Experts at Virginia Tech Available to Answer Questions on Central Virginia Earthquake

Martin Chapman, director of the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory, and J. Arthur Snoke, professor of earthquake seismology in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, are available to comment on the earthquake that shook Virginia Tuesday and explain the scientific and geological significance of the event.

According to the seismology instruments at Virginia Tech, the earthquake was approximately 4.5 on the Richter scale -- a medium-sized earthquake. The epicenter was located near Richmond. It was the strongest earthquake to shake the area in 30 years. Specific details, as they are discovered, will be posted to the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory website found at: http://www.geol.vt.edu/outreach/vtso/.

Chapman and Snoke will continue to work to provide in-depth scientific analysis of Tuesday's earthquake. Chapman may be reached by calling his office at (540) 231-5036 or via e-mail at mcc@vt.edu. Snoke may be reached at (540) 231-6028 or via e-mail at snoke@vt.edu.

James R. "Jimmy" Martin II, director of the Earthquake Engineering Center for the Southeastern United States, is also available for comment. The center addresses geotechnical and structural earthquake engineering, earthquake seismology, strong ground motion modeling, seismic hazard assessment, GIS applications, and earthquake response planning and mitigation.

The mission of ECSUS is "to reduce human suffering from earthquake disasters through development, transfer and application of engineering and seismological technology."

Martin can be reached at jrm@vt.edu or (540) 231-3934 or (540) 626-8346.