California's a shakin – Is the Big One coming?

Ask the citizens living in LA about the two earthquakes that occurred within weeks of each other and you'll likely get differing responses! Some think they were no big deal, while others worry that these could be 'fore-shocks' that may be in advance of a much larger quake yet to come. (A quake that could destroy much of Los Angeles as has been predicted by some seismologists). Why, because the Puente Hills fault, which scientists believe might be responsible for Friday's 5.1 earthquake in La Habra, is considered very dangerous and could generate a quake in excess of 7.5 on the Richter scale. The Puente Hills thrust fault is considered very dangerous because of its location, running as it does from the suburbs of northern Orange County, through the San Gabriel Valley and under the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles before ending in Hollywood.

The Puente Hills fault could also be considered especially hazardous over an extended area because of its unique shape. Other local faults, like the Newport-Inglewood and Hollywood, are a collection of vertical cracks, with the most intense shaking occurring near where the fault reaches the surface. The Puente Hills, on the other hand, is a horizontal fault with intense shaking likely to be felt over a much larger area; some estimate roughly 25 by 15 miles – And, that could spell disaster on a scale few could imagine!

On a side note. Imagine the effect such a quake would have on the American economy! Thank goodness we have the progressive leadership shown by the Obama Administration ready and willing to tackle whatever may come! Please remember that Obama, Harry Reid and the rest of the Democrats are busy busy busy, even as you sleep!

Quakes that appear minor, yet are still interesting!

Anytime I observe an earthquake that affects the middle area of the United States, I take notice. Here on August the 29^th we have a series of small ones that form a pretty straight line right across the continent. Does that mean anything? I don’t know. But, from my readings on plate movements over the years, I do know that sometimes even little things can be the harbinger of bigger things to come. This may be especially true after seismologists recorded unusual movements of the earths crust in both southern Colorado and Virginia just last week. and here is another map of the US taken on the 31st of August. A similar pattern?

Admittedly minor and shallow quakes occurring in locations where seismic activity is pretty rare. Still, it’s probably nothing.

What’s shaking in Arkansas?

I don’t know about folks around these parts, but I’ll bet its hard to get to sleep some nights down in central Arkansas. Areas near the towns of Greenbrier and Guy have experienced hundreds of quakes over the past six months, most of which are just strong enough to wake a light sleeper. One though, which occurred on February the 28^th, rattled windows and picture frames all across the state including parts of neighboring Missouri and Mississippi! The magnitude 4.7 earthquake was the largest once to hit that region in over twenty years and begs the question. What the hell is going on down below ground in that state?

While seismologists insist that there is no connection between these events and the large fault near New Madrid, Missouri, others are not as easily convinced. It seems that the planet is going through a period of increased seismic action as of late. Major events near Japan and India, recently, may just be part of a larger global pattern that could end up affecting the West Coast of America. Some scientists say that the Oregon coast is overdue, even, for a 9.0 plus quake itself. An event that could easily prove to be an even bigger disaster than the one that devastated parts of the Japanese coastline.