Whole Lotta Shakin'

What causes the San Andreas Fault system to generate earthquakes? USU geologists are analyzing drill cuttings from deep within the famous California fault that reveal belts of rock deformed by crushing movement. Called “shear zones” these areas offer clues to powerful forces simmering beneath the Earth’s surface.

For more information contact D. Corey Barton, student researcher, 435- 787-8838, and James Evans, professor and faculty mentor, 435-797-1267, Geology Department, College of Science, Utah State University. Barton displays a poster of his research Wednesday, March 22, at 12:30 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Stevenson Ballroom during USU Science Week, March 20-24, on campus.