California Geology

Where are the Hazards?

Science Std: Geo # 9b

California has a variety of hazards

Active Fault Zones

Active and Dormant Volcanoes

Uplifted Areas with Weak Rocks

California has a variety of hazards

We even have hazards that start outside California

Costal erosion Tsunamis

California has a variety of hazards

Where are these hazards?

And what causes them?

Earthquakes

If we take a closer look at our area….

We see faults all around us

Earthquakes PlanningStructure Survival

Engineers would like to make every building earthquake-proof, but can't because it's too expensive.

Earthquakes PlanningStructure Survival

Most buildings should be earthquake resistant to avoid deaths.

Earthquakes PlanningStructure Survival

And not only buildings – but roads and bridges should be made earthquake resistant – not earthquake proof

Earthquakes PlanningPeople Survival

Earthquake Kit

You should have a kit ready should there be an earthquake

But what is in an earthquake kit?

Earthquakes PlanningPeople Survival Into each kit you should put..

•Water and food to last at least three days (your car trunk is a handy place for these bulky items)•Water purification tablets•Heavy-duty gloves•A first-aid kit•A minimum of $100 in cash (automated teller machines and banks may be shut down following a quake)•Family photos and descriptions (to aid emergency personnel in finding missing people)•A flashlight and portable (or solar-powered) radio•Extra batteries•Goggles and dust mask•A personal commode with sanitary bags

Earthquakes PlanningPeople Survival The most important item is….

Water….

You should have a minimum of 5 gallons stored somewhere

Earthquakes PlanningWhat about when we are planning for new areas?

Would it be better to build tall buildings….

…or flat park land…..

…in an area that has earthquakes?

VolcanoesWe know about the volcanoes up north

These are part of the Cascade Mountain Range

Where do they happen?

VolcanoesBut did you know about the volcanoes closer to here?

Near Los Angeles is Lavic Lake

And farther east are the Coso Field Lava Domes

Uplifted Areas with Weak RocksWhat is the hazard here??? Landslides

Weak rock under the surface cracks and splits

When the rocks split, the surface gives way

Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is just that – erosion that happens on the coast

Waves pound against the shore and wash away the rock and sand

Tsunamis

A tsunami is a huge wave that is caused by an earthquake or other seismic action

Tsunamis

But how does a tsunami form?

Tsunamis

It could happen due to an earthquake at the convergent zone near Washington