Inside the Hayward Fault

Yesterday a friend and I went inside the Hayward Fault in Fremont, California. It was part of an exhibit for the anniversary of the 1906 earthquake.



The fault separates land that is moving in opposite directions. Evidence of this movement can be seen nearby. Notice the displaced curb in the picture below. The displacement occurred because the sidewalk slabs have been moving opposite directions for a few years. This movement also causes streets to crack, requiring frequent road work along the fault.



The edges of the fault move (relative to each other) approximately 3 centimeters per year. Near downtown Hayward, where this sidewalk (below) has been in place for many years, even more displacement is visible.

I noticed that many of the houses on the fault were for sale. I think the biggest problem in living on top of a fault is cracking of the foundation (as opposed to stronger shaking during an earthquake, which also could be a big problem). But I think it would be very cool to live there.

posted by Matt @ 2:38 AM