What Are Tectonic Plates?

By jamie

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9. The San Andreas Fault

The San Andreas fault is one of the best known of boundaries. It is found on the Western coast of the United States and is an example of a transform boundary. In some areas such as on the Carrizo Plain, the fault is clearly visible as it stretches across the landscape. The San Andreas fault is responsible for some of the worst earthquakes in history.

In 1906, a quake estimated to be 7.8 on the Richter scale was unleashed in Northern California and at least 3,000 lives were lost. Experts believe that sufficient pressure has built up for another earthquake to occur, but it is very difficult to predict when this might happen.

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