Early earthquake warning: New tools show promise

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Seismic waves were generated in the pilot hole of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth near Parkfield Calif. and detected in the main hole at depths of approximately one kilometer. An inverse correlation was found between changes in wave travel ...
Seismic waves were generated in the pilot hole of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth, near Parkfield, Calif., and detected in the main hole, at depths of approximately one kilometer. An inverse correlation was found between changes in wave travel time and barometric pressure, causing increased stress in the rock. Credit: NSF

Using remarkably sensitive new instruments, seismologists have detected minute geological changes that preceded small earthquakes along California's famed San Andreas Fault by as much as 10 hours.


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All News summaries for July 09, 2008