Modern space geodesy has recently enabled the direct observation of slow geological processes that move and shape Earth’s surface, including plate tectonics and crustal strain accumulation that leads to earthquakes. More elusive has been the direct observation of active mountain growth because GPS measurements have larger uncertainties in the vertical direction and mountain growth is typically very slow.

The latest research using high-precision technologies indicates a relatively high vertical uplift rate for the Sierra Nevada, between 1 and 2 mm per year. Thus the modern Sierra Nevada uplift is still very active and consistent with theories that call for a relatively young mountain range.

Bill Hammond, associate professor at UNR who studies active deformation and dynamics of the Earth using space-based geodetic techniques, will talk about all of this on Sept. 11 at 6pm at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 Country Club Drive, Incline Village.

For more information, contact Heather Segale at (775) 881.7562 or hmsegale@ucdavis.edu.