Intern	Institution	Mentor	Project Title
Jacqueline Moccand	USC	Ann Blythe, USC	Geomorphic mapping and 3-He Chronology of rock slide scarps along the Oak Ridge fault

Abstract:

The aim of this project was to examine the geomorphology of the massive landslides that are prevalent on the northern slopes of Oak Ridge and South Mountain, Southern California. Complimentary to this was the investigation of different rock dating techniques currently available, including the relatively new methods of using cosmogenic isotopes to date rock exposures. Had it been possible to access the steep scarp slopes of these massive, (1000 ft in some cases) landslides, an approximation of the time of surface rupture would have been obtained from analysis of the mineral olivine using the method of 3-Helium geochronology. An age for the exposed rock surface would have been obtained thereby giving a window for the time of sliding. However this was not possible, and only relative ages of the mass movement events could be obtained. Cross sections of 4 of the major landslides were made using topographic maps of the area, as well as studying aerial photographs. A qualitative age was given to each slope failure event based on the gradients of the slopes.
What prompted this investigation is the hazard these types of catastrophic movements can present to human life and property, and the need to better understand these movements and their frequency in order to help mitigate against potential future danger.

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