One of the main reasons for California's beauty the tectonic plate movement beneath the surface of state. This movement is responsible for some of 's breathtaking mountain ranges and deep valleys. California is of a large area of land called the of Fire that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. It a hotbed of volcanic activity and earthquakes.

California had its share of earthquakes over the years. most famous was the Great San Francisco earthquake 1906. The city was completely unprepared for an of this magnitude. The quake was estimated to 7.8 on the Richter scale. More than 80 of the city was destroyed, and an estimated ,000 people lost their lives.

San Francisco was again by a large earthquake in October 1989. The Prieta quake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale, occurred during the World Series, an annual championship of baseball. Although the loss of life was compared with other quakes, it had a profound on the transportation system in the city.

Southern has suffered its share of quakes also. In , the region was hit by a 6.6 quake Sylmar, just north of Los Angeles; in 1994, area was devastated in the Northridge quake. Other , but none-the-less frightening, and dangerous quakes have plagued regions.

Because of these disasters, building codes have greatly. This has helped minimize the number of suffered from these quakes. Furthermore, engineers are constantly work to improve buildings. Americans have the ability, , and determination to survive and thrive in the of danger.