News From the Field
Sun and Moon Trigger Deep Tremors on San Andreas Fault

December 23, 2009

When the sun and moon are aligned with the San Andreas Fault they tug on it enough to increase the tremor rate deep underground, according to a new UC Berkeley study. While these tremors have not yet been linked to earthquakes, the tremors are associated with increased stress on the fault and may increase the risk of future quakes. The ease with which the deep rock slips indicates it is lubricated by high-pressure water. Full Story

Source
University of California, Berkeley

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