Anacapa Island Channel Islands National Park Facts: • Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found in Channel Islands National Park (145 of which are found nowhere else in the world) • Seventeen animals and fourteen plants that occur in the park are on the federal list of threatened and endangered species • The park, totaling approximately 250,000 acres, is ½ land and ½ marine water • Created in 1980 because of its outstanding natural and cultural resources • Designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 • Recognized for its genetic diversity and importance for research • The largest and most diverse island is Santa Cruz Island, with an area of 96 square miles (approximately one-fifth the size of the City of Los Angeles) • The park receives 30,000 visitors and an additional 60,000 people visit its waters every year Please contact the Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.

Physical Science

Channel Islands National Park hosts a diverse and complex structure geologically and topographically. From the volcanic origins of Anacapa Island to the mountainous region of Santa Cruz Island, there is a vast wealth of geologic and geomorphic diversity.

During the last ice age, the four northern islands of Channel Islands National Park were linked together as part of one landmass called “Santarosea”. As sea levels rose, the distinct island chain appeared, creating landmasses that became home to a number of unique species of plants and animals. The Channel Islands were never connected to the mainland.

Similar in structure to their onshore relative, the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park expose different rock assemblages. The two major faults dominating the islands are the Santa Cruz fault and the Santa Rosa Island fault; and are most likely part of the transverse strike-slip system. Perennial streams occur on three of the park islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.

The Mediterranean climate found on the islands is typical of the Mediterranean Coast Network. It consists of warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Natural disturbances to ecosystems in southern California include summer drought, tectonic instability, flood and erosion cycles, and fire.

Current Research
Numerous local universities and research institutions have used Channel Islands National Park as an outdoor laboratory for research ranging from major seismic studies to smaller studies focused on the physical geography within the park. As part of the National Park Service Soils Inventory and Monitoring Program, the National Resources Conservation Service is in the process of mapping the island soils. Given that the islands are separated from major urban impacts, the park offers a unique and valuable setting for conducting research. Water quality and quantity data exist for some of the park's streams. Basic air quality measurements have been collected.

Research Opportunities
As the park's scientific expertise is concentrated in the biological sciences, the National Park Service and CMRLC strongly encourage a broad range of physical science research to increase our knowledge of the physical environment. Studies of interest include:

Researchers in Channel Islands National Park have access to an extensive geographic information system (GIS) database that includes land use, demographic, jurisdictional, political, and natural and cultural resource data.

The National Park Service looks forward to working with researchers to explore novel opportunities and facilitate future studies in the Channel Islands National Park through the CMRLC. Please contact Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.