A recent study reveals that the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems are under the highest tectonic stress in 1,000 years, raising concerns about potential earthquakes in Southern California. This region, home to millions, could face catastrophic consequences if both faults rupture simultaneously, a scenario that could be more destructive than previously thought.
The research, led by the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, utilised a computer model to analyse 1,000 years of geological data. It found that the pressure on the San Jacinto-Bernardino section has reached 3.6 megapascals, equivalent to the weight of over 6 billion blue whales pressing on every square metre. This accumulation of stress suggests that large earthquakes, which typically relieve such pressure, have not occurred as frequently as expected.
One critical area of focus is Cajon Pass, where the two fault systems intersect. This location can either block or facilitate the transfer of seismic energy between faults, potentially allowing for a simultaneous rupture. Such an event could devastate densely populated areas including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside, highlighting the urgent need for improved earthquake preparedness and infrastructure planning.
While the study does not predict an imminent earthquake, it underscores the importance of reassessing earthquake hazards and updating building codes. The modelling approach could also be applied globally to assess risks in other complex fault systems, making this research significant for future earthquake risk management worldwide.
Source: Euronews
