This flyby video highlights the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault, which traces along the eastern side of Salt Lake Valley. The 240-mile-long Wasatch fault is sectioned into 10 segments averaging 25 miles in length.

In addition to showing where the fault is and its proximity to highways and towns, photos are included that show fault scarps and other geologic features.

The audio portion covers the geologic story of the Wasatch fault, as well as some of today's concerns about the earthquake hazard the fault poses to this heavily urbanized area of Utah.

Creating the Wasatch Fault Flyby Video

Creating the Wasatch fault flyby video was a collaboration of old and new. The two main components used were a previous UGS publication and Google Earth.

The script was modified from UGS Public Information Series 40. The video portion was then created utilizing Google Earth. The audio and video files were cut, edited, and compiled by using Adobe Final Cut Pro, Adobe Soundtrack Pro, and Apple Motion. Additional background music was also added in these programs. (Music files for future publications will be obtained from the library of stock music from RoyaltyFreeMusic.com.). Labels were generated in Adobe Illustrator and additional animations were crafted using Adobe Flash.

Adding "tour stops" allowed complete customization of the video as well as focus on specific areas that were pertinent to the script content. For example, Little Cottonwood Canyon is a major highlight in the script. In order to focus on the area’s prominent geological features, several photos and additional informational points were added to allow extended time for viewing this “tour stop.” Google Earth Pro was applied to end up with a seamless aerial view of the fault and other geological features.

7 individuals (UGS staff except where noted) worked on this video: