2/17/15: US WEST COAST S-H-A-K-I-N-G: WELL, OF COURSE!

This week we are exploring the reasons of certain natural hazards (earthquakes/volcanic eruptions) in relation with the location of plate boundaries. 

The North America Plate, where the USA is located (see figure map from USGS) is part oceanic crust and part continental. The relevant plate boundary of this country for geologic activity is on the west side, part of the Ring of Fire, where we have a subduction zone (Alaska) and as we go south, the boundary changes into a transform one (San Andreas Fault). The idea is that if you know which type of boundary you have, you can predict what type of hazard the area will suffer: in transform boundaries, earthquakes are very common (California, should l say more?); in subduction zones, volcanic activity is common (Shasta, Lassen, St. Helens Mountains are volcanoes!).

As a side note (as it is NOT a plate boundary), the Hawaiian Islands are a hot spot, with volcanic activity and earthquakes.

I live in the West coast and I teach geology. Perfect.