Rocks from San Andreas Fault could reveal earthquakes' mysteries

After drilling more than two miles into the ground in a remote area of central California, scientists said today they have hit pay dirt. Oil? Nope. Try more than a ton of rocks - geologic samples taken from deep within the bowels of the San Andreas Fault.

Experts believe the cylindrical samples, which have been washed, wrapped in shrink wrap and gently tucked away in refrigerators for safekeeping, may hold many secrets about earthquakes and the dangerous faultline responsible for the Bay Area's devastating 1906 earthquake.

Why do earthquakes start? How do they stop? What is the fault made of? Scientists believe that by studying the rock samples they'll be able to answer the tough questions that have eluded them for years.

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