Museum: Natural History: Geology Collection

Point Reyes' location on the subduction zone of the Pacific Plate and the fact that it is transected by the San Andreas Fault give the area an interesting geological history. The geology found within the park's boundaries represent different areas of the California coastline. At present, the park does not maintain a significant geological collection in its museum facility. To provide greater access for researchers, the Point Reyes National Seashore Museum's geology collections are housed mainly at off-site non-federal repositories.

All researchers wishing to collect, document collections and conduct other associated collecting activities must possess an approved collecting permit. If you would like to apply for a scientific collecting permit at Point Reyes National Seashore, please visit the Integrated Resources Management Applications (IRMA) Portal website to start the process.

For more information about the museum's geology collections, please contact the Museum Curator. As of 2021, the museum curator position is vacant.

Want to know more?

• Learn more about the San Andreas Fault Zone and Point Reyes.
• Read the USGS publication, "Geology at Point Reyes National Seashore and Vicinity, California: A Guide to the San Andreas Fault Zone and the Point Reyes Peninsula," for in-depth information.