Desert Speaks

San Andreas: Find The Fault In California's Desert

Host David Yetman and University of Arizona Geoscientist Susan Beck head to Southern California to trace the San Andreas Fault and examine some of the tortured topography thrown up by the fault. Join them as they follow along the fault near the Salton Sea at 230 feet below sea level and then wind through Painted Canyon surrounded by massive rocks distorted almost beyond recognition by the fault’s relentless movement. Then travel by helicopter to gain the “big picture” of the fault as it forms massive mountain ranges and deep valleys. From here, see how geologists follow outcrops of vegetation to trace the fault line and how the town of Desert Hot Springs lies in relation to the fault. This episode also examines ways of harnessing the energy created by the movements of the San Andreas Fault and some of the human challenges facing people who live along its path.