Why Is the Ground Moving in San Ramon? Scientists and Students Search for Clues

Beneath the quiet neighborhoods and rolling hills of the East Bay, the ground is shifting.

A recent swarm of small earthquakes in San Ramon has captured the attention of residents and scientists alike - and now, Cal State East Bay students are stepping into the field to help uncover what it could mean.

Geology Professor Luther Strayer and his students will work alongside USGS scientists, to deploy a network of temporary seismometers across San Ramon in order to track and analyze ongoing seismic activity. 

The Bay Area sits atop a complex network of active faults, including the Hayward and Calaveras faults - two of the most dangerous in California. Scientists have long warned that the region is overdue for a major earthquake. While most swarms consist of small events, they can sometimes signal shifting stress underground or precede larger quakes.

That's why this moment matters.

The temporary seismometers being deployed - by five or more student-led teams - can detect subtle vibrations far too small to be felt. These instruments will allow researchers to map the swarm in unprecedented detail, helping answer urgent questions: Are these earthquakes relieving stress, or building toward something larger? What faults are involved? And what could this mean for nearby communities?

"We're listening for earthquakes with a dense array of sensors that lets us map activity in detail.," said Strayer. "What may look scattered at first begins to form patterns, showing where faults are. Up north, the Calaveras Fault becomes less organized and splays into other faults-it's an evolving system."

The data collected will feed directly into USGS tools like ShakeMap, which emergency responders rely on in the critical moments after a major earthquake.

Beyond its scientific importance, the project gives students rare, hands-on experience conducting earthquake research during an active seismic event. For many involved, the stakes are not just academic - they are personal, tied to the safety and readiness of the communities they call home.

"There will always be a need for geologists who understand the Earth," said Strayer. "As we look ahead, that knowledge is only becoming more important if we want to keep the planet healthy. What's exciting is that our students are working with some of the best scientists in the world. It's translating into real careers, real opportunities, high-paying jobs - and that's something we're proud of, especially as a small program."