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College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department of Geological Sciences

Wasatch Fault and BYU

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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.

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(Courtesy of Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Wasatch Fault Menu

Home Page
Introduction
Tertiary Paleomap
Fault Scarp
Fault from Space
Basin and Range
Wasatch Fault and BYU
Wasatch Fault Animation
Tertiary Tectonics
Extension Clay Animation
Geologic Map