Beach Walk
UPDATED: 20 September 2024: tentative 2024 beachwalk schedule for in-person beach walks posted
POSTED: 01 September 2024

The beachwalk will be your 'weekly' homework #10, though it will NOT be the last assignment to be handed out. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have offered the beachwalk in virtual format to most students. Alternatively, we can offer in-person beach walks to up to 100 students.

On the walk, you will learn the difference in scenery on the south side of the SIO pier (see bottom of this page for maps) vs. the north side. You will learn about the seismic hazard related to the Rose Canyon fault and other faults off-shore. You will also learn about the genesis and hazards of our weak, ever-crumbling cliffs and what we can do about slowing down cliff erosion. We will also discuss seasonal changes of our beaches, and we finally will go to the water line and experiment with liquefaction.

To prepare you for the beachwalk, please download the beachwalk summary (pdf) for recommended reading.

** Virtual Beachwalk only

When it is time to do the walk and assignment virtually, please go to the homework page, download the assignment and watch the virtual beachwalk. The video is about 32 min long but you should probably plan for an hour to allow for stopping the video and completing your assignment. Some questions may be slightly out of order, but each major topic (each point from 1 to 7) is self-contained.

Recommended schedule - The video and assignments are available 10/29 - 11/12, and you can submit your completed assignment anytime via Gradescope. However, it is recommended that you do the assignment as soon as possible.

** In-Person Beachwalk only

We have a limited number of in-person beach walks. One of our tour guides will lead you onto the Scripps Pier (closed to the public) and then to the SIO beach. You will walk a few 100 yards. You will complete your assignment during this beachwalk. Your tour guide will collect and grade your assignment. This will be your homework #10.
Available beachwalks in 2024:

  • Sat, Oct 19: 1:00 pm
  • Sat, Oct 19: 1:30 pm

  • Sun, Oct 20: 2:00 pm
  • Sun, Oct 20: 2:30 pm

  • Sat, Nov 02: 12:00 pm
  • Sat, Nov 02: 12:30 pm cancelled
  • Sun, Nov 03: 12:00 pm (note that posted times are PST as daylight saving time ended)
  • Sun, Nov 03: 12:30 pm (note that posted times are PST as daylight saving time ended) cancelled
due to too many (unexcused) no-shows for the trips on Oct 19 and Oct 20, we have to cancel two trips on the Nov 2,3 weekend.

Mandatory sign-up - due to the limited number of available slots, you must sign up for the in-person beachwalk. Please use your UCSD email address, provide your name and the beachwalk you would like to join. First come, first served. You can fill in the form only once, no changes possible.

SIGN-UP IS NOW OPEN.

Fill out for weekend 1. (now closed)

Fill out this Google form for weekend 2.



Directions: we will meet at the gate to the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla.
Please be at the gate 15 min before your beachwalk. The gate will be locked promptly, and late-comers will not be able to join.
  • take the #30 bus down La Jolla Shores Drive and get off at the Discovery way stop.
  • walk/bike/scoot down Expedition Way, past the Birch Aquarium; walk takes about 30 min from south end of main campus/North Torrey Pines Road
  • drive/park along La Jolla Shores Drive (not recommended); please do not leave any valuables in your car!

SHORT VIDEO FOR PREPARATION :
For further help, and to prepare for the Beachwalk, we provide the following short video.
Please watch pre-Beachwalk video before your in-person field trip!

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

  • a clip board or something to write on; a few pens
  • proper footwear, i.e. shoes suitable for the beach (anticipate that they get wet)
  • if sun is in the forecast, particularly when there is a Santa Ana: proper sun protection, a hat, sunglasses; plenty of drinking water (we will be in the sun for 60-90 min!)
  • a sweater or wind jacket; it's usually windier and cooler at the beach than at home!
  • if gloomy or rainy weather is in the forecast: wind jacket, rain gear, umbrella. We have never canceled a beach walk!

    • ACADEMIC INTEGRITY :
    You will complete an assignment on the beach. You can work in groups to fill out your assignments. However, bringing an answersheet to the walk or Googling for an answer is considered cheating. In either case, you will be asked to leave the beachwalk. Your assignment will be confiscated and will receive zero points. Repeat cheaters will be reported to UCSD. Your cell phone should be off at all times, for three reasons:

    1. to pay attention to the field trip and do your assignment
    2. to show respect to your tour guide
    3. to avoid being suspected of cheating

    Google map Google hybrid map

    Contact:

    When sending us emails, please include "sio15" in your subject line and use your UCSD-issued email address. Also sign your email with your full name. Unsigned emails will be ignored.