Activities & Events
Earthquake Fault Trench Exhibit
Purpose: Commemorate the 1906 San Francisco earthquake by standing face-to-face with an earthquake fault!
What? When?
As part of the Bay Area-wide commemoration of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, there will be an Earthquake Fault Trench Exhibit in Fremont from April 1 to May 30, 2006.
Free and open to the public on weekends and by appointment, the Exhibit will feature a 10- to 12-feet-deep trench across the Hayward fault. The fault is easily seen here and visitors are encouraged to descend a staircase to meet the Hayward fault face-to-face.
3D model of the Trench Exhibit. The excavation will be 10-12 feet deep and surrounded by an educational exhibit area.
Why?
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was the result of the San Andreas fault rupturing. For this exhibit, the Hayward fault was chosen to emphasize that the 1906 quake was not the only damaging earthquake in the Bay Area. In 1868, a large earthquake occurred along the Hayward fault, causing significant damage in San Francisco as well as the East Bay. It was referred to as The Great San Francisco Earthquake until the 1906 earthquake put it into perspective. The 2003 USGS probability report lists the Hayward fault, and its continuation to the north, the Rodgers Creek fault, as the most hazardous fault system in the Bay Area. Future large earthquakes along the Hayward fault will have devastating effects because of the great concentration of homes, schools, hospitals, roads and other critical structures along and across the fault.
For safety, the trench walls will be sloped to 45 degrees so that no slumping will occur. A safety fence will enclose the open trench and handrails will help assist visitors down the stairs. If one prefers not to go into the trench, the fault can also be viewed from ground level. The exhibit will be safe for children and will be wheelchair accessible around the top of the trench.
Surrounding the trench will be educational displays and posters providing information about earthquakes, faults, and preparedness. A docent will be present to answer questions.
Where?
The exhibit will be located adjacent to the parking lot off of Sailway Drive in the City of Fremont's Central Park. Major cross streets are Paseo Padre Parkway and Stevenson Boulevard. See detailed map below.
Map to the Earthquake Fault Trench Exhibit.
Many thanks!
The exhibit is being developed and operated by volunteers from the U S Geological Survey, GeoMatrix Consultants, and other members of the 1906 Centennial Alliance. We thank Risk Management Solutions and Swiss Re for their generous sponsorship and the City of Fremont for allowing the exhibit in Central Park.
Questions or comments? Please contact Heidi Stenner.