Earthquakes - San Francisco

The region is particularly exposed to hazards associated with large earthquakes, owing to a combination of factors:
- Numerous major active faults in the region.

- A combined thirty year probability of a major earthquake in excess of seventy percent.

- Poorly responding native soil conditions in many places near the bay and in inland valleys, soils which amplify shaking as shown in the map to the right.

- Large areas of filled marshlands and bay muds that are significantly urbanized, with most subject to liquefaction, becoming unable to support structures.

- A large inventory of older buildings, many of which are expected to perform poorly in a major earthquake.

- Extensive building in areas subject to landslide, mudslide, and in some locations directly over active fault surface rubble zones.

- Most lowrise construction is not fireproof and water systems are likely to be extensively damaged and so large areas are subject to destruction by fire after a large earthquake.

The coastal location makes the region vulnerable to Pacific Ocean tsunamis. Some of these hazards are being addressed by seismic retrofitting, education in household seismic safety, and even complete replacement of major structures such as the eastern span of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge.For an article concerning a typical fault in the region and its associated hazards see Hayward Fault Zone. (from wikipedia)

Alcatraz Island - San Francisco

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare. The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf.

Coit Tower - San Francisco

Coit Tower sits atop Telegraph Hill, looming over the eastern side of San Francisco with its almost regal presence. It serves as a directional marker for people lost in the mazes of city streets, but with its rich history and its excellent viewpoint, Coit Tower offers much more than just a way to find out where you are in the city.Because of heavy traffic in the area, the best way to get up to Coit Tower is to walk through the energetic streets of North Beach to Filbert Street. The hill is one of the steepest short distances in San Francisco, but the street has steps to make the trek a little bit easier. For a break, pause halfway up and turn to the west to get a glimpse of the great view you will be seeing shortly. There are also many San Francisco limousine tours that can make your Coit Tower tour comfortable, while avoiding any parking hassles in this busy area.

web: http://sftravel.com/coit-tower-san-francisco.html

Chinatown - San Francisco

Besides the well known Chinatown Gate, the approx. 24-block area contains a lot of pagoda-roofed buildings, as well as nicely decorated lamp posts and phone booths in Chinese style.Chinatown also has several temples; three of them are located in the Waverly Place, which is also known as the 'street of painted balconies'. This street is certainly worth a visit. Another nice and much-photographed place in Chinatown is the corner of California and Grant, which has some nice pagoda-roofed buildings.

Twin peaks - San Francisco

These two unique and uninhabited hills, almost 1,000ft/300m high, are not in fact the highest of San Francisco's 43 hills, a distinction belonging to Mount Davidson which is some 33ft/10m higher. However, they are easier to get to (No. 37 bus) and offer what is perhaps the finest views out over the city and the bay (there are frequent mists from the Pacific).Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Francisco not to have been built over and remaining in their original state. From them you can look down over San Francisco and the bay; there is nowhere better than this from which to appreciate the vastness of this impressive city. The Spaniards called the twin peaks "Los pechos de la Chola" (i.e. the Breasts of the Indian Maiden).

web: http://www.planetware.com/san-francisco/twin-peaks-us-ca-twnpk.htm

Ocean Beach - San Francisco

Ocean Beach is protected by sand dunes. On the other side of the dunes is the Great Highway, a four-lane road that follows San Francisco's western border. There is a walking path near the roadway, and for a stretch, a nice paved seawall walkway follows the beach. On the other side of the road, a multi-use path, popular with joggers and bicyclists, runs along the highway.

Rip currents - San Francisco

Rip currents can be extremely dangerous, dragging swimmers away from the beach and leading to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted. Although a rare event, rip currents can be deadly for non-swimmers as well: a person standing waist deep in water can be dragged out into deeper waters, where they can drown if they are unable to swim and are not wearing a flotation device. Some beaches are more likely to have strong rip currents than others, and a few are particularly well known for them, the overall topography of the area being the main factor.Rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States, more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods. Over 80% of rescues by surf beach lifeguards are due to rip currents totaling 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year.