An earth-science project that will enable scientists to assess more accurately earthquake hazards and underground water resources in the western Santa Clara Valley area of Los Gatos-Campbell, is now under way. The project, which involves low-level underground explosives, is a combined effort between the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), the US Geological Survey's (USGS)Water Resources Program and Western Earthquake Hazards Team. Professors and students from San Jose State University are also participating in the project.
The project will involve detonation of 11 explosive shots buried to about 60 feet, and about 2,000 small shotgun blasts at depths of about one foot. As energy waves from the explosions travel through the ground they will be recorded by portable seismometers throughout the area. Because the ground motion being recorded is less than that caused by normal daylight activities such as vehicular traffic, people and livestock moving about, vibrations from pumps, etc., most detonations and recording will be at night, usually between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.