Hitting the High Points (IMAGE) Brown University Caption Computer-simulated topography shows high points -- asperities (in red) -- on the rock surface. When in contact with asperties on the adjacent surface, these asperities may undergo intense flash heating in an earthquake. Credit Mark Robbins and Sangil Hyun, Johns Hopkins University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.