Geology in california research

Plate tectonic form much of the geological action in California having led to formation of mountains, ocean trenches and volcanoes. Some of the most notable present features include San Bernardino Mountains, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mt Shasta Lassen Peak, Death Valley, Lake Taho, Yosemite National park and the famous San Andreas Fault. California has been known to compose twelve geomorphic provinces. Each of the provinces has a different origin from the other though many are related. Their boundaries are closely well defined with sub-provinces existing within each of the main provinces. More than 250 different types of crops are grown in this place and the whole crop estimation value is almost $17 billion per year. A lot of this production relies on irrigation from the surface water pumpage and the groundwater which comes from aquifers (Audet, 2015).

The geological structure, especially from tectonic movement, has made California have most climatic zones in America more than any other state. The Sierra of Nevada has created one of its own climate in California. It causes an uplift of the moist oceanic air masses leading to torrential rainfall. Landslides are as a result of the geological actions such as strong shakings and Tsunami which have adverse negative effects on buildings. Landslides are another common disastrous effects associated with earthquakes causing a lot of rock falls, debris flow and the mudflows (Audet, 2015). There are also some minerals associated with earthquakes like mercury and asbestos which have negative effects both on the human body and the environment. The most notable earthquake happened in 1906 which destroyed almost all the city of San Francisco.

The water system had been destroyed by the earthquake so the fire which followed three days after could not be put off. In conclusion, Geological activities in California can be connected to a lot of features and activities. The features formed due to tectonic movements serve as the tourist attractions in the state. Fertile soils have been produced in the leading to a lot crop production in California thus making it an American food basket. Various mining activities like oil, gas and the carbon (II) have all been as a result of geological activities of California. On the other hand, the negative effects of geological activities have all not been inevitable. Harrington, K. , Gillespie, J. , & Jordan, P. (2014, October). Carbon Capture Potential In The Temblor Formation, McKittrick Oil Field, Southern San Joaquin Basin, California.