NEW NBMG PUBLICATION

Surface Rupture Map of the 2020 M6.5 Monte Cristo Range Earthquake, Esmeralda and Mineral Counties, Nevada

by Seth Dee, Rich D. Koehler, Austin J. Elliott, Alexandra E. Hatem, Alexandra J. Pickering, Ian Pierce, Gordon G. Seitz, Camille M. Collett, Timothy E. Dawson, Conni De Masi, Craig M. dePolo, Evan J. Hartshorn, Christopher M. Madugo, Charles C. Trexler, Danielle M. Verdugo, Steven G. Wesnousky, and Judith Zachariasen

Web page:

Digital datasets from the 2020 M6.5 Monte Cristo Range earthquake, Nevada

http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Geohazards/Earthquakes/MonteCristoRangeEQData.html

Free download or purchase paper copy:

https://pubs.nbmg.unr.edu/Monte-Cristo-Range-EQ-p/m190.htm

The 15 May 2020, M6.5 Monte Cristo Range earthquake was the largest earthquake in Nevada in over 66 years and occurred in a sparsely populated area of western Nevada about 74 km southeast of the town of Hawthorne. The earthquake produced surface rupture distributed across a 28-km-long zone along the eastward projection of the Candelaria fault in the Mina deflection of the central Walker Lane. Post-event field surveys mapped surface ruptures and measured displacements, which reached up to ~20 cm of oblique slip. Additional detailed mapping was completed using centimeter-resolution orthomosaics generated from Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle surveys. The rupture observations and displacement data are compiled into this 1:14,000-scale map, data tables, and accompanying digital dataset. The rupture consists of two distinct deformational domains roughly separated by U.S. Highway 95: ENE-trending ruptures with normal and left-oblique displacements in the western domain, and N- to NNE-trending ruptures with normal and right-oblique displacement in the eastern domain. The complex pattern of surface rupture is consistent with the projections of mapped bedrock and Quaternary faults in the area and illustrates the kinematics of slip partitioning at the junction of variably oriented structures in the shallow subsurface.

More information on large historical earthquakes in Nevada and how you can be prepared:

http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Geohazards/index.html

http://www.seismo.unr.edu/

Did you feel it?

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/data/dyfi/

Great Nevada ShakeOut—October 15

This information is from the ShakeOut website: Great Nevada ShakeOut!

“Here are some tools and tips to help you plan and promote the best drill possible:

1) See the Resources page for drill broadcasts, web graphics, earthquake safety guides, and drill manuals. Visit the How to Participate page to learn how to plan your drill and get prepared. We also have a special page with COVID-19 considerations for adapting your drill in 2020.

2) Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms with #ShakeOut! And follow us, too:

Facebook: Facebook.com/greatshakeout
Twitter: @ShakeOut
Instagram: GreatShakeOut
YouTube: youtube.com/greatshakeout

3) Learn from and share the Earthquake Safety Video Series with co-workers, family, and friends!

If at any time you need to update your information, please go to http://www.shakeout.org/nevada/login/ and enter your e-mail address and your password.

If you have other questions about your registration, or the ShakeOut in general, please e-mail info@shakeout.org.”

Related information:
http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Geohazards/index.html
https://pubs.nbmg.unr.edu/Living-with-earthquakes-in-NV-p/sp027.htm

Monte Cristo Earthquake Fault Still Active with 6,500 Aftershocks

University Geoscience Teams Monitoring, Finding, Mapping Damage and Surface Ruptures 
By Mike Wolterbeek
Nevada Today, Nevada Impact (June 1, 2020)

Geoff Blewitt Wins UNR Outstanding Researcher Award for 2020

Geoff Blewitt, professor of geosciences at NBMG, has won UNR’s Outstanding Researcher award. The award is given annually to a University faculty member based on a very distinguished record in research or creative activities. The award winner must have contributed a meaningful amount of work while a member of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Prof. Blewitt was hired by NBMG 21 years ago to start a program in the discipline of geodesy and its many scientific applications, including the precise measurement of geology in action today. He has since established the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory, which has installed over 400 GPS stations spanning the Great Basin. These stations are used to measure the buildup of strain in the Earth’s crust that eventually leads to earthquakes that cause permanent displacements, such as the May 15th M6.5 Monte Cristo Range earthquake near Tonopah. He has over 100 publications that have been cited more than 12,000 times, and he has been principal investigator on dozens of projects funded by NASA, NSF, DOE, and USGS, bringing in over $7M in federal grants in just the past 10 years.

You can read about Geoff’s award and his research in this Nevada Today article:

Using worldwide GPS data to study changes in Earth’s crust, from the Ice Age to today—The University’s 2020 Outstanding Researcher award recognizes the amazing discoveries, scientific contributions and career of Geoff Blewitt

by Jane Tors, with contributions by Mike Wolterbeek
Nevada Today, June 5, 2020

“Visionary with a view: Geoff Blewitt, University of Nevada, Reno’s 2020 Outstanding Researcher, at a GPS station overlooking the Truckee Meadows.”

Congratulations to Geoff!
From NBMG

NBMG IN THE NEWS

Story on M6.5 Monte Cristo Range Earthquake:

The largest earthquake since 1954 is a reminder that Nevada moves in many directions
By Daniel Rothberg, The Nevada Independent, May 24th, 2020 – 2:00am

Read The Nevada Independent story on the M6.5 Monte Cristo Range earthquake. This story resulted from a discussion with NBMG Director and State Geologist, Jim Faulds.

Related information (updated May 26): Monte Cristo Range Earthquake – May 15, 2020, 4:03 am PDT

Carson City Aftershocks Continue after Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake

Carson City Aftershocks Continue after Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake: College of Science Seismological Lab Tracks Seismic Activity in Silver State
by Mike Wolterbeek, Nevada Today, Research & Innovation, March 26, 2020

Read the full story and learn more about earthquake planning in Nevada!

AEG Monthly Meeting—Thursday, March 12 Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists

Speaker: Stephen Dickenson, Adjunct Research Faculty, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, UNR

Topic: Post-Earthquake Forensic Investigations of Soil-Structure Interaction:  A Sleuth’s Guide to Seismological, Geological, and Geotechnical Clues 

Abstract: This presentation will focus on lessons learned from field observations and forensic evaluations of building foundations made by Dr. Dickenson and his colleagues at sites in Wellington, New Zealand following the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura Earthquake. An overview will be provided that addresses seismological aspects of the strong ground motions recorded at the project sites and the significant impact of local geology on the strength of the ground shaking. This overview will lead into the case study of seismic performance of a five-story, pile-supported building, which was built in 2009, well instrumented with accelerometers, and had been subjected to two prior Mw 6.5 earthquakes. The project team was charged with evaluating the likelihood of significant damage to the pile foundations; a forensic investigation that required thorough seismological, geological, and geotechnical evaluation.

Biography: Stephen Dickenson is the President of New Albion Geotechnical, Inc., a consultancy specializing in geotechnical earthquake engineering applications for major civil works. Dr. Dickenson’s consulting, research, and post-earthquake reconnaissance efforts have primarily focused on dynamic soil-structure-interaction and the seismic performance of slopes and earth structures, earth retention systems, bridges, port and coastal facilities, and buildings. He has led, and supported, numerous investigations of the seismic performance of civil infrastructure involving development on weak soils, deep foundations and buried utilities subjected to ground failure, and the effectiveness of ground treatment for mitigating hazards.

Dr. Dickenson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of California, Berkeley, his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and his Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a licensed Civil Engineer (CA, NV, OR, WA) and board-certified Diplomate in Port Engineering (ACOPNE D. PE) with over 30 years of experience in consulting practice, academia, applied research, and development of continuing education for geo-professionals. He has resided in numerous places along a circuitous path from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Pacific Northwest, and now makes his home in Reno where he enjoys all of the outdoor time he can get.

https://mcusercontent.com/e3fe5826ea2196948cdbbc1a2/files/dcce64a9-0f98-4a7d-8e7a-09692413b532/Stephen_Dickensonbio_abstract.pdf

Details:
LOCATION: SURESTAY PLUS HOTEL BY BEST WESTERN, 1981 TERMINAL WAY, RENO, NEVADA 89502
SOCIAL HOUR: 5:15PM
DINNER: 6:00PM
PRESENTATION: 7:00PM

RSVP TO MERRILY GRAHAM NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM, TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH:
mkgraham75@gmail.com

This month we will be serving corned beef, salad, and key lime pie. On the RSVP, please indicate if you have a dietary restriction such as vegan, vegetarian or gluten free options.

Nevada Today Story Features NBMG Research Team

Finding Faults—How the Burgeoning Walker Lane May Split the American West
By Mike Wolterbeek, Nevada Today, February 18, 2020

Excerpts: “California won’t fall into the ocean, but it could get nudged hundreds of miles offshore, making Nevada the new coastline of the continent, scientists at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno hypothesize. They have combined decades of data and the latest technology to study the Walker Lane, an approximately 1000-kilometer-long (625 miles) corridor riddled with hundreds of earthquake faults.

Several researchers at the University are part of a group of scientists who are studying the massive system of relatively discontinuous faults that runs through western Nevada. It is known as the Walker Lane and in about 7-8 million years or so could become the new tectonic boundary between the North American and Pacific plates. The group at the University is relatively rare, as it includes expertise that analyzes fault zones at three different time scales from tens of millions of years (structural geology/tectonics) to the past approximately two million years (paleoseismology) to the present (geodesy). This combination of expertise is needed to understand the evolution of something potentially as grand as the Walker Lane.  In essence, the University team combines the most modern fieldwork techniques with the latest technologies such as satellites, LIDAR and computer simulations…”

“But it’s the combination of three science disciplines that illustrates the prominence of the Walker Lane – paleoseismology, geodesy and Faulds’ specialty of structural geology/tectonics. All three perspectives are crucial in analyzing something like the Walker Lane, because they provide three different timeframes with which to evaluate the evolution of the Walker Lane – from what’s happening now, to the past million years or so, and to the long-term (back-tracking tens of millions of years). We have all three disciplines in the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno…”

Read the complete version of this interesting story/presentation!

The NBMG research team described in this story includes Jim Faulds, Rich Koehler, Jayne Bormann, Bill Hammond, Corné Kreemer, Geoffrey Blewitt, Seth Dee, Chris Henry, and students Colin Chupik and Conni De Masi.

The Great Nevada Shakeout—Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 AM

“Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:17 a.m. on October 17 during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills!

Nevadans can join them today by registering for the 2019 Great Nevada ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes—wherever you live, work, or travel.”

https://www.shakeout.org/nevada/

Other Resources on Earthquakes in Nevada:
NBMG Geohazards page
NBMG Open Data Geohazards
Seismo Lab Website

Nevada’s First Recorded Earthquake Death? This Could Be It, Caused by Ridgecrest Temblors

By Rong-Gong Lin II, Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times
August. 6, 2019 6 AM

Excerpts are copied below. You can read the complete story here: Nevada’s First Recorded Earthquake Death? This Could Be It, Caused by Ridgecrest Temblors

“For all the power of the Ridgecrest earthquakes — the strongest with an epicenter in Southern California in nearly two decades — the only death related to the temblors may have actually occurred outside the state.

The death in Nevada is illustrative of the significant earthquake risk the Silver State, though not as bad as California, still endures. The Reno area, for instance, has a seismic risk that approaches that of the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Nevada state geologists…

There has never been a documented death from an earthquake in Nevada, according to Craig dePolo, earthquake geologist at the state Bureau of Mines and Geology, who has exhaustively researched records of the 23 earthquakes with epicenters in Nevada of magnitude 6 or greater. “If indeed Mr. Ray’s death was caused by an earthquake, it would be the first time it’s been recorded,” he said…

Nevada has been largely quiet of destructive earthquakes since the 1960s, except for the magnitude 6 Wells earthquake of 2008, which caused an abandoned two-story building to collapse and two more buildings to partially collapse, and damaged about 30 others. Officials reported $19 million in damage.

But from the 1850s to the 1950s, there were 22 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater in Nevada.

“Up until about the 1960s, Nevada was very active,” dePolo said. “It used to be known as an earthquake state, just like California. But we’ve lost a lot of the folklore because there’s been fewer earthquakes. Awareness is moderate to low.”

Nevada is farther away from the main plate boundary dividing the Pacific and North American plates, but the state still gathers seismic strain over the decades that must be released in earthquakes eventually. “The handle is turning, and the box is there — it’s just a matter of time before the jack-in-the-box pops out.”

The Reno area has an earthquake risk approaching that of San Francisco, dePolo said; Las Vegas’ risk is less, but still exists. Faults in the basin Reno sits in is capable of generating earthquakes as big as magnitude 6.8; a larger fault in the Carson Valley just south of Reno could generate a quake as large as magnitude 7.4.

Just east of Las Vegas is Frenchman Mountain, and on the east side of the mountain lies an earthquake fault capable of producing an earthquake of possibly magnitude 6.7, dePolo said.”