Hmmm... Good question. (I wish I could be that student by the way - this is the stuff I like to do!... I think I need another year or 2 of education though...)

There has been talk about the relationships between the San Andreas fault and the Anatolian fault. Are there similar relationships in the Marmara Sea and Santa Monica Bay? As I understand it we're all part of the San Andreas fault system here - even along the coast.

I think there is a lot of new information being generated out of the Santa Monica Bay that will probably fill the time for a talk. I think tsunami hazard would be a real concern. Is there any evidence of past tsunamis in the area? I suppose its very tough to come up with that answer considering the development of the coast. Ballona creek may be an area to explore that question.

Gee - I just pulled out my California Fault map (very hard with 5 cats wanting to play in, under and on it) - I don't know if these questions are too basic or not - What relationship does the Santa Monica bay have with the transverse ranges? Isn't there controversy about block motions and why the rotation of the ranges? What evidence may be in the Bay to supoprt any new theories.

I know I'll have a better answer for you after I hear Mark Legg's presentation on Jan 23rd about his recent work in the bay. His talk is titled " New surprises in the offshore California Borderland."

Or - do you have a few suggestions or thoughts and I'll tell you what sounds interesting? That's about the best I can do in a few minutes here. Enjoy Santa barbara! It should be getting a little warmer for the next few days.

Canie