The Physical Geology laboratory class took an end-of-semester field trip to George Dukemajian Wilderness Park in Glendale, CA. The park is named for a former governor of California. Although the park is small (704 acres), it has a variety of geologic features within a reasonable hiking distance and view for students. The property was formerly owned by a prominent French winemaker and businessman.
The famous southern California marine layer kept us cool in the morning.
Physical Geology Laboratory students examine geology in stream bed.
The landslide is marked by the white arrow
Several microfaults are found in this outcrop.
Students examine outcrop to determine the number of microfaults
The slickenlines are the shiny linear marks on the rock surface that indicate direction of movement along faults.
The area in and around Deukmejian Wilderness Park was formed by stream sediments (boulders, cobbles, gravel, silt, and sand) and mudflows brought from the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
Dunsmore Debris Basin is one of several basins constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
Dozens of debris basins were constructed along the San Gabriel Mountains to trap the sediment from debris flows that have historically damaged homes and property.
The Dunsmore Debris Basin was built in 1934-35
The George Deukmejian Wilderness property was formerly owned by George Le Mesnager, a French emigrant and prominent winemaker. Although the property is now owned by the City of Glendale, the vineyards are still operational and the grapes are sold to winemakers in California.
Jackie Hams in front of vineyards at Deukmejian Wilderness Park.
Class photo in front of the Mesnager stone barn built in 1915 to store grapes. The barn is a relatively rare example of a two-story vernacular rock and cobble structure.
This is the last field trip of the semester. There is one remaining boat cruise this summer and then the big trip to Antarctica. The terrain and weather will be different in Antarctica, but stay tuned to see if the geology is that different.
California Poppies