GLG 410 FINAL PROJECT:

VA EARTHQUAKE ANALYSIS

Introduction:

August 23rd, 2011 a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck in Louisa County, 5 miles SSW from Mineral, VA.

Largest earthquake east of the Rocky Mountains since 1897.

The quake was felt from South Carolina to Maine, and even closed parts of DC.

Geology of Piedmont Region

The earthquake occurred in the VA seismic zone, in the Piedmont Region.

Originally formed as zone of repeated continental collision that created the Appalachian Mountains.

Numerous reverse faults formed during periods of orogeny were reactivated during Mesozoic extension.

Faults

Epicenter lies between Spotsylvania fault and Chopawamsic Fault.

Earthquake shows reverse slip faulting on a north to northeast striking fault plane (~5-15km long slip)

GOOGLE EARTH

ARCGIS MAP

MATLAB PICTURES

Magnitudes-Time

Magnitude Decay

8/5/2011 8/25/2011 9/14/2011 10/4/2011 10/24/2011 11/13/2011 12/3/2011 12/23/20110

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5

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7

Magnitudes Since August 23rd VA Earthquake

Date

Magnit

ude

Hazard Map

Further Research

Create more detailed KML file for GOOGLE earth.

Research future aftershocks

Plot faults on arcmap

Thank You

Have a good break!