in partnership with the Desert Research Institute, installed a weather station on the hill just north of the new administrative building. Real time and archived weather data is available below:

 
 * Move mouse cursor over element label or current values to change y-scale labeling.
DRI Data table for graphs
DRI Historical Weather Data
DRI Weather Station Data
Change vertical scale to generic units Change vertical scale to PCPN units Change vertical scale to AT/RH units Change vertical scale to SR/BP units Change vertical scale to AT/RH units Change vertical scale to PCPN units Change vertical scale to SR/BP units
2. UCSB Geography Department installed two weather stations in 2007.  Real time and archived weather data is available http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/ideas/
Sedgwick Wx Stations

3. Lisque Mesa ("Airstrip" weather station). The Reserve system maintained weather monitoring equipment at the site from 1995 - 2001.
Archived weather data (hourly and daily) is available here.