Barnacles

-----Original Message-----
From: Jenny Briggs [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 10:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Geologists seek info on Sumatran intertidal species

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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