Here's a breakdown:
* Sandstone: Formed from sand grains cemented together, often found in layers.
* Shale: Fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay and silt.
* Mudstone: Similar to shale, but with larger grain sizes.
These rocks were formed over millions of years through the accumulation of sediments from the erosion of older rocks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
While sedimentary rocks dominate, the Coast Ranges also have some igneous rocks, particularly along the western edge. These are remnants of volcanic activity, and include:
* Basalt: A dark-colored, fine-grained volcanic rock.
* Andesite: A slightly lighter-colored volcanic rock with a more complex mineral composition.
The specific types of rocks found in the Coast Ranges vary depending on the location and the geological history of the region. But, sedimentary rocks, especially sandstone, shale, and mudstone, are the dominant types found across the range.
