Geologic Hazards
Trenching on Weber Segment of Wasatch Fault
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.
Geologic Hazards
Geologic Hazards
National Geographic Article on New Orleans Levees
National Geographic has published an article on the New Orleans levee system entitled "New Orleans Levees, Are They Safe?". The article indicates, as has been reported from other sources, that the levees are now back […]
Geologic Hazards
Earth Fissures on Phoenix PBS Affiliate “Horizon” Show
Phoenix Arizona’s PBS affiliate, KAET-TV, Channel 8 had a segment on Earth Fissures on their May 30th episode of "Horizons". They interviewed one resident of the Chandler Heights area that has problems with earth fissures on her property. They also interviewed Todd Shippman with the AZGS in the field. Todd is the project manager for the AZGS’ earth fissure mapping program. The bulk of the program was an interview with Lee Allison, the head of the AZGS and the Arizona State Geologist. He explains the earth fissure mapping program, and the planning scale maps that were just released this week on the AZGS Website. Click through for embedded video of the segment from the Horizon Website. You can also download it as a podcast if you wish. (Photo courtesy of NCS Consultants, LLC.)
Geologic Hazards
Allstate to Stop Underwriting Houses in California
Allstate Insurance company will no longer be underwriting houses effective in July. No changes will occur for existing customers. The move is supposedly to "limit its exposure to catastrophe" such as earthquakes. Allstate has also […]
Geologic Hazards
Bacteria Could Help Prevent Liquefaction During Earthquakes
Research at UC Davis has shown that a common bacteria could be used to help stabilize soils prone to liquefaction during earthquakes. The work involves using cultured Bacillus pasteurii, commonly found in soil, injected into […]
Geologic Hazards
Utah Considers Stricter Rules for Development in Landslide Prone Areas
The Utah Governer’s Geologic Hazards Working Group, which includes no one from the private sector, is considering some model legislation that can be adopted by cities and counties to make it more difficult for developers to build in landslide prone areas. Also, among other things, the group may recommend that Utah adopt stricter grading requirements based on the experiences of California. Read on for more info.
Geologic Hazards
Geologic Hazards
Machu Picchu at risk from Landslides
The world famous archaeological site, Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes Mountains may be at risk from landslides. A paper published by three Japanese researchers describes their field work and instrumentation of the site and their analyses. Read on for more info. (Photo by Jungle_Boy)
Geologic Hazards
Assessment of Volcanic Hazard in Yellowstone
[Update 5/10/07] A small swarm of earthquakes measuring up to 2.7 on the Richter Scale was recorded in the Yellowstone area on Wed. May 2, 2007 [/Update]
The USGS has released an Open File Report (OFR) entitled Preliminary Assessment of Volcanic and Hydrothermal Hazards in Yellowstone National Park and Vicinity. Possible future violent events in the active hydrothermal, magmatic, and tectonic system of Yellowstone National Park pose potential hazards to park visitors and infrastructure. Most of the national park and vicinity are sparsely populated, but significant numbers of people as well as park resources could nevertheless be at risk from these hazards. Read on for the link.
Geologic Hazards
Landslide, Wal-Mart Battle Continue On Route 65 in Pittsburgh
[Update 7/10/07] The Kilbuck landslide site is moving faster and, along with rising underground water, another slide could happen, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said on June 7. On June 14, Wal-Mart and it’s […]