Marine terraces are a common occurrence in the coastal ranges of California. They are formed by the constant uplift of the land, which is being eroded by the ocean. The land is being eroded faster than it can be uplifted. This creates large cliffs on the seaward side of the hill followed by a relatively steady grade. To better understand this concept, you can refer to the diagram below.
The uplift is caused by the pressure of the motion of the nearby Newport-Inglewood Fault a few miles away. This regional tension of faults moves the land up and creates the marine terraces. The uplift is 3.6 inches per 1,000 years or 9cm per 1,000 years in the southern California coastal region.
Works Cited
http://emvc.geol.ucsb.edu/2_infopgs/IP2IceAge/gMarTerrFm.html
http://www.songscommunity.com/docs/Marine_Terrace_Report_Final.pdf
TO LOG A FIND ON THIS CACHE YOU MUST ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW. YOU CAN CONTACT ME THROUGH MY EMAIL OR THE GEOCACHING MESSAGE CENTER TO SEND YOUR ANSWERS. ANY INCORRECT ANSWERS MAY RESULT IN A CLARIFICATION RESPONSE FROM ME.
1. "Palos Verdes Marine Terraces" - on the first line of your email.
2. Looking towards the south (with the ocean on your right) how many marine terraces can you see including the one you are standing on? You may use the interpretive sign to help guide you.
3. Estimate the hight of the tallest (oldest) terrace and the shortest (youngest). Assume the homes that they are built on them are roughly 40 feet tall.
4. Explain the erosion processes here and how it is effecting the marine terraces as they get older.