THE LOS ALAMOS SEISMIC HAZARDS PROGRAM

EES-1 AND THE SEISMIC HAZARDS PROGRAM

The LANL Seismic Hazards Program involves geologic, seismologic, and engineering studies performed by scientists in the Geology/Geochemistry Group (EES-1) and the Geoengineering Group (EES-4) of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, and the Engineering Analysis Group (ESA-EA) of the Engineering Sciences and Applications Division. Most of our recent seismic hazards studies are performed locally on the Pajarito fault system, and are aimed at understanding hazard implications for nuclear facilities. Our staff have knowledge and experience in many fields, giving us capabilities to tackle a variety of problems related to seismic hazards. Recent seismic hazards focus areas and projects for the EES-1 portion of the seismic hazards program are listed below.

Our recent studies have focused on: fault locations fault and fracture propagation surface rupture hazards fault event histories tectonic sedimentation mass wasting fault scarp evolution
Recent projects include: geologic/geomorphic mapping exploration trenching geochemical studies geochronological studies surface rupture potential tectonic geomorphology soils chronostratigraphy regional kinematics

References are available for many of these projects.

In the near future our program will begin to expand to include evaluation of potential volcanic hazards presented by the nearby Valles caldera, and the program may include some research efforts regarding aspects of large historical seismic events that have direct implications for seismic ground motions in the Rio Grande rift and at Los Alamos.

For more information, contact Jamie Gardner (505-667-1799 or jgardner@lanl.gov).

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