The Salt Lake Tribune published an article recently on some trenching activity by the Utah Geologic Survey and the USGS to better date past movements on this active fault.
Geoarchaeology
Tectonics and Ancient Civilizations
A new study published in the current issue of Geoarchaeology claims that earthquake-prone areas along the edges of tectonic plates were far more likely to give birth to great ancient civilizations than less dynamic landscapes. The author of the paper, Eric Force, a (U of A Wildcat!) says that 13 of 15 ancient civilizations sites aren’t the product of chance. Instead, ancient people appear to have chosen to settle close to a tectonic plate boundary. The exceptions were in ancient China and Egypt. [Image Adapted from Eric R. Force, Geoarchaeology: An International Journal, 23 (2008)]
Geologic Hazards
Video: Magnitude 7 Earthquake Strikes Anchorage, Alaska
A magnitude 7 earthquake struck just 8 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska this morning causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The quake struck at 8:29 am local time and the focus of the earthquake […]
Geologic Hazards
Sichuan Province Nearly 1 Year Later on Dave’s landslide Blog
David Petley from Dave’s landslide Blog has been on a trip to Sichuan Province in China, site of last May’s tragic earthquake and deadly landslides. He has posted a 5-part series at his blog with […]