California is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, with frequent and sometimes devastating earthquakes. In this article, we will look at some of the most recent and most extreme earthquakes that have occurred in California, and how they have affected the people and the environment.
The Most Recent Earthquakes in California
According to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center, California has had 21 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater in the past 24 hours, 131 earthquakes in the past 7 days, and 744 earthquakes in the past 30 days. The largest earthquake in California in the past year was a magnitude 5.6 quake that struck near Ferndale on December 20, 2022.
Some of the other notable recent earthquakes in California include:
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit Antelope Valley on July 8, 2021, causing minor damage and injuries.
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake that shook Westmorland on September 30, 2020, followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake that rattled South El Monte on September 18, 2020, felt by millions of people in the Los Angeles area.
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake that occurred near Lone Pine on June 24, 2020, triggering rockslides and cracks in the roads.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck near Searles Valley on June 3, 2020, a year after the Ridgecrest earthquakes.
The Most Extreme Earthquakes in California
California has also experienced some of the most extreme and destructive earthquakes in history, such as:
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which had an estimated magnitude of 7.9 and killed more than 3,000 people and destroyed 80% of the city.
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.9 and killed 63 people and injured more than 3,700, as well as causing widespread damage to buildings, bridges, and highways.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.7 and killed 57 people and injured more than 8,700, as well as causing an estimated $20 billion in damage to property and infrastructure.
The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, which consisted of a magnitude 6.4 foreshock on July 4 and a magnitude 7.1 mainshock on July 5, the largest earthquake in California in 20 years, which caused minor injuries and damage to buildings, roads, and utilities.
Conclusion
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented, but can be prepared for. California is a high-risk area for earthquakes, and has witnessed some of the most recent and most extreme seismic events in the world. By understanding the history and the science of earthquakes, and by following the safety guidelines and the emergency plans, Californians can reduce the impact and the damage of future earthquakes.