alabama hills california geology

Alabama Hills: A California Geological Treasure

On the eastern slope of the Sierras, just three hours north of Los Angeles, lies the deceptively-named “Alabama Hills” — a wonder of geology and Earth science. Sitting around 5,300 feet in elevation, this rolling vista of rock formations, classic Western landscapes, and spectacular natural weathered arches is a treat for anyone who visits (not…

is california still in a drought 2019

Is California Still In A Drought? (April 2019)

Is California still in a drought? That’s what many Californians are wondering after a winter of storms, snow and heavy rain. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor–a partnership that consolidates drought data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Drought Mitigation Center and dozens of weather agencies–no area in California is currently experiencing…

san francisco millenium tower sinking

Sinking San Francisco Tower Proves Value Of Geotechnical Engineering

San Francisco’s fourth-tallest skyscraper has a big, expensive problem: it’s sinking. Not only that, but it’s sinking twice as fast as originally feared. How does something like this happen? What can be done?   The Curious Case of The Sinking Tower Usually, you might think that a massive, 58-story skyscraper in one of America’s wealthiest…

california cliffs risk of collapse

California Cliffs Are At Risk Of Collapse

The cliffs along California’s coastline are eroding faster than you think. Some may even be close to collapse. A new study in the journal Geomorphology identifies some of the most high-risk areas, and attempts to pin down the erosion’s cause. HeadingĀ Over The Cliffs As the sea level rises on planet Earth, more serious issues arise…