Geologist to Discuss New Seismic Findings

“How early can a major earthquake be predicted?”

“Is it safe to build a subway in the San Fernando Valley?”

“What about those satellite sensor reports showing that the Valley floor is continuing to surge upward?”

Those questions will be among the topics addressed by James E. Slosson when he presents his latest seismic findings Monday at Valley College.

A retired geologist, Slosson continues to collect and analyze seismic data that he uses in his post as a commissioner with the California Seismic Safety Commission.

In addition to keeping up with new information published in scientific and engineering journals, Slosson gathers data through his field observations.

Slosson routinely records changes in landscape patterns after landslides, floods, fault ruptures and temblors by taking aerial photographs and touring devastated areas on foot or horseback.

“I tend to be over-curious and I want to see for myself what others have recorded,” Slosson said in a telephone interview. “I work hard to try to stay ahead of my peers.”

Slosson is former chief of the Division of Mines and Geology and a Valley College geology professor. He currently works as a private consultant.

A San Fernando Valley native, Slosson was born on a ranch at what is today the corner of Kester Avenue and Vanowen Street.

The free presentation will begin at 3 p.m. in the college’s cafeteria conference room at 5888 Fulton Ave.

For more information, call (818) 781-1200, Ext. 373.