S.F. Bay Area
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Attractions
California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
"EarthQuake:
Life on a Dynamic Planet" Exhibit

Earthquake:
Life on a Dynamic Planet
What a fascinating exhibit— and so fitting that it should be here in San Francisco, one of the world's most actively seismic zones! Did you know that several million earthquakes happen every year and no two earthquakes are alike? Luckily for us, most of them are too small to be felt.

Tip for saving time — buy a pre-paid Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket and skip the long ticket buying lines.

The continents of today didn't exist in the past — they were all joined together as one vast subcontinent called Pangaea. Over time, movements of plates in the earth's crusts slowly split them apart (e.g. Africa and South America). As these movements continue, the continents will be be joined together again in the future.

The self-guided "EarthQuake" tour begins with a walk-through model of the earth's core. Get an up-close view of minerals and touch rock samples. Learn about the evolution of plants, ancient fossils and animal life. See live baby ostriches* (they're adorable) and find out how they're connected to earthquakes. Experience an earthquake (or two) in the exhibit's earthquake simulator (all the memories of California's October 1989 quake along the San Andreas Fault came rushing back to us) — fun for kids and adults alike!

"Shake, Rattle & Roll"
— The Shake House
Hang on tight and get ready to "Shake, Rattle & Roll" in The Shake House (earthquake simulator) — experience 15 seconds of the 6.9 magnitude 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, followed by 30 seconds of the 90-second 7.9 magnitude 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.

If that doesn't get you motivated to make sure you're prepared for the BIG ONE, we don't know what will (especially if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area or in one of the world's seismically active zones!

Earthquake Preparedness
The exhibit features invaluable tips, including what you should do before, during, and after an earthquake. Find out what you need to put in an earthquake kit. Be sure to pick up a flyer and a free "Get Quake Ready" pamphlet at the exhibit.

The "EarthQuake" exhibit, located next to the Rainforest dome, is expected to run for several years.

*Live ostrich chicks will be on display at the exhibit through late 2012.

Admission
"EarthQuake" exhibit admission is included in the General Admission (which also includes access to all Museum and Aquarium Exhibits, the Rainforest, the Living Roof, EarthQuake Planetarium Show (tickets are required) and daily regularly scheduled events.

Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences "Behind the Scenes Platinum Tour"

Academy Hours
Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm
Sun 11am-5pm

Extended Summer Hours
Mon & Tues thru' Sept. 8, doors remain open until 8pm

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

More Info
"EarthQuake:
Life on a Dynamic Planet" exhibit

California Academy of Sciences
415-379-8000

CA Academy of Sciences main page

Aquarium / Amazon Forest

African Hall

Penguins @ African Hall

Living Roof /Observation Deck

Planetarium

Rainforest

Restaurants

The Swamp / White Alligator

Back to SF Museums page

Back to main Golden Gate Park pg

1989 Loma Prieta Quake

1906 Big San Francisco Quake

Top