USGS Visitor Center in Menlo Park

When you live in earthquake country, you're no stranger to cracked sidewalks, and liquefaction, and the tiny temblors that barely wake you in the middle of the night. But it's the ongoing promise of the "big one" that makes even the smallest rattle raise the systolic -- just a bit.

My workaround is to appreciate the amazing (if volatile) geology that surrounds us in the Bay Area. And one of the best ways to get oriented around fault lines and seismic shakes is to make a trip to the USGS Visitor Center in Menlo Park.

You'll see diagrams of the local faults -- and realize they run right under your house. You can pick up some free literature, buy books and USGS maps, then chill with a beer as you contemplate the shifting tectonic plates beneath your feet.

There are areas around the Bay where the seismic activity changes the landscape in most interesting ways. And the USGS documents can assist with finding the hot spots on self-guided tours.

In 2004, the USGS Menlo Park Center celebrated its 50th anniversary, and it plays on as a local treasure of geologic significance.

USGS in Menlo Park
345 Middlefield Road
USGS Menlo Park Website

See the USGS Center on a map of San Mateo Landmarks and Attractions.

Also take a look at Andrew Alden's Geo-Photos From the Bay Area. His geology website is great source of information on earthquakes and all aspects of geology.

^{Pictured: Seismograph at USGS Menlo Park Campus
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}