San Andreas picks up vibrations linked to tectonic plate movement

Posted on Monday, April 17 2006 @ 9:17 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Scientists discovered tremors deep inside the Earth can also be produced be shifting and sliding of tectonic plates. Usually this is caused by magma flowing beneath volcanoes.
Scientists have recorded vibrations from underground tremors at a geologic observatory along the San Andreas Fault, an 800-mile (1,280-kilometer) scar in the earth that runs through California. The fault marks the boundary between the Pacific Tectonic Plate and the North American Plate.

Tectonic plates are large pieces of Earth's crust that bump and grind like chunks of sea ice floating atop the ocean. Earth's surface is made up of about 10 major tectonic plates and many more minor ones.
More details can be read over at MSNBC.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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