Earthquake Risk Rises In California

The United States Geological Survey released a new study that says the next big earthquake is even more likely than we thought. Researchers estimate the risk of a magnitude 8 or larger earthquake to be 7 percent as likely compared with 4.7 percent in 2008.

Unlike the 2008 study, the new study predicts fewer moderate-sized earthquakes and acknowledges the interconnectedness of fault lines, which were previously assumed to be isolated. 

“We gradually began to recognize that we are dealing with an interconnected system of faults. Not all of these separate faults,” said Ned Field, the lead author of the study.

Researchers hope the new study will encourage people to prepare for the next “Big One.”  

“It provides a teachable moment where people can go okay what have I done for myself and my family in terms of preparing for earthquakes,” said the Director of the Southern California Earthquake Center Thomas Jordan.