A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near the Santa Cruz-Monterey county border at 2:47 a.m. on Sunday, marking the largest quake in the Bay Area in nearly two years. It occurred along the San Andreas Fault at a depth of 4.2 miles, affecting residents across the region and raising awareness about earthquake preparedness.
On Sunday morning at 2:47 a.m., a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near the border of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, making it the largest seismic event in the Bay Area in nearly two years. This earthquake, occurring along the San Andreas Fault, was registered at a depth of 4.2 miles in a sparsely populated area adjacent to Highway 129, approximately six miles east of Watsonville and seven miles south of Gilroy. The tremor startled residents across the Bay Area, waking many from their slumber and prompting discussions about earthquake preparedness and safety.
The San Andreas Fault is a known tectonic boundary, responsible for numerous earthquakes in California. Earthquake magnitudes are measured on the Richter scale, with a 4.0 magnitude indicating a moderate quake that can be felt but typically does not cause significant damage. The current event marks a notable seismic activity in the Bay Area, highlighting the ever-present nature of earthquakes in this region, which sits on multiple fault lines.
In summary, the recent earthquake centered near the Santa Cruz-Monterey county border underscores the ongoing seismic activity in the Bay Area. As the largest quake in the region in two years, it serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future seismic events.
Original Source: www.mercurynews.com
