Why The Earthquake Near San Francisco Is Just The Start Of The Shaking In California

Michael Snyder

If you thought that the earthquake that struck northern California on Sunday was something, just wait until you see what is coming in the years ahead. As you will read about below, we live at a time when earthquake activity is dramatically increasing. This is especially true of the "Ring of Fire" which runs roughly along the outer perimeter of the Pacific Ocean.

Approximately 81 percent of all big earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, and the entire west coast of the United States falls within the danger zone. Over the past few years, we have seen huge earthquake after huge earthquake strike various areas along the Ring of Fire, but up until now the California coastline has mostly been spared. However, there are indications that this may be about to change in a big way.

Southern CA Rocked with over 160 quakes in 21 hours

James Smith, Contributor

Over eight score quakes have hit the small community area of Brawley, CA in the past 21 hours. At last count, 162 quakes have struck the county along the Mexican Border. The area affected lies on the Imperial Fault Zone. This fault is directly south of San Andreas fault.

Six of these quakes measured over 4.0, the strongest being magnitude 5.5. Many quakes are occurring one to 5 minutes apart.

The quakes are reminiscent of the El Hierro quakes that began in July of 2011, and after thousands of quakes a new volcano formed off the south tip of La Restinga.This area is remote and away from heavily populated areas.

It should be noted that the USGS failed to report any of the El Hierro quakes.

We will keep you updated as time allows. Quake map and full report below.

Sixty Quakes Strike So Cal in 16 hours

James Smith, Contributor

Since 9:30 PM PDT, there have been sixty earthquakes in the Brawley, CA region, near the Mexican border.

The depths have been less than 20km below the surface and of modest magnitude.

Does this foretell a major event?

Quite possibly. However, the best gauge of any future event would be a continuing of the events, or a spread along the San Andreas fault.