Vernal Pool

USA / California / Murrieta /
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One of the largest remaining Vernal pools in Southern California.

Vernal pools are caused by the erosion of volcanic rocks (mainly basalt) which becomes very silty and clay-like. The Plateau is actually flat for this reason. Over time, this erosion produces flat areas of land with slight depressions. Add water from seasonal rain, and that's how you wind up with a vernal pool.

www.vernalpools.org/

Only 3% of original vernal pools remain in Southern California.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   33°30'20"N   117°16'58"W
This article was last modified 13 years ago