Wasatch Fault and BYU

Aerial view over the BYU campus showing the abrupt rise of the Wasatch Mountains to the east. The last time this fault ruptured, 400 years ago, there were probably few inhabitants in the area. There are now approximately 1.5 million people living on top of the fault as it dips beneath the valley. The next big quake could cause extensive damage to cities from Nephi to Tremonton. The picture below is a good reminder of how close to the fault the large cities of Utah are.

(Courtesy of Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau)