I am writing on behalf of a research group (the Tectonics Observatory)
at Caltech in Pasadena, California that has been studying the tectonics
of Indonesia for several years. They determine the history of earthquakes by
documenting uplift and subsidence of the earth’s surface through time (see
http://www.tectonics.caltech.edu/sumatra) and have found that coral
microatolls are especially useful recorders of ground motion associated
with earthquakes.

My question is: Could other species besides coral serve as reliable indicators
of sudden sea level change along the coast?  For example, exposed mussel beds
have been used for this purpose in Alaska and California – could a
similar technique be applied to non-coral species near the equator?

The most helpful species might be those that can live only up to
the lowest low tide mark and would die if this level drops following
uplift, but species in the intertidal zone may be useful too.

Prompted by the recent earthquakes, this group will begin work in Sumatra in
early May. We'd appreciate quick replies if you have any information that
might be helpful, or suggestions of specialists to contact!
Many thanks,

Jenny Briggs
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