Earthquakes

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how the Los Angeles area is a juncture point for several seismic fault systems. The paper relates that the area experiences small earthquakes all the time and has experienced two large-scale destructive quakes in the past four decades. The paper discusses how until more is known about the forces and triggers involved, predicting earthquakes will not be effective.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Los Angeles and environs are transversed by numerous fault lines brought into existence by the pressures involved in the coming together of the huge tectonic plates underlying the earth's crust. The tensions in these faults build up over long periods of time to be released in an earthquake. The city has experienced two major earthquakes in the last 36 years after some 30 years of relative quiescence. Smaller earthquakes happen all the time, which may or may not reduce the pressure upon the system."

Sample of Sources Used:

• French, S. P., Nelson, A. C., Murthukumar, S., & Holland, M. M. (1996). The Northridge Earthquake: Land use planning for hazard mitigation (Final Report to the National Science Foundation). Georgia Institute of Technology, City Planning Program.
• Kamb, Barclay, Silver, L.T., Abrams, M.J., Carter, B.A., Jordan, T.H., & Minster, J.B. (1971). Pattern of Faulting and Nature of Fault Movement in the San Fernando Earthquake. In The San Fernando, California, Earthquake of February 9, 1971: Geological Survey Professional Paper 733. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey & National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 41-54.
• Lamar, D.L. (1970). Geology of the Elysian Park-Repetto Hills Area: Special Report 101. Sacramento: California Division of Mines & Geology.
• Olshansky, R.B. (2001). Land Use Planning for Seismic Safety. Journal of the American Planning Association, Volume 67, Issue 2,m 173.
• Ziony, J.I. & Yerkes, R.F. (1985). Evaluating Earthquake and Surface-Faulting Potential. In U.S. Geological Survey paper 1360: Evaluating Earthquake Hazard in the Los Angeles Region, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 43-90.

More papers on Earthquakes:

• Essay # 32021 : "Earthquakes: Origin And Effects"
• Essay # 90909 : "Fairbanks Alaska and Earthquakes"
• Essay # 69776 : "Earthquakes of 1750"
• Essay # 26060 : "Earthquakes and Hurricanes"

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