Japan was subjected to a barrage of earthquakes Friday, led by a massive 8.9 magnitude quake…the strongest to hit Japan in over 100 years. Throughout the next 10 hours, over 40 aftershocks hammered the island nation resulting in widespread damage, landslides, fires, and a tsunami wave reaching up to 10 meters.
Earthquake “forecasting” may not only help to mitigate the catastrophic damages associated with earthquakes, but has the potential to save thousands of lives. For at least the last century scientists have struggled to develop an accurate prediction of earthquakes prior to their occurrence. Based on current research, we may be closer to accurate predictions than you think!
A few months back, I had the pleasure of creating this poster – in conjunction with the Kent State Geological Society – for the Department of Geology at Kent State University. The poster was created for use at an upcoming event and is now hanging in the hallways of the Department and will be used at future events.
Currently, natural gas provides 22 percent of America’s energy demand. The Marcellus Shale, in the eastern United States, has caught the eyes of the natural gas industry when this once considered insignificant source may have turned out to be a treasure chest bursting at the seams. With new estimates at 500 trillion cubic feet (10% recoverable), the natural gas reserves of the Marcellus Shale alone are enough to meet American demands for two years.
Not the typical Friday Photo Entry, but one that may appeal to the engineering geologists out there. Located in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, just East of U.S. Highway 460, this piece of engineering ingenuity resides immediately adjacent to the Norfolk Southern railroad.
Adventures in Geology 