The 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal about 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu April 25 has caused thousands of deaths, injuries and massive damage. Geological experts from Florida State University are available to comment on the earthquake and the deadly avalanches that followed. James Tull, professor and chair, Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science: (850) 644-1448 or (850) 668-8992, [email protected]Tull is an expert in structural geology (the architecture of the earth’s faults), global tectonics and fault systems. “A 7.9 magnitude earthquake is a very rare event globally, with fewer than 20 per year, mostly in remote regions of the earth. These events release an enormous amount of energy like the release of a coiled spring built up in rocks over decades to hundreds of years where the earth’s thick tectonic plates press against each other.” “Very few parts of the world occupied by man and his infrastructure are prepared to withstand these types of rapid ground motions. The situation is exacerbated by steep topographic slopes like those found in Nepal because these surface waves can generate devastating landslides and avalanches that can destroy towns and villages.” Steve Kish, associate professor, Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science: (850) 644-2064, [email protected]Kish has special expertise in remote sensing and geographic information systems. ###