The data also provides a physically realistic description of fault rupture.

However, in larger events, the length of the fault rupture is much longer, and damage can be spread across the rupture zone.

This was considered by GNS scientists as an "extremely rare seismic recording made near a fault rupture".

The three cities closest to the fault rupture experienced different levels of damage.

It was the first major earthquake to be recorded by a strong-motion seismograph located next to a fault rupture.

Due to the general self-sufficiency of those living near the fault rupture, very few lifeline systems were compromised.

When this type of fault ruptures, Dr. Carver said, the earth changes its shape in a matter of minutes.

Theory suggests that a nuclear explosion could trigger fault rupture and cause a major quake at distances within a few tens of kilometers from the shot point.

The science of strong ground motion also deals with the variations of fault rupture, both in total displacement, energy released, rupture velocity, etc.

The earthquake that would destroy Los Angeles could come from any one of a thousand different fault ruptures, be they tectonic or stress from the tectonics.