LOOK FOR FAULT SYSTEMS

Do you recognize this image? This is where we live, in Southern California. This is a photograph taken from the Space Shuttle while it was orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 113 nautical miles. Even from this distance you can observe interesting features on the Earth's surface. Examine the photo and look at interesting features such as lakes, islands, coastlines, vegetation, and changes in elevation. At the end of this investigation you will be able to look at images of the Earth's surface and identify faults.

Click on image to zoom in.
Linear features are uncommon in nature, therefore when we examine an image of the earth, they tend to capture our attention. Viewed from above, certain fault systems appear linear.

Examine this image (a compilation of Landsat photographs) of Southern California and identify any linear features you observe.When examining this image, you should notice several things. The red circles represent earthquake events, and the yellow circles, magnitude. Notice that the red circles appear clustered.

Earthquakes are common along active major fault systems. The main fault system in California is the San Andreas Fault. It enters California at the Mexican border and goes off-shore north of San Francisco.

You might also notice other differences such as changes in vegetation or altitude.

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING LINKS

#1

Click Here to more closely study changes in vegetation and altitude.

#2

Click Here to view a map of recent Earthquake activity in Southern California. Have there been any recent earthquakes on the faults you identified?

#3

Click Here to learn more about earthquakes on the faults systems you have identified?

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