Question

The map represents the state of California. The San Andreas Fault and several associated faults have been labeled, as well as seven major cities. Use the map and your knowledge of science to answer the questions below.

California fault lines

Earthquakes are likely to occur along the San Andreas Fault.

What type of fault is it?

How are plates moving at this type of fault?

Which labeled city has the greatest risk of damage from an earthquake occurring along the San Andreas Fault? Why is it at the greatest risk?

Answer 1

Earthquakes are likely to occur along the San Andreas Fault.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Type of Fault: Strike-slip fault

• Plate Movement: Pacific Plate moving northwest relative to North American Plate
• City at Greatest Risk: Los Angeles
• Reasons for Greatest Risk: Located directly on fault line, large population, vulnerable infrastructure, geology amplifies shaking

The San Andreas Fault is a strike-slip fault. This means that the two plates on either side of the fault are sliding past each other horizontally, rather than moving up or down.

The Pacific Plate is moving northwest relative to the North American Plate along the San Andreas Fault. This is causing California to slowly move northwest and away from the rest of the United States. Los Angeles is the labeled city with the greatest risk of damage from an earthquake occurring along the San Andreas Fault. This is because Los Angeles is located directly on the fault line.