Fault Scarp EarthCache
Hollister Hills SVRA: Outdated (Beyond 2016).
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Fault scarps are geologic features that are caused by movements along opposing tectonic plates. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines fault scarp as “a cliff or escarpment directly resulting from an uplift along one side of a fault.” These features can be seen surrounding Hollister Hills SVRA because of our proximity to 2 fault lines. The San Andreas Fault synonymous with California actually runs through a portion of our park. To the east of Hollister Hills SVRA we have the Southern end of the Calaveras Fault which runs through our nearby town of Hollister CA.
As Merriam Webster stated fault scarps are nothing more than cliffs that have been formed after tectonic activity. Often the tectonic activity in question is an earthquake. However it’s important to realize not all earthquakes will produce a fault scarp or cliff. The geologic outcome is dependent on what type of fault is found between tectonic plates when an earthquake strikes. The following website does an amazing job at showing the different types of faults with animated examples. http://www4.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/tectonics_landforms/faulting_p2.html
Now after viewing the examples many of you might be wondering how it’s possible to have a cliff form when both of the fault lines I mentioned are categorized as strike-slip faults. Well the reason why it’s possible is because in real life faulting or displacement from fracturing isn’t as simple as an animated example. As the United States Geological Society (USGS) states “it’s much more common to have some combination of fault movements occurring together. For example, along California’s famous San Andreas strike-slip fault system, about 95% of the movement is strike-slip, but about 5% of the movement is reverse faulting in some areas!”
To achieve credit for this cache you must answer the following questions.
1) What types of faults are the previously mentioned fault lines?
2) What color is the face of the fault scarp?
3) Which of the two previously mentioned faults helped to create this fault scarp?
It is the policy of Hollister Hills District Staff to encourage positive use of park land and its many natural resources. Geocaching can be a positive recreational activity when practiced following established conditions and procedures. While Geocaching within Hollister Hills SVRA be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, as well as other park visitors.
Also, be aware of erosion and the impacts you have while Geocaching. Please stay on all existing roads and trails. Park your vehicle so that there is ample room for other vehicles to pass while being aware of not driving over any vegetation or off trail. Be aware of poison oak and what it looks like year round. Also, be aware that there are ticks in Hollister Hills SVRA and continuously check yourself for them. Enjoy your time in the park and Happy Geocaching!!
Please respect the park hours of operation which are sunrise to sunset. Be aware there is a $5 dollar park fee, which can be paid at the front kiosk when coming to geocache at Hollister Hills. Lastly if you are interested in placing your own geocaches, please review our geocache policy here at the park by clicking on the link. http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26952
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Treasures
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