Highlights of San Francisco Bay Area Geology

by
Doris Sloan, U.C. Berkeley
and
John Karachewski, Weiss Assoc., Livermore

Meeting Flyer

ABSTRACT

Doris and John will discuss their collaboration on Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region, published by UC Press as one of the Natural History Guides. The book is written for the general public, to introduce residents and visitors to the Bay Area's complex geologic mosaic and young landscape. After three introductory chapters, which deal with geologic processes, plate tectonics and rocks, the book discusses Bay Area geology by region, beginning in Marin and continuing counter-clockwise around the Bay.

Doris and John have explored all nine Bay Area counties over the past five years, seeking locations that best illustrate the local geology and that are accessible to the general public in a wide variety of beautiful federal, state, and local parks. They will highlight the most interesting geological features of the region and share their favorite geological discoveries. Doris will discuss some of the guiding principles behind the book and John will share his experiences in creating the photos.

About the Speakers

Doris Sloan is an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science at UC Berkeley. She has a MS in geology and a PhD in paleontology, both from UC Berkeley. She taught for two decades in the Environmental Sciences program at UCB, taught classes on the geology of California and the Bay Area for UC Extension, and led field seminars at Pt. Reyes, in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. Her research has focused primarily on the sediments beneath San Francisco Bay and what they can tell us about the Bay’s geologic history. After retirement she indulged her love of travel as geologist and host with Cal Alumni Bear Treks and other programs, visiting many corners of the world. In the past five years she has concentrated on the book on Bay Area geology.

John Karachewski has conducted geology and environmental projects throughout the western United States from Colorado to Alaska and Midway Island. He received his Master’s degree from Western Washington University and his doctorate from the Colorado School of Mines. He started his career with Amoco in Denver. He works for Weiss Associates and supports projects for the Environmental Restoration Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In addition, he enjoys teaching at Diablo Valley College and adult education classes for UC Berkeley Extension. He is an avid hiker and enjoys photographing landscapes during the magic light of sunrise and sunset. Examples of his images can be viewed at: www.geoscapesphotography.com