There are various speculations about the possibility of a significant natural disaster that can take place in California in the near future. In particular, it is often assumed that this state may eventually fall into the ocean due to the influence of some forces. One should keep in mind that in the course of the last two centuries, this region has been affected by many earthquakes that took thousands of lives. Much attention should be paid to San Adreas Fault System Fault System that runs across this territory (Lutgens and Tarbuck 194).
This line extends by more than 800 miles (Lutgens and Tarbuck 194). One should bear in mind that in the past there were cases when a certain territory could fall below the water level. For example, a certain part of Create submerged under the sea (Stein 38). Nevertheless, one cannot compare this natural phenomenon to the hypothetical disaster during which California can actually fall under the water (Stein 38). They have never been recorded in the course of geological history Moreover, the plates that form San Andreas Fault System are not moving away from one another.
Instead, they slide past one another (Stein 38). This is one of the differences that should be taken into account. On the whole, it is possible that after millions of years, San Francisco and Los Angeles will neighbor with one another due to the movement of these plates. These are some of the predictions that modern scientists make.
Apart from that, San Andreas Fault can be viewed as an example of the so-called transform plate boundary (Lutgens and Tarbuck 224). In this case, one can speak about North American and Pacific plates (Stein 38). Nevertheless, these plates are not moving in opposite directions (Lutgens and Tarbuck 194). Therefore, there are no scientific explanations that show how California can sink into the ocean. This is one of the points that can be made.
Additionally, it is necessary to keep in mind that plates travel at an extremely slow rate, and there are no forces that can make them tear apart from one another. This argument is not considered by people who believe that California can fall into the ocean. This is another limitation of this theory. One should note that these speculation are mostly the result of science-fiction films depicting massive disasters such as earthquakes or volcano eruptions.
The main problem is that such films are predominantly aimed at producing a strong impression on the viewers. Nevertheless, they are not based on accurate scientific knowledge. Such cinematographic works can give rise to various myths, including the idea that California can fall into the ocean. However, they are not suitable for the discussion of tectonic processes. These are some of the main issues that should be kept in mind.
On the whole, these examples show that the lack of knowledge about various tectonic processes can lead people about various misconceptions. The belief that California can sink into the ocean is mostly based on inaccurate interpretation of tectonic processes. Indeed, with time passing, tectonic processes can change the landscape of California. Nevertheless, these changes have nothing to do with the myths that popular culture propagates. Moreover, this assumption is derived primarily from popular culture, rather than science. These are the main arguments that can be put forward.
Works Cited
Lutgens, Frederick, and Edward Tarbuck. Foundations of Earth Science, New York: Prentice Hall, 2014. Print.
Stein, Matthew. When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency, London: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008. Print.