USGS provides detailed fact sheets, research reports and case studies of coastal erosion caused by El Nino events in California. Other natural hazards are also covered, including earthquakes, tsunami, and landslides, illustrated with maps, photos, animated simulations, extensive links to resources by experts. Sort by topic to see all entries about coastal issues, environmental issues, mapping and ... Full description.

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) website is part of the Earthquake Hazard Program (EHP), and is hosted by the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC). The Lists highlight the history of earthquake occurrences around the world. There are general trends and statistics, documentation of the largest earthquakes to ever occur, the most destructive in history, those with high death tolls, ... Full description.

This booklet features a collection of articles originally published for teachers by the San Francisco Chronicle. It presents some of the new understanding gained and scientific advances made in the century since the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Topics include lessons learned from the 1906 earthquake, the use of seismograms, recognizing active faults, and the use of trenches to investigate ... Full description.

Virtual Earthquake is an interactive computer program designed to introduce you to the concepts of how an earthquake epicenter is located and how the richter magnitude of an earthquake is determined. The program operates by showing you a seismogram detected by instruments far away from the earthquake. You are to locate the epicenter of an earthquake by making simple measurments on three seismograms ... Full description.

This collection of resources is intended to commemorate the centennial of the Great 1906 Earthquake that destroyed much of San Francisco. Items include maps, books and articles, photos and video, field trip ideas, interactive features, and simulations. Of particular interest is 'Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country', a general interest publication that provides information about earthquake hazards ... Full description.

Earthquake prediction has never been an exact science or an easy job. In 1923, the debate between two Japanese seismologists, Akitune Imamura, and his superior at the University of Tokyo, Professor Omori, over whether a great earthquake was imminent, ended in tragedy as Omori prevailed and no preparations were made for the disaster. In this video segment, a contemporary seismologist tells the story ... Full description.

This interactive feature shows students how an earthquake epicenter is located and how Richter magnitude is determined. They will use recordings of seismograms from three stations (provided in the activity), learn the difference between the focus and epicenter of an earthquake, and that the magnitude of an earthquake is an estimate of the amount of energy that it has released. Full description.

Students will use online earthquake hazard maps and other relevant geological information to assess hazards to life and property associated with hypothetical earthquakes of differing magnitude. Students working in small groups use this information to develop strategies to reduce damage and loss of life in the area near their home or school. This lesson will help students gain an understanding of the ... Full description.

This site serves to belie several popular myths about earthquakes. Students will learn that most earthquakes do not occur in the early morning and one cannot be swallowed up by an earthquake. In addition, there is no such thing as earthquake weather and California is not falling into the ocean. On the more practical side, students can learn that good building codes do not insure good buildings, it ... Full description.

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) publication discusses earthquake intensity versus earthquake magnitude. It covers the differences between the two scales: Richter (magnitude), and Mercalli (intensity), as well as provides some photos of major earthquake damage. Full description.