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Description

Geological Mapping of An Important Oil Region

This comprehensive map, entitled Geological and Structural Map of the Coalinga District, California, delineates the geological features and formations of the Coalinga region as surveyed in 1907 by geologists Ralph Arnold and Robert Anderson.  The map illustrates an intricate network of geological data, including the identification of various rock strata, fault zones, and potential oil-bearing formations.

The map's legend and symbology, detailed in accompanying images, provide a key to understanding the geological landscape of the area. Symbols mark the locations and orientations of anticlines and synclines—folds in the rock layers that are crucial for oil reservoirs. Fault zones are clearly indicated, vital for assessing earthquake risk and the integrity of underground oil reservoirs. The color-coding and visual coding of the map indicate different geological phenomena such as oil seepages, oil wells, and the types of sedimentary and igneous rocks present in the district.

In the early 20th century, Coalinga emerged as a significant site for the petroleum industry. The detailed geological mapping provided essential information for the exploration and development of oil fields. The identification of anticlines was particularly important, as these upward folds of rock layers often trap oil and gas. Knowledge of the types and depths of rock layers informed drilling operations, while the mapping of fault zones helped in mitigating the risks associated with oil extraction.

The presence of the oil industry in Coalinga necessitated such detailed geological surveys. The economic boom associated with oil discoveries made maps like this invaluable for prospectors, oil companies, and geologists alike. This map not only charts the physical terrain but also captures a moment in the region’s economic history, where geology directly influenced industrial growth and prosperity.