Plate Tectonics in California

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the tectonic plates effecting seismic activity in the state of California. The paper focuses on the Pacific plate and the North American plate, two adjacent plates moving in opposite directions, which form the San Andreas fault in California. The paper points out that plate tectonics play a major role in the various geological processes found in California, especially in relation to earthquakes and the San Andreas fault. The paper concludes that this plate tectonic activity has brought about much beauty and splendor, while also making the state a very dangerous and unpredictable place to live.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geology of Plate Tectonics
The San Andreas Fault
Tectonic Activity in California
The Loma Prieta Earthquake
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"One important part of the San Andreas fault is known as the Coachella Valley Segment and in June of 1992, the Landers earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, alerted geologists to the potential of a large-magnitude quake somewhere in the Los Angeles area. The Landers quake place much scientific focus on the clustering of quakes and tectonic activity close to the Coachella Valley segment of the fault. Thus, many geophysicists have been increasingly concerned with the high number of quakes and amount of tectonic movement occurring so close together on the northern end of the segment. In 1985, several geological investigators determined that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake along or on the Coachella segment could possibly trigger the so-called "Big One," yet if such a scenario occurred on the next segment north and west of the Coachella segment, the heavily-populated city of San Bernardino could experience massive destruction. In addition, a rupture of this segment could conceivably continue in line past Los Angeles and produce a quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale (Nance, 1988, p. 174)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dickinson, W.R., 1981, Plate Tectonics and the Continental Margin of California, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice-Hall, 256 p.
• Greenwood, P.H., 1981, The Evolving Earth, Cambridge University Press, 178 p.
• Harris, Stephen L., 1990, Agents of Chaos: Missoula, MT, Mountain Press, 260 p.
• Marvin, Ursula B., 1973, Continental Drift (2nd ed.): Washington, DC, Smithsonian Institution Press, 239 p.
• Monastersky, R., December 16, 1989, Birth of a subduction zone: Science News, 396, p. 45-50.

More papers on Plate Tectonics in California:

• Argumentative Essay # 9452 : "Plate Tectonics"
• Descriptive Essay # 110099 : "Napa Valley for Wines"
• Analytical Essay # 18162 : "San Andreas Fault"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: