Solvang Library invites local adventurers to explore the world of geologic map reading at a free workshop, Adventures in Geology: Map Reading and the Story of the Dibblee Maps, on Thursday, July 25.

The program, featuring Santa Barbara-based geology experts Susie Bartz and Sabina Thomas, will be 7-8:30 p.m. at the Solvang Library branch of the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries,1745 Mission Drive, inside the Solvang courtroom.

Thomas Dibblee, famed creator of geologic maps, looks out over a craggy landscape as he sits on the ground with a map in his hands. (Courtesy photo)
Santa Barbaran Thomas Dibblee is recognized as one of the most prolific field geologists in American history. (Courtesy photo)

During the lecture portion, attendees will hear about the unique geology of the Santa Barbara area, and how it was mapped by famed American geologist Thomas Dibblee.

During the workshop, Bartz and Thomas will teach practical hands-on exercises on how to read an actual geologic map.

“The library is thrilled to have Susie Bartz and Sabina Thomas to unfold the story of our local geology and in particular, how it came to be mapped by Thomas Dibblee,” said Carey McKinnon, Solvang Library Branch supervisor.

“Solvang Library has added 15 of the Dibblee maps to our circulating collection in order to share them with the public,” McKinnon said.

Dibblee was one of the most prolific field geologists in American history. Born in Santa Barbara in 1911, he attended Stanford University and worked as a field exploration geologist for oil companies before working for the U.S. Geological Survey for 25 years.

His work spanned six decades of field mapping and left a legacy of 40,000 square miles of geologic maps, covering about a quarter of the state of California, including Los Padres National Forest.

His maps have been published by the Dibblee Geological Foundation, which is associated with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Toward the end of his lifetime, Dibblee befriended Bartz, who first began studying geology at Santa Barbara City College in the 1980s. She has been leading geology trips ever since then. In 2005, Bartz helped publish Dibblee’s maps, and dedicates her work to his memory.

Thomas grew up in Germany where she earned a Ph.D. in geology. After moving to the U.S., she taught at colleges and universities in Texas and Ohio before arriving in Santa Barbara in 2010. She has also worked at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Attendance is limited to 30 participants ages 14 and older. To reserve a seat at the event, call or email Solvang Library, 805-688-4214 or solvanglibrary@cityofgoleta.org.

To stay up to date on all library programs and services, visit www.goletavalleylibrary.org.