The geological structure of the Sacramento region was formed during the Late Cenozoic era through events such as periods under sea level, mountain building, volcanic activity, and erosion. These events led to various sediments in the region's groundwater formations. As a result of the mixing of sediments, Sacramento has a complex geological foundation.

1. A Geological Study:
Sacramento
“City of Trees”
Geology 103-01
Aryana Clark
Spring 2019

2. Sacramento
The Sacramento region’s geological structure was built from events that occurred during the Late Cenozoic era.
These type of events included a period of time from when the Sacramento region was below sea level, periods
mountain building, volcanic activity, and periods of massive erosion and deposition. Data from the Department
of Water Resources showed that these events led to various sediments of the groundwater-bearing formations in
the Sacramento region. As a result of the intermixing of sediments, the Sacramento region has a great
geological foundation and complex hydrogeologic foundation (DWR 2014).

3. The Evolution of Cattle
• All domestic cattle are descendants of the wild aurochsen.
• Wild auroch’s were found all throughout Europe, Asia,
and North Africa before they became extinct in 1627.
• Aurochsen appeared to be more muscular, bigger, and
had larger horns than the cattle today.
• Approximately 10,000 years ago, wild aurochsen started
to become domesticated through the process of artificial
selection.
• It was easier and more valuable for cows to be
domesticated for personal use, rather than relying solely
on hunting wild animals.
(Understanding Evolution 2013).
Picture was taken in the city of Rancho
Cordova (Sacramento County).
How and Why

4. The Evolution of the Sacramento River
How and Why
• The Sacramento River starts in the Klamath
Mountains and dates back to the Late Quaternary.
• The river flows approximately 332 miles
south/southwest.
• The river harbors fish, and the Sacramento River
National Wildlife Refuge, in several units, and
protects several ecosystems.
• Modern day development has reduced the
geological life.
(Encyclopedia Britannica 2015).Picture was taken at the Sacramento
River.

5. The Evolution of the Rose
How and Why
• According to the fossil record, the rose is about 35
million years old.
• 150 different species of the rose has spread
throughout the northern hemisphere, including
Alaska and parts of Africa.
• Garden cultivation began about 5,00 years ago.
• Its uses were medicinal, props for celebrations, and
as perfumes.
(University of Illinois, 2013)
This picture was taken at
my house.

6. Serpentinite
• Classification: Metamorphic
• Description: grey, brown, and green. smooth, looks
rugged.
• Serpentinite
Picture taken at a park in the
Sacramento area.

7. Travertine
• Classification: Sedimentary
• Description: White, shiny/glossy, bumpy
• Travertine
Picture taken at a park in
the Sacramento area.

8. Anorthosite
• Classification: Igneous
• Description: Gray, brown, bumpy, rough
• Anorthosite
Picture taken at a park in
the Sacramento area.

9. Principle of Fossil Succession
When analyzing fossils found in rocks, and trying to date them, we are able to tell if they are the
same age. If a fossil is found in two similar rocks, the fossil is considered to be the same age. This
can be applied further and further back, until we reach a point in time when there are no plants or
animals (USGS, August 1997).
Disconformity represents a break in the rock that is parallel to each other. The difference between the
two sides are its ages. The disconformity side is where erosion took place.

11. References
California Department of Water Resources. (September 22, 2014). Geology of the
Northern Sacramento Valley, California.
Encyclopedia Britannica. (August 25, 2015). Sacramento River. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/place/Sacramento-River
Understanding Evolution. (April 2013). No More Mystery Meat. Retrieved from
https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/130401_beef
University of Illinois Extension (2013). The History of Roses. Retrieved from
https://extension.illinois.edu/roses/history.cfm
USGS (1997). Fossil Succession. Retrieved from
https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/succession.html