A magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred near Petrolia, California, prompting tsunami warnings from southern Oregon to San Francisco. Residents were advised to evacuate coastal areas as waves were expected. The quake’s magnitude and potential economic damages indicate the importance of preparedness in seismic regions.
On Thursday at approximately 10:44 a.m. local time, a significant earthquake registering 7.0 in magnitude struck near Petrolia, California, prompting immediate tsunami warnings along the coast from southern Oregon to San Francisco. The quake, located offshore in a relatively desolate area, was felt prominently throughout Humboldt County and was attributed to movement along the San Andreas fault line. By 10:49 a.m., officials issued warnings advising residents to evacuate areas susceptible to tsunami risks as initial waves were anticipated to reach Fort Bragg by 11:10 a.m., subsequently impacting the San Francisco area by 12:10 p.m.
Authorities from the National Tsunami Warning Center cautioned residents, urging them to “Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.” The alert emphasized the potential for repeated coastal flooding, as the waves made landfall and receded back to the ocean. The tsunami warning encompassed regions near the San Francisco Bay, leading to a surge in emergency calls, including overwhelmed lines at the Petrolia Fire District office, where an individual confirmed having felt the earthquake’s intensity.
Earthquake magnitude serves as a quantitative measurement of seismic activity, determined via the moment magnitude scale, which reveals that each numeral represents a tenfold increase in strength compared to its predecessor. As per Michigan Technological University’s guidelines, earthquakes below magnitudes of 2.5 are generally inconsequential and usually unobserved, while those exceeding 6.0 can result in serious structural damage.
Initial evaluations by the U.S. Geological Survey suggest a 32% likelihood of economic losses oscillating between $1 million to $10 million, with an equal chance of losses ranging from $10 million to $100 million and a 15% chance for even greater losses. This developing situation will continue to be monitored and reported as new information surfaces.
Earthquakes are natural geological phenomena that occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, often along fault lines such as the San Andreas fault in California. The state’s coastal regions are particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Pacific tectonic plate. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using the moment magnitude scale, which indicates the energy released. Understanding these measurements is critical for assessing potential damages and risks, particularly in light of tsunamis that can follow significant seismic events.
In summary, the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck California on Thursday resulted in extensive tsunami warnings extending to the San Francisco Bay. This event underscored the ongoing seismic activity in the region and the importance of preparedness and awareness among local residents. Initial damage assessments indicate significant potential economic losses, necessitating continued vigilance and response from local authorities and emergency services.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
