Geology of Area Near Sunland, California

Citation

Schombel, Leonard Frederick (1937) Geology of Area Near Sunland, California. Senior thesis (Major), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/JS82-JM16. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09272002-134525

Abstract

I. Introduction.
An area of approximately four square miles lying 20 miles northwest of Pasadena California was mapped to satisfy the senior thesis requirement in geology at the California Institute of Technology. The area mapped lies around the mouth of Big Tujunga Canyon which in turn is 2 miles east of Sunland, Calif.

II. Physical Conditions.
A series of sediments and volcanics was mapped which lie at the base of the western slope of the San Gabriel Mts. between elevations of 1400' and 2300'. The relief on the whole is rugged and of the early mature stage. The area is divided into two zones by Big Tujunga Canyon. Drainage in the northern zone is at right angles to the trend of the mountains, the streams running north and south and emptying into Big Tujunga River, Exposures in the western part of this zone are excellent, the streams having eroded steep walled canyons across the strike of the sediments. The exposures grow progressively fewer to the east, more of the country being covered by alluvium and brush. The zone lying south of Big Tujunga Canyon runs north and south. Approximately the northern 1/3 of this zone drains northward into Big Tujunga Canyon. The remainder drains westward into Tujunga Valley. Exposures in this zone are few, most of the surface being covered by recent alluvium and heavy brush.

III. Field Methods.
Mapping was done on the La Crescenta and Sunland quadrangles of the Los Angeles County topographic sheets, scale 1:24,000. The Brunton Compass was the only instrument used. Locations were determined by re-section and are accurate to 100'. Dips and strikes are accurate to 5 degrees.

Thesis Files