"We have a basic map, but those are very generalized faults for the entire state This will be taking all the data we have, historical and modern, and compiling it all," Witt told Phys.org.
A new look at the data has allowed the scientists to identify three major zones where earthquakes originate. The scientists expect that their research will also assist geologists across the country to understand how earthquakes like Virginia’s 2011 event have such far-reaching effects.
"It's really important to stress that this is a work in progress, because so many faults are yet to be discovered," Kelly said. "With time, we hope to identify more faults and have better data to provide to state and local planners."
