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Another Quake Rumbles Near San Andreas

Scientists watch to see if tremors jump to San Andreas Fault

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 24, 2009 10:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – A 4.7-magnitude earthquake shook southern California this morning, the latest in a series of small quakes to hit the area. This weekend a series of lower-intensity quakes hit perilously close to the San Andreas fault, making seismologists nervous about the "Big One"—a quake that would devastate LA. So far no injuries have been reported.

Today's quake was centered three miles south of Bombay Beach, 90 miles from San Diego. It's unclear whether it was on the San Andreas fault, or a smaller one. Today's quake also produced two aftershocks, measuring 3.0 and 2.7. Starting on Saturday, 42 quakes hit the Salton Sea area, with the highest having a magnitude of 3.3. These series aren't especially unusual; a similar swarm of tremors occurred in 2001. But scientists call the incident "a flashing yellow light that tells you to be prepared."

The Salton Sea in southern California. A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend.
The Salton Sea in southern California. A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend.   (©ginsnob)
Bombay Beach, near the Salton Sea. A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.
Bombay Beach, near the Salton Sea. A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.   (©Nelson Minar)
A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.
A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.   (©Nelson Minar)
A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.
A series of 42 small earthquakes took place this weekend in southern California.   (©karanj)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Mad
Mar 24, 2009 6:34 AM CDT
Cali lost a lot of her luster when they ousted Davis and elected Schwarzenegger. I left in '05, and never looked back. Sold my house at the right time too. I lived thru the many earthquakes, Northridge, San Fernando '71, Whittier '87, others. If The Big One hits, all I can say is "So long suckers!"
Derni
Mar 24, 2009 1:39 AM CDT
real estate might get real cheap soon in CA

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