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Discovering Coastal Hazards: SDSU's 12-Day Expedition Uncovers Ocean Threats

Update Unveiling the Ocean's Secrets: Hazards Lurking Beneath the Surface What lies beneath the shimmering surface of the ocean is often more perilous than it appears. Researchers from San Diego State University embarked on a groundbreaking 12-day expedition aboard the R/V Sally Ride, venturing into the depths off San Clemente Island to uncover potential hazards that threaten coastal communities. With only a small fraction of our oceans explored, the need for thorough investigation has never been greater. What We Discovered About Earthquakes and Tsunamis During their mission, the team, led by associate professor Jillian Maloney, focused on underwater faults and landslides—key triggers for tsunamis and earthquakes. Maloney stated, “These are hazards to people living in Southern California and making sure we’re prepared for these kinds of disasters saves lives and protects infrastructure.” The researchers used advanced sonar technology to reveal previously uncharted fault lines and landslide deposits, raising new alarms about seismic activity that could impact towns across SoCal. The Importance of Mapping Our Ocean Floors Mapping the seafloor gives insights into the geological history of the region. By extracting sediment core samples, researchers can track changes over thousands of years, offering critical data on when seismic events might occur. Identification of new fault lines that are recently active suggests an urgency for further examination and monitoring. “We identified faults that appear to be recently active, and that is an indication that they do pose a hazard,” said Maloney. This emphasis on scientific exploration highlights the necessity of understanding our environment to foster safer coastal communities. Local Implications for California's Coastal Residents As coastal communities in Southern California prepare for the potential impacts of these natural disasters, the research conducted over those 12 days becomes increasingly crucial. Not only does it provide a clearer picture of risks faced by communities from Los Angeles to San Diego, but it also emphasizes the importance of scientific advancements in disaster preparedness. Every step taken in understanding oceanic geology enhances our preventative strategies against seismic and tsunami dangers. For those residing in these regions, it is a time to engage in community discussions about disaster readiness, sharing insights that can lead to actionable changes. As we learn more about our waters, let's remember that stronger community ties will only bolster our resilience against the natural forces lurking below.