California Earthquake
On Tuesday, March 9, 2023, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near the city of Petrolia in Humboldt County, California. The quake was centered about 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Petrolia and occurred at a depth of about 10 miles (16 kilometers).
The earthquake was felt throughout the region, including in the cities of Eureka, Arcata, and Santa Rosa. There were no reports of any major damage or injuries.
The California Geological Survey (CGS) said the earthquake was part of a series of quakes that have been occurring in the area since September 2022. The largest of these earthquakes was a magnitude 5.4 quake that struck on September 26, 2022.
The CGS said the quakes are likely caused by the movement of the Gorda Plate, a tectonic plate that is slowly moving beneath the North American Plate. The Gorda Plate is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) wide and 300 miles (480 kilometers) long. It is being subducted, or pushed beneath, the North American Plate at a rate of about 2 inches (5 centimeters) per year.
The CGS said the quakes are not a sign that a major earthquake is imminent. However, the agency said it is important for people to be prepared for earthquakes.
The CGS recommends that people take the following steps to prepare for earthquakes:
- Have a plan for what to do in the event of an earthquake.
- Stock up on food and water.
- Secure heavy objects in your home.
- Know where to turn off your gas and electricity.
- Be aware of the earthquake hazards in your area.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, please visit the CGS website at www.cgs.ca.gov.
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