Risk of big earthquake on San Andreas fault rises after quake swarm at Salton Sea

[Gerald]

A view of the San Andreas fault in the Carrizo Plain. A valley is deeply eroded along the fault. (U.S. Geological Survey).


An image provided by Caltech seismologist Egill Hauksson shows the earthquake swarms of 2001, 2009 and 2016 in the Salton Sea. Scientists worry that earthquakes near the southern end of the San Andreas fault could trigger a large earthquake on California's longest fault. (Caltech seismologist Egill Hauksson).

The San Andreas fault’s southernmost stretch has not ruptured since about 1680 — more than 330 years ago, scientists estimate. And a big earthquake happens on average in this area once every 150 or 200 years, so experts think the region is long overdue for a major quake.

The swarm actually increased the likelihood of a much more major quake in Southern California, at least temporarily.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, for the seven-day period following Tuesday, the chances of a magnitude-7 or greater earthquake being triggered on the southern San Andreas fault are as high as 1 in 100 and as low as 1 in 3,000. The chances diminish over time.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/l...t=oft12aH-1gp2

Yes, it's a large area that it is about, even if it is, and has been a relative way small earthquake,so it is hoped that the technology to be able to predict a major quake, are to evacuate densely populated areas in case.



Note: September 30 2016 7:15 AM