Multiple earthquakes reported in California and Nevada

Why Were There So Many Earthquakes in Nevada and California?

What Was the Strongest Recorded Quake?

What Do Authorities Say About the Damage?

California and Nevada experienced a series of significant earthquakes within less than 24 hours, according to reports from the USGS (United States Geological Survey).

The strongest quake had a magnitude of 5.8 and occurred on Monday, December 9, at 5:08 p.m. (local time), with its epicenter located 24 kilometers northeast of Yerington, Nevada.

This event, which reached a level VIII intensity on the ShakeMap, caused concern among nearby communities.

Later, additional seismic events were recorded in the same area: a magnitude 3.2 earthquake at 5:36 p.m. and another of magnitude 4.2 at 6:39 p.m.

Where Did the Nevada and California Earthquakes Occur?

Multiple Earthquakes in Nevada and California Photo: Created by USGS

Both tremors were located near Yerington, Nevada, at depths of 10 and 8.1 kilometers, respectively.

Hours later, seismic activity shifted to California, where a magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred at 7:01 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10.

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This event was located 44 kilometers northwest of Petrolia at a shallow depth of -0.2 kilometers, according to the USGS.

Despite the earthquakes’ intensities, the USGS classified the damage risk as «green» on its PAGER system, indicating a low probability of significant damage or loss of life.

Nevertheless, the tremors were widely felt by residents of both regions, who reported the phenomenon through the DYFI system.

The authorities recommend that residents remain vigilant and prepared for possible aftershocks, as these regions are located in highly seismic zones.

These earthquakes also add to concerns following the powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck California on December 5.

The 7.0 earthquake, which shook the Cape Mendocino coastline in California, has triggered over 300 aftershocks, according to the USGS.

The USGS identified this quake as the main event of a seismic sequence.

It occurred in the Mendocino Fault Zone, a region where the Pacific, North American, and Juan de Fuca/Gorda tectonic plates converge.

This movement occurred along a right-lateral strike-slip fault oriented east-west, caused by the relative movement of the Juan de Fuca/Gorda Plate against the Pacific Plate.

Despite ongoing seismic activity, the USGS has clarified that California will not «fall into the ocean.»

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