Brilliant work in the MSc theses of Jonathan and Pat resulted in the publication of a new Geophysical Research Letter manuscript, titled Constraining microfractures in foliated Alpine Fault rocks with laser ultrasonics.

Jonathan extended our capabilities in laser ultrasonic measurements to rocks under in situ conditions, while Pat was able to numerically model wave propagation of fractured rocks. As a result, this paper examines the amount and orientations of fractures in rocks, affected by the tectonic processes associated with the Alpine Fault. These new findings may help explain the dynamics, as well as the seismic imaging of the Alpine Fault.