Wasatch Front fault lines are much bigger than previously thought, study says

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Fault lines along the Wasatch Front are much bigger than initially thought, according to a new study released by the Utah Department of Natural Resources.

Utah DNR released new maps along with its study, which took four years to conduct. It shows there's significant risk in densely populated and rapidly developing areas near active Wasatch Front fault lines. Based on the map, Utah can have seismic activity in unexpected areas.

Geologists say there are certain faults that have the capability of producing a 7.6 magnitude earthquake.

That’s a magnitude with 700 times more energy than the 5.7 earthquake which struck in Magna on March 18.

RELATED: How families can prepare for a major earthquake

In a large earthquake, surface rupture could cause significant damage to homes, schools, businesses, and other buildings and infrastructure along the Wasatch Front.

The study also gives a better idea of where the active faults are, but it doesn't have enough information to pinpoint specific locations.

Geologists recommend site-specific investigations for building plans. Local agencies are advised to regulate development within these study zones.

They say this information from the latest quake is really helpful to better understand how to prepare for the future, and better live in earthquake country.

“As a result of this research, we better understand where we’ve had surface-rupturing earthquakes in the geologic past, and where we may have them in the future," said UGS hazards geologist Emily Kleber.

Knowing where fault scarps are present helps us make better land use decisions now and in the future

"This new study provides detailed fault mapping and delineates 'special study zones' for the Wasatch fault zone from southern Idaho to central Utah," she said.