| Western Transverse Ranges | |
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Recent snow on the north face of the range brings out the grain of the rocks. Large blocks of the Transverse Ranges are being tilted, south side down. This side thus has been raised, and between it and the terrace in the foreground is a normal fault (see The Three Types of Faults).
Another way the rocks of this region respond to the tectonic forces is by deforming: wrinkling into ridges and troughs. Those are shown on the geologic map, each marked with little arrows showing whether the sides slope together (a syncline or trough) or apart (an anticline or ridge). Finally, as in other places in southern California, these mountains accommodate regional motions with thrust faults.
From here the road climbs rapidly up Pine Mountain, then wanders through the uplands of the Santa Ynez Mountains on its way to the sea.
All photos (c) 2003 Andrew Alden, licensed to About.com, Inc.
North face of Sierra Madre. View southwest.
