News Earth

Ancient zircons offer insights into earthquakes of the past

New research could improve understanding of how today’s tremors release energy

Rocks at the Devil’s Punchbowl geologic formation near Los Angeles, with mountains in the background

These rocks at the Devil’s Punchbowl geologic formation near Los Angeles were uplifted by movement along the Punchbowl Fault, a now-inactive portion of the larger San Andreas Fault.

NYArtsnWords/Wikimedia Commons

By Nikk Ogasa

- More than 2 years ago

Earthquakes have rocked the planet for eons. Studying the quakes of old could help scientists better understand modern tremors, but tools to do such work are scarce.