Big Sur

1500 Documented Landslides

Oct 23, 2024 #geology#pacificcoasthighway#highway1California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of the world’s most iconic drives. But parts of it collapse into the ocean almost every year. Why does this road keep failing? And is there a solution? FEATURING: Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, UC Santa Cruz READ MORE:

CITATIONS:

#pacificcoasthighway#highway1#geology @ucsantacruz CHAPTERS:00:00 Highway 1 keeps collapsing 00:32 Highway 1’s history 01:14 The section most prone to collapse 01:55 Why is Big Sur so unstable? 02:48 Why is the highway becoming more precarious? 03:50 What can we do to stop this?

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Jb9yJ9lqY

For another 5 minute video on the future of Highway One from CBS Sunday Morning, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Jb9yJ9lqY

bigsurkate

Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.

View Comments

  • Thanks for all the useful links. YOU DO SUCH A GREAT JOB!

    I wonder why there is such widespread reluctance to distinguish failures occurring on structural fill embankments vs natural formations and other human factors (such as cutting away slope buttressing material, slope length, gradient, some kinds of forces etc.).

  • Enjoyed the geological discussion of Mud Creek & stabel vs unstable. I don't remember them closing the road 1 week prior due to activity, probably because in those days locals were still allowed to cross to the bitter end. I remember folks on Gorda Mtn watching it during the day daily to determine whether or not to send their kids to school & when we should perhaps shorten the school day due to the activity! And then Mother Nature let us know decisively!

    The closure seemed lengthy at the time but we sure didn't know re: the new rules of handling Paul's Slide or Regents that would pale the closure of Mud Creek.

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