Major infrastructure, including the California Aqueduct and several interstate highways, crosses the fault. Engineers must use specialized "slip joints" and flexible materials to ensure these lifelines don't snap during a rupture. 4. Preparing for the "Big One"
Stream channels that cross the fault line are often "beheaded" or sharply offset, providing a physical timeline of past movements. subtitle San Andreas
This movement isn't smooth; the plates are "locked" together by friction. Pressure builds up over decades until the rocks break, releasing energy as an earthquake. subtitle San Andreas
Programs like ShakeAlert now provide precious seconds of warning to residents before the strongest shaking arrives. subtitle San Andreas
Known for "fault creep," where the plates slide past each other relatively steadily without producing large, destructive quakes.