Seismologists predict a strong earthquake in California soon

A number of recent earthquakes off the west coast of the United States, from 2,8 to 5,6 points on the Richter scale, may be a precursor to a large earthquake in this region.

Фото: Depositphotos

A map compiled by the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows 11 of recent earthquakes associated with the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate, almost all of them occurred approximately 6 miles from the surface, writes Fox News.

Infographics: USGS

This plate is quite active and moves to the northeast at a rate of about 4 cm per year.

To date, the USGS has not issued any warnings regarding this series of earthquakes, since the frequent tremors of a small force are the norm for this region.

However, the movement of the plate is disturbing because it does not move smoothly, but abruptly. This type of movement usually increases tectonic tension "until a rift occurs, and several meters of the plate of Juan de Fuca slip through the mainland of North America, causing a large earthquake."

Seismologists explained that to call a strong earthquake will require penetration under the mainland of a large piece of plate (tens of meters in size). In such a situation, an earthquake can reach 9 points, but according to scientists, such shocks occur on average about every 550 years.

The cause for concern is what will happen when the plate of Juan de Fuca is eventually completely submerged under the much larger Pacific and North American plates. For about 330 years, a small plate continuously went down. Its immersion may eventually lead to one of the largest earthquakes in human history.

If, as a result, the entire 1000 kilometer subduction zone of Cascadia (which includes the plate of Juan de Fuca) experiences a complete break with the plate of North America, this can not only cause an earthquake of 9 points, but also a tsunami.

The Juan de Fuca Plate extends from Northern California to British Columbia, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone extends from North Vancouver Island to Mendicino Point, California.

In addition, the threat of a large earthquake on the west coast of the United States carries the San Andreas Fault, which can lead to an earthquake in 7 points and above.

Seismologists believe that with a 75-percent probability a large earthquake in both northern and southern California will occur over the next 30 years.

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