The west coast of California is underlain by rocks that represent_______ .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The west coast of California is underlain by rocks that represent an ancient Forearc Basin and accretionary wedge. This is due to the subduction of the oceanic plate beneath the North American Plate, which resulted in the formation of a trench along the coast and the accumulation of sediments in the forearc basin. Additionally, the angle of subduction was relatively shallow, which led to the formation of an accretionary wedge comprised of sediment and oceanic crust that was scraped off the subducting plate. This process has left behind a geological history that is marked by a mix of sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks, all of which are associated with the subduction of the oceanic plate.

The West Coast of California Is Underlain by Rocks That