Sat, Jul 11
|Buena Vista Museum
Tim Elam, Life on the Edge: California Earthquakes and the San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault is perhaps the best known and most studied geologic feature in the United States. Join geologist Tim Elam to explore earthquakes including the 1857 Fort Tejon, 1952 Bakersfield/Tehachapi, and 2019 Ridgecrest, and a discussion of earthquake forecasts
Time & Location
Jul 11, 2026, 1:30 PM
Buena Vista Museum, 2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
About the Event
Tim Elam, Life on the Edge: California Earthquakes and the San Andreas Fault
July 11, 2026
1:30 PM
The San Andreas Fault is perhaps the best known and most studied geologic feature in the United States. This fault exists because plates of the Earth’s crust crush against each other. But it is only one of several faults in central and eastern California at risk of rupture. Powerful earthquakes over the last 70+ years have occurred on these faults. Knowledge of faulting, earthquake risk, and plate boundaries in California has changed significantly over the last thirty years.
Join geologist Tim Elam as he presents:
A basic understanding of earthquakes and plate tectonics
Ongoing concern about stresses and potential rupture along the Big Bend/ Southern sections of the San Andreas Fault
A review of significant earthquakes felt in Kern County, including the 1857 Fort Tejon, 1952 Bakersfield/Tehachapi, and 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes.
A discussion of earthquake forecasts…NOT earthquake predictions
Several photographic views of earthquake-related landforms near California faults.
The presentation will be informal, and questions and discussion are encouraged. No geologic background is necessary to enjoy the event.
There will be no extra charge for attending this event…just the normal Museum entrance fee.