This is why I became geologist. I've been hired to evaluate the debris flow hazard after the big CZU fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains of CA. I get to explore alien landscapes like this. I felt like Frodo and Samwise scaling Mount Doom. The photo is on a level ridge but most of the hike was on extremely steep terrain. It took two hours to go 1/2 mile, almost straight up. I had to cut steps into the slope with my rock hammer. It was hot with the sun beating down on the black void, and the ash I kicked up stung my eyes. I cut my arm somewhere along the way and had blood dripping off my finger tips. I looked like a Jackson Pollack charcoal painting by the end of the day.
But I loved it. I'm weird that way. All geologists are.
The photo I attached is of one of the most severely burnt areas. But most of the burn is already recovering, with numerous small shoots growing from root balls of various chaparral plants and redwood trees. Most of the redwoods and Douglas firs are fine. The green trees in the distance are in the burn area, but only the undergrowth burnt in the majority of the forests. The scene did not make me sad; it made me appreciate the wonder of nature even more.
As for debris flows, let's just say they better hope this drought we're having continues.
