California Earthquake
San Andreas Fault Due for Major Earthquake
Study Finds Regular Pattern of Magnitude 6.0 Quakes
Seismologists have discovered that the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield in central California consistently produces a magnitude 6.0 earthquake approximately once every 22 years.
The new study, published Wednesday in Nature, investigated earthquake activity along the southern San Andreas fault over the past 1,200 years. The researchers found that the fault has produced a series of magnitude 6.0 earthquakes at regular intervals, with the most recent event occurring in 2004.
The results of this study indicate that this section of the San Andreas Fault is likely to have a large earthquake in the not-too-distant future. The fault is the boundary between two massive tectonic plates, and the buildup of stress along the fault has been increasing for decades.
A large earthquake on the San Andreas Fault could have devastating consequences for California. The fault runs through some of the state's most populous areas, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. A major earthquake could cause widespread damage and loss of life.
Seismologists are urging Californians to be prepared for a large earthquake. They recommend having an earthquake preparedness kit, knowing what to do during an earthquake, and being aware of the risks in your area.
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