Beneath Southern California’s picturesque landscapes lies the Elsinore fault, a seismic giant capable of causing significant destruction. Although less known than the infamous San Andreas, the Elsinore fault poses a major risk, with the potential to generate a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, according to seismologist Lucy Jones from Caltech.
The fault runs from the Sonoran Desert in Imperial County, passing through Riverside County communities like Temecula, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore, before splitting into the Chino and Whittier faults. A significant quake here could lead to “violent” shaking across a wide area, potentially affecting cities such as El Monte, Whittier, and Yorba Linda, as reported by Los Angeles Times.
While the Elsinore fault has been historically quiet, its inactivity does not diminish its threat. The fault’s potential for destruction was highlighted by a recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake centered near Julian, which caused no major damage but served as a reminder of the fault’s power. Yahoo News noted that this quake was followed by several aftershocks, emphasizing the region’s seismic activity.
Experts warn that the Elsinore fault, along with the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults, accumulates strain that could lead to a major earthquake. The Elsinore fault moves at about 5 millimeters a year, a rate that suggests a significant quake could occur within a human lifetime. As AOL News reported, the potential for a “Big One” on the Elsinore fault underscores the need for awareness and preparedness in Southern California.
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