Saturday, December 4: Gullies, the “Taco-cline,” and other Geologic features of Gaviota Beach West
Field Trip with Susie Bartz
Saturday, December 4, 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Participation is limited to 15. Advance registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on November 4 for Members and on November 24 for Nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/ 693-5683.
Members $10 / Nonmembers $25 / Children $5
Masks are optional for those who have been vaccinated.
Examining the cliffs near the Gaviota gullies. Photo by John Evarts.
A very low tide on the afternoon of December 4 will allow access to the strange, black outcrops just west of the historic wharf at Gaviota State Beach. These features, known as the Gaviota gullies, offer both caves and tarry outcrops loaded with rocks from highland and submarine origins. In addition, we’ll examine cliff faces near the Gullies that show arches, wavy “Moguls,” and a fold we have dubbed the “Taco-cline.”
We’ll meet at the Gaviota State Beach parking lot (day use fee is required) below the train trestle at 1:30 p.m. This will allow us ample time to enjoy the estuary (birding!) and the chance to explore some other interesting geologic features en route to the Gullies. If there is extra time, we can do some tide-pooling. Dress in layers and expect that that your shoes may get wet as we round some small headlands. This trip will cover about two miles of walking, mostly on firm sand. Beach conditions may change, and registrants will be updated before the trip.
Monterey Formation folds at Gaviota Beach West. Photo by John Evarts.
Susie Bartz has worked for over 20 years with schools and community organizations to bring awareness of earth science to the general public. She helped publish the maps of her late friend and mentor, the legendary geologist Tom Dibblee. She is a popular field trip leader for many nonprofits, including the Society, and has recently been leading trips for the public at the San Marcos Foothills, hosted by Channel Islands Restoration.
