Two weeks ago, Mexico was overtaken by the most powerful earthquake for the last 100 years. Scientists have long said about such a scenario for Californiathat could be affected by an earthquake measuring 8.2 points on a scale of Richter.
The devastating earthquake that struck California in the last century, was much smaller than the aftershocks of 8.2 points, which on Thursday was seen in Mexico. This earthquake was four times more powerful than a similar disaster in San Francisco in 1906, which killed 3,000 people.
According to scientists, starting with 200 of the year in California there were 12 major earthquakes, but a disaster of 1906 drew the world’s attention to the fault of San Andreas. This earthquake, with its epicenter in San Francisco, has caused destruction on a huge territory, stretching from North to South for 640 km Along the fault line in a matter of minutes, the ground has shifted 6 meters – fences and trees were toppled, roads and communications destroyed, the water flow stopped. Due to a natural disaster formed a fire that turned much of the city in ruins.
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What can happen to California?
One can only imagine what will happen with South Califronia, when an earthquake of magnitude 8.2 points touches the fissure of the San Andreas. The rift goes back about 16 kilometers, and if an earthquake of this power will affect him, it could lead to disaster with unpredictable consequences.
The rift of the San Andreas passes through the areas of Coachella Valley – home to the palm springs Valley and San Bernardino and the mountains of San Gabriel North of Los Angeles. According to seismologist Lucy Jones, an earthquake of 8.2 points will be detrimental to every city of southern California.
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Jones suggested what the consequences might be. The number of deaths may be one of the biggest for natural disasters in U.S. history: about 1,800 people (about as many people died in hurricane Katrina); more than 900 people may die from the fire; more than 400 from the collapse of vulnerable steel frame buildings; more than 250 due to other damage to the building; and more than 150 due to road accidents.
In this scenario the main highway in Las Vegas and Phoenix, which cross the fault the San Andreas fault will be destroyed. Jones assures that the water pipes, which provide 88% of the water in Los Angeles and across the rift the San Andreas fault can be damaged or destroyed. According to Jones, between 500,000 and 1 million people have to leave their homes.
How to predict an earthquake?
The system of seismic warning for the West coast for many years was developed by USGS, as the lead state Agency for monitoring earthquake. It works on a simple principle: the recorded seismic waves from earthquakes, which travel at the speed of sound.
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So to anticipate a cataclysm is possible, but to avoid its impact would be unrealistic.
