Although earthquake prediction remains elusive, earth scientists have made tremendous progress in understanding how, why and where earthquakes occur. Much of modern seismic hazards analysis has its foundations in the knowledge and understanding that came out of the careful study of the 1906 earthquake. In this centennial year of that event, it is fitting to review the progress in earthquake research over the past century. The speakers -- a husband and wife – will talk about the current status of earthquake prediction efforts, including the potential for breakthroughs from exciting new experiments they are carrying out. They will share information about a recent discovery of seismic rumblings and fault movements and new techniques to indicate times of increased earthquake probability in various regions.

Mark Zoback is a Professor of Geophysics. His research interest include: Forces that act within the earth's crust and their influence on processes related to plate tectonics, earthquakes and oil and gas.

Mary Lou Zoback is a Senior Research Scientist with the United States Geological Survey. Her research interest include: The relationship between earthquakes and stress in the earth's crust.