Watershed Geology Lab
Storm of February 24, 2008 (D. Smith)
Below took a series of photographs of the seacliff along the park before the storm hit (Jan. 3) and after the storm had passed (Jan. 6). I also shot some stills and short digital movies at the peak surf and tide combination (8:00a Jan 5). I hope to add images shot by Steve Moore, Suzy Worcester, and Bruce Delgado, who were with me for the excitement on Jan 5.
Feb. 24 Conditions at about 12:00 PST included scattered showers and high wind, which limited photo opportunities. The seacliff showed signs of recent ravelling and minor slipping, with some slips extending from the beach to the cliff top. There was far less activity than seen in early January. During this event, the swell was a bit lower, and the high tide was moderately lower.
FEB. 24 compared to JAN. 6 Below are photo pairs comparing the sea cliff after the Feb. 24 storm with after the Jan 3 storm.
1)The large slide near the parking lot has lost its toe. The toe disappeared soon after the Jan.3 storm.
2) Although there is evidence of change resulting from the Feb. storm, it is clear that this storm locally modified the major changes witnessed after the Jan. 3 storm.
3) The intersection of swash zone and sea cliff is higher on the cliff in Feb.
4) The swash zone is steep.
