The powerful earthquake of magnitude 5.6 Richter that occurred in Northern California brought back to the forefront the fears for the so-called "Big One", the catastrophic earthquake that for decades has been considered inevitable by many scientists and geologists.
The earthquake constitutes yet another reminder that the extensive San Andreas fault system remains active and accumulates huge geological pressures, which at some point will be released.
The 5.6 Richter earthquake that shook three states
The earthquake occurred on the morning of June 24 with its epicenter at a distance of approximately 10 kilometers from the Redwood Valley area of Northern California, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The tremor was felt over a large geographical area, crossing the borders of the state. Residents reported that they felt the earthquake in areas of Oregon, Nevada, and almost throughout the entirety of Northern California.
The tremors traveled along a length of more than 960 kilometers along the west coast of the USA, from Coos Bay of Oregon to Salinas of California, affecting among others the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, Stockton, and Modesto.
"The largest earthquake I have ever felt"
The intensity of the tremor caused concern to many residents of the area.
Moneca Vargas, a resident of Mendocino county, stated to the television network KTVU:
"It was the largest earthquake I have felt in my life. I have been living in Ukiah for almost all the 54 years of my life and my entire house shook".
Other residents described the noise and tremors like a freight train passing through their houses, while objects fell from shelves and the official earthquake warning system was activated.
The epicenter near the Maacama fault
Of particular importance is the fact that the epicenter of the earthquake was located a short distance from the Maacama fault zone.
The experts point out that this specific fault constitutes a part of the broader San Andreas system, the most famous and dangerous seismic fault of the United States, which extends along a length of approximately 1,300 kilometers.
The Maacama is considered an active strike-slip fault, capable of causing powerful earthquakes in the Mendocino and Sonoma areas.
San Andreas is in a state of increased pressure
Michael argues that recent scientific studies show that the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults have reached the highest levels of geological pressure of the last one thousand years.
Scientists have from time to time warned that the San Andreas system could at some point rupture over a very large length simultaneously, causing an earthquake of historic proportions.
This scenario even constituted the basis of the well-known motion picture "San Andreas", which had caused intense discussions about the seismic dangers in California.
The extreme scenario for Southern California
A large-scale rupture of the San Andreas could cause significant land subsidence on the western side of the fault.
According to the author, in such a case parts of Southern California, which are located just a few meters above sea level, could be flooded by waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Michael even cites older research mentioning that similar geological phenomena have been recorded in the past along the west coast of the USA.
However, it is worth noting that the view that a future earthquake will sink large parts of Southern California under the sea does not constitute an official position of the scientific community and remains a subject of discussion.
Professor Matt Kirby and the warnings about subsidences
The professor of California State University Fullerton, Matt Kirby, head of a relevant scientific study, has pointed out that in powerful earthquakes areas west of the San Andreas may undergo immediate subsidences of up to one meter.
As he has mentioned, it is a phenomenon that could happen almost instantaneously.
According to him, if such an event occurred today, it could allow the intrusion of seawater into low-altitude coastal areas.
New concern also for the Yellowstone supervolcano
At the same time, the article connects the seismic activity in California with recent phenomena at the Yellowstone supervolcano.
On June 13, a hydrothermal explosion was recorded in the Biscuit Basin area of the Yellowstone National Park, less than three kilometers from the famous Old Faithful geyser.
According to the USGS, the incident did not cause injuries, however it created a new pool of superheated water, underlining the ongoing geological activity of the area.
Experts monitor, residents worry
Although scientists agree that a large earthquake in California is inevitable over time, it remains impossible to predict exactly when it will happen.
The recent seismic tremor of 5.6 Richter reminded once again that California is located on top of one of the most active seismic systems of the planet and that preparation for a large seismic event continues to constitute a top priority for the authorities and the residents of the state.
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