Part two of my geology project for Fall 2010.

1. Gaines Tidwell Pensacola Geology Part 2

2. Fault Research With hurricanes being enough of a trouble I am glad the nearest fault to me is in northern Mississippi. The New Madrid Fault Line stretches across 5 states is and is a readily active area. One interesting thing about this fault zone is that it has two types of faults. A strike-slip in the northeast and a reverse fault northwest. Thankfully for me this active zone’s area of effect just misses my region.

3. One weathering process that people who live by the coat are vary familiar with is oxidation or rust. Rust is a common problem out here and anything metal left outside. It’s on our cars, tools, and anything left outside for too long. It even seems to play a part in breaking down our structures. Chemical weathering also plays a significant part of weathering here as the high moisture and warm climate provide an optimum environment for chemical a weathering. Paired with the sometimes destructive storms and constant wave action weathering can have a readily visible impact on man made structures here as shown by the cement structure that lined the canal. Weathering Processes

4. Special thanks to my uncle's dog Bella for accompanying me on this assignment.

5. I was able to find a nice small scale example of a slump within my sampling area. On the canal side there is a small shore that sits about 4 to 5 feet below the the normal ground level. This area had a small outcropping that when mixed with time, gravity, loss of vegetation, and plenty of moisture cause this recent slump to develop. From the right angle small scarps were readily visible. Unfortunately this wasn’t caught as well as I’d hoped on my camera. Mass Wasting

6. This photo is taken from above the slump and the white sand of the shore can be seen in the top left.

7. After looking at a picture showing the underwater topography of Florida it is readily visible how our underwater features could be susceptible to submarine landslides. I did some research and found a USGS survey report discussing the landslides readily visible along the Florida coast. Even more interesting is how it could pose a risk for tsunami activity. Mass Wasting

8. The biggest erosion concern in this area is beach erosion. Our beaches play a critical role in the local economy and many preventative measures are in place. There are mandates to keep off of sand dunes and to not disturb the vegetation on them. Whenever a large storm carries away a large amount of sand thousands of pounds of sand is reclaimed from the water and placed back on our beaches. Keeping our beaches and subsequently our business safe from erosion is a prime concern in these parts. Erosion

9. Erosion This was taken after two hurricanes during 2008, those drops are somewhere around 10 feet tall. More subtle erosion such as this is more readily visible.

10. Erosion I am readily familiar with the effects of erosion I have viewed the shore that flanked the road to my uncle’s house has shrunk considerably over the years. The rocks now help to slow the process but eventually some land will have to be artificially placed before the water comes even closer to the road.

11. A quick look at a satellite photo shows the diversity of features in my area. Beaches, deltas, barrier islands and more can be found here. The sedimentary environments here are Transitional and Marine environments. Sedimentary environments.

12. Construction and preservation of beaches are what come to mind when I think about the usefulness of geology here. Building on top of the sand on the beaches can be a problem for a normal sized house. Thanks to careful construction and knowledge of geology several large multistory resorts stand all across the beach. These buildings must be strong and steady to resist the effects of hurricanes as well as the flooding and erosion brought by being placed so close to the water. Knowledge of geology also comes into play with the construction and maintenance of our many bridges. Practical Uses of Geology

13. Practical Uses of Geology Knowing the effects of water on soil, the type of ground you are building on and it it will support the weight of your structure are crucial in construction. Without builders and surveyors having proper knowledge of geology this area would not be connected so well or have hotels large enough to accommodate our tourists.

14. Pensacola and the surrounding area is a beautiful and unique area not just in its culture, sights, and sounds but also its geologic background.