A Virtual Geologic Tour of Ojai Valley and Environs (OVE)

I will be giving "A Virtual Geologic Tour of Ojai Valley and Environs (OVE)," California, Wednesday October 8, 2025, at 3:30 pm at the Gables of Ojai, California. Address is 701 N. Montgomery Street, Ojai, 93023. Parking is available along the street. I've limited the number of attendees from Geo-hikes to ten persons.

Our virtual tour will showcase key geologic features of the scenic and enchanting Ojai Valley and environs (OVE) through photos, maps, cross-sections, and lecture. The proximity of OVE to the Pacific-North American plate boundary (PNA), presently the San Andreas Fault, and the boundary’s evolution have played a crucial role in shaping OVE’s geologic features and history. At local panoramas, it is easy to appreciate that the area is geologically active with the steep and rugged Topatopa Mountains to the north, and Sulfur Mountain to the south of the intermontane Ojai valley. Alluvial deposits (unconsolidated sand and gravel) from San Antonio, Thacher, and Lion Creeks, as well as the Ventura River, cover the valley floor. Alluvial fans with coarser, more angular debris curtain the northern and eastern edges of the valley. Residing in the valley means experiencing mountain building earthquakes, and in wet years, debris-flows and landslides descending the steeper slopes.