The Salton Trough - A Tectonic Shift
The Salton Trough is a large geological depression in Southern California, formed by tectonic activity along the San Andreas Fault and the East Pacific Rise, encompassing the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, and most notably featuring the Salton Sea within its lowest point, known as the Salton Sink; it is a major geological feature resulting from crustal stretching and sinking, with a history of past large freshwater lakes like Lake Cahuilla, and is currently a significant area for study due to its unique ecosystem and potential for geothermal energy extraction.
Geological Formation:
Explained as a "graben" or rift valley created by the interaction of the San Andreas Fault and the East Pacific Rise. A graben is a depressed area of a planet's crust that is bordered by parallel faults. The word "graben" comes from the German word for "ditch".
As the two plates shift, and move apart, the land in between continues to sink. This sinking area is referred to as the “Salton Trough”.
The posted coordinates will bring you to the Western Edge of the great depression, known as the Salton Trough. Virtual Stage 1, marks the Eastern Edge. You are welcome to make observations and complete this EarthCache, at either one of the two waypoints. In your log, please mention which waypoint point you completed your observation at.
Be sure to send the answers to the required questions below to the CO at the top of the page.
1) Looking East from the posted coordintes, or west from virtual waypoint 1, describe the topography of the Salton Trough before you, as it compares to the topography in the opposite direction. How does the landscape abruptly change at the edge of the trough?
2) Where do you suspect is the lowest point of the Salton Trough? Why?
3) In your own words, how was the Salton Trough formed?
4 With your log, post a photo of yourself, a personal item, or simply a thumbs up with the Salton Trough in the background.
Optional: If you are driving across the Salton Trough, leave your Altitude Device running, Bonus points for posting the lowest allitude you encounter while driving through the area.
