New Method Pinpoints Origins and Paths of Earthquakes

Scientists develop a technique using fault surface scratches to improve earthquake forecasting and hazard assessment worldwide.

Researchers at UC Riverside have introduced a method to study curved scratches on fault planes, revealing the origins and directions of past earthquakes.
The technique, validated through computer modeling, offers clues about where future quakes might start and how they will propagate, enhancing prediction accuracy.
This approach has been successfully applied to historical quakes, including the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes in California, and prehistoric events on New Zealand's Alpine Fault.
Findings suggest that the direction of quake propagation significantly impacts shaking intensity and potential damage to populated areas, such as Los Angeles.
Scientists aim to apply this method globally, with a focus on California's fault network, including the San Andreas Fault, to improve preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.