San Andreas Fault Earthquakes Caused By Deep Underground Forces

Scientists at the University of South California (USC) have detected that the earthquakes registered alongside California’s San Andreas Fault occur much deeper than previously understood. The previous knowledge of the fault indicated that earthquakes are registered in the first 16 km (10 miles) of the crust, but a new study shows that some tremors on the San Andreas Fault take place much deeper.

The infamous San Andreas Fault is causing distress to the inhabitants of the adjacent cities, particularly Parkfield, due to often and strong earthquakes. From 1857 to 2004, Parkfield has been struck by several earthquakes magnitude 6.0 and more, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

This has made the Parkfield the central point of investigation of the San Andreas Fault, as the fault slices past the town. For now, the scientists have been centered on the first 10 miles of the crust, but a new study shows that minor tremors are detected much deeper, says the Assistant professor of Earth sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Sylvain Barbot. -Full Report