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I find that area geologically fascinating. It's one of the few above-water rift zones in the world. According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Trough h
by 01100011 5y ago
I find that area geologically fascinating. It's one of the few above-water rift zones in the world. According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Trough https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Trough the sediment fills it in as quickly as it sinks, so you have sediment in some areas going down 20,000 feet.
The earthquakes seem to come in swarms out there, which I think is a result of the pulling apart. In a thrust fault or strike-slip fault, you have a release of energy and while the stress is transferred somewhere else, that seems to be the end of the movement. When you pull two plates apart, you create a gap and the stuff above it sort of settles down into the gap, probably causing the successive earthquakes as it all settles into the new position.
I really wish we had a canal to the Salton Sea. Having a new inland port and a source of fresher water would dramatically change the area.
- mogadsheu 5y agoAs a former geologist, it’s always awesome to see some one interested in geology. If you’re into infill from normal faulting, you might like reading up on the US Basin and Range—that’s all extension and basin fill
- 01100011 5y agoGeology is absolutely fascinating! I'm really amazed at far geologists have progressed in establishing the history of our planet. I have to thank Nick Zentner's YouTube videos(https://www.youtube.com/user/GeologyNick https://www.youtube.com/user/GeologyNick) for getting me into geology. He has a very approachable style for non-geologists. I've been looking at the geology of Nevada more since the Mina, NV earthquake storm started(2020? I forget). Geologic activity is such a slow process so it's great when you can see a burst of activity like that. I doubt I'll live long enough to see it, but I'm hoping I can see the emergence of a new volcanic cone in the western NV/eastern CA region.
- alonmower 5y agoIf you’re interested in this stuff I definitely recommend checking out ‘Annals of the Former World’ if you haven’t already. I have no geology background but found it utterly riveting https://www.amazon.com/Annals-Former-World-John-McPhee/dp/0374518734 https://www.amazon.com/Annals-Former-World-John-McPhee/dp/03...
- pfdietz 5y agoThe Salton Sea area also has volcanism! There's an island there with obsidian, as well as active surface geothermal features (mud volcanoes) that are likely driven by deeper magma.