Full title: FT26CD07. The Geology and Biology of Isla del Carmen, México
Leader(s): Scott Bennett, Adrian Munguia-Vega, Sula Vanderplank, Yessica Mariana Salgado Gallegos, Arturo Peña Jiménez
Endorser(s): GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; Unión Geofísica Mexicana (UGM); GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; Geobiological Society (GBS); Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, A.C. (SGM)
CEUs: CEUs 0.8
Date(s): Sat., 25 Apr.
Location: La Misión Hotel, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 5 p.m.
Description: This 1-day field trip will visit sites that highlight the geology and biology of marine and terrestrial settings on and around Isla del Carmen, located ~15 km offshore the town of Loreto in the central Gulf of California.
The geology of the island is dominated by volcanic rocks of the Comondú Group, which records a rich history of volcanism related to subduction of the Farallon plate beneath North America and prior to formation of the Gulf of California. Younger sediments and faults on the island are related to oblique rifting and plate tectonic growth of the Gulf of California. Low-relief marine terraces on the southern part of the island record recent vertical uplift of the island.
The island offers diverse terrestrial and marine habitats that reflect the interplay between tectonic processes and erosion that drives ecological adaptation at the species level in a combined semi-arid insular and marine ecosystem.The island hosts the endemic Carmen Island Barrel Cactus and Carmen Island chuckwalla. Island habitats include washes, dunes, wetlands, and a rich desert scrub vegetation dominated by shrubs and cacti adapted to minimal rainfall. Its coastal margins transition into vibrant marine environments >300 m deep, including sandy coves teeming with biodiversity. The surrounding waters contain diverse pelagic and benthic marine organisms, including ~400 taxonomic families described from >50 phyla.
Field trip stops will occur from small boats and will involve landing on undeveloped beaches for short hikes, deploying oceanographic equipment to record submarine geology, and possibly a snorkeling adventure.
Considerations: The trip will depart from and return to the Loreto marina, spending much of a full day (~8 hrs) in a small boat (e.g. panga, catamaran). During the day, participants will need to climb in and out of the boat several times and might experience bumpy, wavy, windy ocean conditions. Bathroom breaks will be limited to a few beach landings with only primitive (outdoor) bathroom options. During beach landings and snorkeling activities participants might interact with plants and animals with sharp spines (e.g. cactus, cholla, sea urchin). Participants should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions in April, including clouds, sun, light rain, wind, cold to hot temperatures, etc.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
Learn more about this and other Cordilleran Section Meeting Activities.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.
Product Code: FT26CD07
Product Category: FTRIP