Current Research 

I'm currently conducting a paleoseismic study of the San Andreas fault (SAF) in the Carrizo Plain. My research will further constrain surface rupturing earthquake events along this block of the SAF system. This is accomplished through "trenching", which involves digging 10-12 ft deep trenches perpendicular to the SAF and collecting earthquake data from the walls. I have opened two such trenches on the Van Matre Ranch. This includes the interpretation of EQ events in the stratigraphy, collection and dating of several types of samples, estimating slips rates, and constraining event time. My research will also include a comprehensive explination of the structural development of the Carrizo Plain and a blueprint for proper carbon-14 dating with relation to trenching research. 

An ariel image of my trenches T3 (right) and T4 (left). These trenches are perpendicular to the SAF, 10-12 ft deep, 3 ft wide, and ~20-30 ft long.

My trenches are located on the Van Matre Ranch site in the Carrizo Plain. The figure shows the location within the context of other paleoseimsic studies of the SAF.