Parkfield

Rural, isolated, and nowhere near a beach, Parkfield is probably not what most people envision at the mention of California. Located deep in the Cholame Valley, there's a small schoolhouse to serve the population of 18, but the nearest shopping center is over an hour away. What, then, could possibly draw people to this tiny speck on a map? The answer lies at the bridge that serves as the entrance to town.

Parkfield sits on the edge of the North American Plate, a stone's throw away from where it meets the Pacific Plate. Most people know this junction as the San Andreas Fault, and it runs the majority of the length of coastal California. As a result of this proximity to the fault, Parkfield has experienced frequent (in geologic terms) significant earthquakes. All of this seismic activity has not only led to the establishment of a US Geological Survey outpost in Parkfield, but has also led the community to proclaim itself "The Earthquake Capital of the World."

Parkfield's slogan: "Be here when it happens'

Just outside of the USGS outpost is a community bulletin board that serves as impromptu visitor's center. It provides some eye-opening predictions as well as insight into the research that is currently taking place.

Greater than 99%!

 

A simple diagram of the SAFOD

Returning to the bridge from earlier, it's evident (as the bulletin board indicated) that the Pacific Plate side has shifted slightly since its construction.

Note the shift in the rail at the far end in the background

 

The engineering of the bridge is fascinating in that the concrete supports allow for lateral movement. That's not to say that it wouldn't be destroyed in an earthquake--it most certainly would--but it permits the aseismic creep (essentially movement occurring without an earthquake) from weakening the bridge in non-earthquake years. Looking from side to side, the fault appears as nothing more than a dry riverbed.

The bridge "floats" upon the concrete supports

 

Looking north

Looking south

In the pioneering days long before it became an earthquake outpost, Parkfield experienced a short-lived mining boom. As the coal and mercury mine outputs dwindled, so did the population. Today, the western-themed Parkfield Lodge and Parkfield Cafe pay tribute to that bygone era. Both are operated by a local cattle-ranching family.

What Parkfield lacks in size and conveniences it undoubtedly makes up for in history and trivia. Its remote location assures that it will remain an intriguing small community.