New Science: What We Are Learning About Utah Earthquakes

We are aware of the possibility of earthquakes in Utah. There are many faults running through the state including the Wasatch Fault in northern Utah and the Hurricane Fault down south. A look at seismic activity for the last two weeks shows almost 20 tremors that were noted on the seismographs. 

A recent paper published by the US Geological Survey proposes the theory that many of the tremors we feel today are aftershocks of major earthquakes going back to the 19th century. The New Madrid seismic zone is an area in the central part of the country with the center in Missouri that had massive earthquakes in the 1800’s. 

In the study, they looked at these quakes that changed the face of the land around it and have determined that aftershocks from the time are still affecting the earth. After reading the paper, I guess it could be possible, but I feel a little skeptical. It seems like a long time for waves to be bouncing around in the earth’s core. 

There are heavenly bodies that push and pull on the earth every day. The moon circles and pulls on the world's oceans creating massive tides. If you have ever spent time at the beach, you know how the tide comes in and goes out as the moon pulls on the water. What you may not know is the same thing happens to the earth’s crust. 

It is called earth tide and was discovered when global positioning satellites were launched into orbit around the planet. The continents can be pushed and pulled by heavenly bodies. It is not as great as the oceans, but it is still significant. All this pushing and pulling will grind the rocks together creating tension and heat. 

It is interesting what they are discovering about the earth with modern technology. Hopefully they will learn enough to protect us when the big one rattles through Utah.