A Fault Scarp is a small cliff at the surface along the fault line. It is a geologic feature that looks like a step caused by a slip on the fault.
You are on top of the San Andreas Fault. While you won't see a crack in the ground, you can find other evidence that you are above the fault. If you look to your right (south/west) side of the road Walnut Return you can see what looks like a cliff but is really fault scarp. If you examine closer, you will notice that there are two different types of rock on the left and right sides of the fault. On your right (south/west) is the Pacific Tectonic Plate, and on your left (north/east) is the North American Tectonic Plate. The right side, the Pacific Tectonic Plate, is made up of schist, limestone, and granite. Surface rock on the left side, the American Tectonic Plate, is sandstone and shale.
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.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
Email or message the Cache Owner with the following information and the answers to the questions:
1) Include "Fault Scarp"on the first line.
2) Number of people in your party.
3) What is the Pacific Tectonic Plate Side made up of?
4) What color is the face of the fault scarp on the Pacific Plate?
5) What is the name of the fault on which you are standing?
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 park fee, which can be paid at the front kiosk when coming to geocache at Hollister Hills.