Jalama Formation

Jalama Formation
Stratigraphic range: Late Cretaceous
Dark shale beds of the Jalama Formation on the Santa Ynez Mountain crest north of Montecito, California. These beds are overturned; "up" is down and to the left.
TypeSedimentary
UnderliesJuncal Formation, Sierra Blanca Limestone
OverliesEspada Formation, Franciscan Formation
Thickness2000-4000 feet
Lithology
PrimaryShale, sandstone
Location
RegionCoastal and interior Santa Barbara County, California
CountryUnited States
Type section
Named forJalama Creek
Named byDibblee (1950)

The Jalama Formation is a sedimentary rock formation widespread in southern Santa Barbara County and northern Ventura County, southern California. Of the Late Cretaceous epoch, the unit consists predominantly of clay shale with some beds of sandstone.

A particularly erosion-resistant sandstone within the unit forms the scenic Nojoqui Falls, in the Santa Ynez Mountains south of Solvang.