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GEOL 110: Field Geology of the Western US
Five Thoughts to Ponder
Based upon our observations and the pre-reading (Basin and Range Reader), the following are five
questions that you will answer.
1. About what age are the intrusive (granitic) rocks of the Sierra Nevada?
2. About how far has the Basin and Range stretched (extended) over time?
3. Three parts:
a. Are the Alabama Hills made of the same kind of rick as the High Sierra?
b. Why aren’t they as high as the crest of the Sierra?
c. Why are they more rounded and fractured?
4. The east side of the Sierra Nevada consists of dry, desert valleys while to the west are verdant,
green agricultural lands. Why is this?
5. In addition to Basin and Range extension, what is a major tectonic process that helps create
landforms in the region along the Sierra Nevada?
6. What processes led to the formation of lake shorelines following the last glacial period?
7. How are fault scarps formed?