Getting to the Point: Exploring Tectonic Motion at Point Reyes National Seashore

Research output: Non-textual formDigital or Visual Products

Abstract

This Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum activity introduces Geology of National Parks students to the geology of the San Andreas Fault, which borders the east side of Point Reyes National Seashore. Photos in the module show the right-lateral displacement along the fault from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, differences in vegetation and types of rocks on opposite sides of the fault, and the geomorphic expression of the fault (e.g., Tomales Bay). Students get an opportunity to determine distances by measuring map lengths, using the map scales, and converting units. Students also calculate the rate of relative motion of the Pacific Plate (containing Point Reyes), the recurrence rate of earthquakes, and differences in amplitude and energy release between earthquakes of different magnitude. The intent of the module is to have Geology of National Parks students make straightforward numerical calculations as they learn about earthquake geology.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number NSF DUE-0836566. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Original languageAmerican English
Media of outputOnline
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010

Disciplines

  • Earth Sciences

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