A new earthquake study that explains the persistent seismic activity in the Gros Ventre Canyon is the topic for the summer seminar series Thursday, July 21, at the University of Wyoming-National Park Service (UW-NPS) Research Center. The center is located at the AMK Ranch in Grand Teton National Park.
Utah State University researcher Bob Smith will discuss "Gros Ventre/Teton Shaking and Bigger Yellowstone Plume: Earthquake Clustering and Volcano Electric Imaging" at 6:30 p.m. at the AMK Ranch, north of Leeks Marina. A barbecue will be held at 5:30 p.m. with a $5 per person fee; reservations are not required. For more information, call the UW-NPS Center at (307) 543-2463.
Nearly 200 seismic activity events were recorded in 2009 in the Gros Ventre Canyon -- a similar number to the massive 1925 Gros Ventre slide. Recent modeling of Jackson Hole reveals unexpected patterns caused by interaction of stress on the Teton fault induced by deformation of the Yellowstone caldera, Smith says. He will discuss new sub-surface imaging techniques to elucidate a larger "Electric Yellowstone" mantle plume and will present upgraded seismic and GPS sites available for public access in real-time.
The UW-NPS Research Center provides a base for university faculty members and governmental scientists from throughout North America to conduct research in the diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments of Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Area.
