Southern California Faces Increased Earthquake Activity

Southern California is currently experiencing heightened seismic activity following a 4.4-magnitude earthquake that rattled homes across Los Angeles. Seismologists have noted that the region has recorded 13 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater this year, surpassing the typical annual average of 10 to 12. Dr. Lucy Jones, a prominent geophysicist at the California Institute of Technology, emphasized that this uptick in seismic events is linked to ongoing activity along the Puente Hills thrust fault system. The Puente Hills fault system, which extends from the Puente Hills above Whittier to Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, poses a significant risk for potential damage. Dr. Jones highlighted that this fault system is capable of producing some of the most destructive earthquakes in Southern California due to its location beneath densely populated areas and older structures. She noted that earthquakes in this region could be five to ten times more devastating than those occurring along the more well-known San Andreas Fault. Historically, the Puente Hills fault has been associated with significant seismic events, including the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 5.9, resulting in eight fatalities and extensive property damage. Despite the current increase in activity, Dr. Jones pointed out that major earthquakes along the Puente Hills fault are relatively rare, typically occurring thousands of years apart, while the San Andreas fault remains more active overall.