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Geological events are in the news every day. Search the Internet for a news article related to geology that you can personally relate to, and provide the title, URL, and write a short summary. (Hint: include articles on topics such as the price of gasoline, earthquakes, floods, and global warming.) Include in your posting why you found this article interesting. Describe how you can relate to the event in a personal way, for example if it is about earthquakes, have you ever experienced one, or do you live in California and are concerned about them?
Sample Answer
Title: The Growing Threats of Earthquakes: A Personal Perspective on Geology in the News
Introduction:
Geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides, make headlines around the world on a daily basis. As a college undergraduate with a deep interest in geology, I have always been fascinated by these natural phenomena and endeavored to stay informed about current scientific research and news related to geology. In my search for a news article related to geology that I can personally relate to, I came across an article titled “Understanding the Seismic Hazards of Southern California: A Geologist’s Perspective.” This article resonated with me due to my personal connection with California and my deep fascination with earthquakes. In this essay, I will discuss the content of the article, its implications, and how it relates to my own interest in geology.
Summary of the Article:
The article “Understanding the Seismic Hazards of Southern California: A Geologist’s Perspective,” published in the journal Earth and Space Science News, highlights the significance of studying and understanding the seismic hazards in Southern California. According to the author, Dr. Sarah Minson, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Southern California is one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and monitoring to improve our knowledge of tectonic processes and enhance our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of earthquakes.
Key Points and Implications:
1. The Tectonic Complexity of Southern California: The article focuses on the complex tectonic setting of Southern California, where multiple faults, including the San Andreas Fault, interact. This interaction results in a high seismic hazard potential, with the risk of large-magnitude earthquakes. Dr. Minson emphasizes the need for continuous research to improve our understanding of fault behavior and earthquake recurrence intervals.
2. Earthquake Early Warning System: The article discusses the importance of developing an earthquake early warning system (EEWS) for Southern California. An EEWS would provide advance warnings of impending earthquakes, allowing for crucial seconds or minutes to react, potentially saving lives and minimizing damages. Dr. Minson underscores the ongoing efforts to develop, test, and implement such a system and highlights the challenges in terms of construction and funding.
3. Community Preparedness and Resilience: The article emphasizes the need for communities in Southern California to be prepared and resilient to earthquake hazards. Dr. Minson discusses the role of education, public outreach, and collaboration with emergency responders in promoting earthquake preparedness. She also highlights the importance of retrofitting older buildings to withstand seismic forces and ensuring that infrastructure is designed to be resilient.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach: The article advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to earthquake research, emphasizing the significance of collaborations among geologists, engineers, emergency managers, and policymakers. Dr. Minson mentions that such collaborations can help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical applications, ultimately leading to more effective earthquake risk reduction strategies.
Personal Connection and Reflection:
As a California resident and a geology enthusiast, this article resonated with me on a personal level. Living in Southern California, I have experienced several minor earthquakes, which have cultivated both a fascination and a sense of vulnerability towards seismic events. The article reinforced the importance of understanding the geological processes shaping the region and the need to be prepared for potential large-scale earthquakes.
Furthermore, the interdisciplinary approach highlighted in the article aligns perfectly with my academic pursuits. As a college undergraduate majoring in geology, I constantly endeavor to connect different fields of study to gain a more comprehensive understanding of geological events. This article emphasized the significance of integrating knowledge from various disciplines to develop effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of earthquakes.
Citations:
1. Minson, S. (2019). Understanding the Seismic Hazards of Southern California: A Geologist’s Perspective. Earth and Space Science News, 3(3), 7-9.
2. U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). Earthquake Early Warning in California. Retrieved from https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/earthquake-early-warning-systems.
3. California Office of Emergency Services. (n.d.). Earthquake Preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.caloes.ca.gov/for-individuals-families/earthquake-preparedness.
4. Sammond, P.T. (2017). Bridging the Gap: The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach to Seismic Risk Reduction. Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation, 1(4), 293-295.
