Volcanoes Helped Create California's Wealth

Geologic changes usually happen within a time frame spanning millions of years. Because most continental upheavals are impossible to witness in real time, an event like the explosion of Washington State's Mt. St. Helens seems like a spectacular rarity. The landscape and history of California has largely been shaped by long-term volcanism, and low-level activity continues unabated today in the Golden State.

California's last big eruption occurred at Mt. Lassen during 1914-1917. Part of what is called the Cascadia subduction zone, this is the southern region of the Cascade mountains that extend through Canada. The thirteen major volcanoes below the United States northern border may seem asleep, but eleven have actually erupted during the past 4000 years, an eye blink geologically.

These mountains have actually helped make California rich. People worldwide choose to live near dangerous volcanoes because the eruptions eventually break down into extremely fertile soil. Huge areas of the earth's landscape have profited immensely from this process, and that is especially true in California, one of the richest agricultural areas anywhere.

Volcanism also brought precious metals to the surface, where they become available for human exploitation. The Gold Rush of 1848 began because that mineral was initially brought to the surface by volcanoes, and could be easily mined. The rush made the city of San Francisco the premier western financial center, and while few actually struck it rich, the region benefited economically.

Today, population concentrations exist along major geologic fault-lines that crisscross California. Earthquakes have not stopped people from settling here, nor does the thought of another possible eruption. In northern California, The Geysers geothermal fields produce electricity using the heat from near-surface magma to drive turbines, producing power without pollution.

Another kind of wealth flows from the recreation industry. The Sierra Nevada mountains act as a barrier between California and the Great Basin of Nevada, causing storms to drop immense amounts of snow. Adjacent to the immense volcanic area known as the Long Valley Caldera in eastern California, the Mammoth Mountain area receives multiple feet of powder each year, perfect for skiing.

Even though the last major eruption was half a million years ago, the area still rests on a thin sheet of crust over magma that produces slow, rhythmic ground swelling. Buyers of Mammoth Lakes condos need not worry too much, however, because the likelihood of an imminent explosion is small. Even with the havoc that volcanoes cause, they are the earth's agents of rebirth and prosperity, especially in the Golden State.

By: Mel Woltom

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Over the years I've had my eye on Mammoth real estate, and some of the best times to buy were during the volcano and earthquake scares. Now is the time to buy because of the down economy. Mammoth condos offer a wonderful opportunity to own in this beautiful town, volcano or no volcano! Visit www.mammothrealestateblog.com for information on real estate in Mammoth Lakes.