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2018 Map of Kettleman Plain

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Kettleman Plain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

Kettleman Hills rise sharply between the San Joaquin Valley and the Kettleman Plain, revealing a landscape deeply tied to California's petroleum history. Features such as Drillers Ridge, North Dome, and Bullwheel Ridge reflect the industrial heritage of the region, where the terrain itself is named for the machinery and infrastructure of the oil fields. These ridges are carved by numerous ephemeral arroyos, including Arroyo Estrecho and Arroyo Delgado, which drain toward the flatter agricultural basins.

Reef Station sits at a transition point where the plain meets the rugged eastern edge of the Diablo Range. To the southwest, the topography becomes increasingly complex as it descends into Sulphur Spring Canyon and Little Tar Canyon, leading toward the open expanse of Sunflower Valley. The road network, including Old State Hwy and Skyline Rd, follows the natural contours of the hills, providing a clear view of how transit routes were dictated by the challenging geology of the Coast Ranges.