As the 30th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta Earthquake approaches, it’s time to take stock of California’s preparedness. The California Geological Survey (CGS) has a large role to play in that area: Since that magnitude 6.9 earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, CGS began the Seismic Hazards Mapping Program to create maps and…
As Seen on TV: Could a Hollywood-Sized Tsunami Hit Santa Monica?
On Monday night, the Fox Television show “9-1-1” was based around a 50-foot tsunami hitting the Southern California coast near Santa Monica. The show employed the giant water tanks that were used to create the effects in the movie “Titanic.” The episode ended (to be continued!) with a cresting wave about to engulf the pier….
DOC’s Abandoned Mine Lands Unit Helps Community Get on the Road to Recovery
Every so often, reminders of the enduring impacts of California’s Gold Rush pop up in unusual places. While the media has covered multiple stories about people and pets, and even horses and cows, that have fallen into or become trapped in historic abandoned mines throughout California, not all such events have resulted in rescues, injuries,…
California Geological Survey Scientists Respond to Big SoCal Earthquakes
California Geological Survey scientists rushed to the Ridgecrest-Trona area after the July 4-5 earthquakes to gather data important to protecting public safety in the future. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred at 10:33 a.m. on the Fourth of July. There’s always a chance a larger earthquake will follow even an earthquake of that magnitude, and such…
Cal State Fullerton Names CGS Scientist ‘2019 Geology Alumna of the Year’
Janis Hernandez of the California Geological Survey (CGS) was recently awarded 2019 Alumna of the Year by the California State University, Fullerton Geology Department. Hernandez’s professional experience includes geologic mapping, fault and landslide investigations, groundwater well construction management, and geophysical studies. In her tenure at CGS, she has worked on Seismic Hazard Zone mapping, geologic mapping,…
DOC Seals 65 Dangerous Mine Openings in Cargo Muchacho Mountains
By: Don Drysdale A project that can trace its history to 18th century Spanish explorers and involved the use of drone technology is unfolding in the southeastern California desert. The Bureau of Land Management and California Department of Conservation’s Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR) are working to eliminate 65 hazardous legacy mine shafts and openings…
Stay Out, Stay Alive — Closing Abandoned Mines to Protect the Public
By Don Drysdale DOC Division of Mine Reclamation’s Abandoned Mine Lands Unit (AMLU) has been responsible for closing more than a thousand potentially dangerous legacy mine openings around the state, typically with protecting outdoor recreation enthusiasts in mind. Recently, though, AMLU facilitated a project that started with a mother’s plea to protect a child in…
Santa Clara County Makes Ag Conservation a Priority
Santa Clara County is investing in agricultural conservation infrastructure with the help of planning grant funding administered by the California Department of Conservation (DOC). Until the 1960s, the Santa Clara Valley was referred to as “The Valley of Heart’s Delight.” It was home to a multitude of orchards and 39 canneries — the largest fruit…
There’s Nothing Like a Picture
“The FLIR camera utilizes technology that lets you see the leak,” said DOGGR Engineering Geologist Andrew Lush. “In terms of us communicating with operators and the public, there’s nothing like a picture.” The Department of Conservation continues to modernize technology to improve oversight of California’s oil and gas industry. One relatively new acquisition has been…
DOC’s Women in Science Making a Difference
Women In Science Day “The Department of Conservation is home to dozens of earth science experts and experienced, talented staff. From professional engineers, to geologists, botanists, environmental scientists, and more, DOC is proud many of our science-based positions are held by women. I am proud of the contributions DOC’s women scientists are making toward helping California achieve…