What happens if the mega-earthquake hits California tomorrow?
When will "The Big One" hit the U.S. West Coast? Nobody knows, but should it happen, science can give us a good idea of its impacts.
Earthquakes are notoriously unpredictable, but scientists say there's a chance the 'The Big One' could hit southern California in the next few decades. So, what does the research reveal about the impacts of a mega-earthquake on the west coast?
Southern California is no stranger to earthquakes. The region is home to the San Andreas fault, which is the boundary between two of Earth's major tectonic plates. As the Pacific Plate and the North American plate very slowly grind past each other, they produce frequent minor tremors. However, there are moments when built-up pressure along the fault releases in a much more sudden way, resulting in a major earthquake, like the one that struck on April 18, 1906, devastating the city of San Francisco.
Scientists predict that a similar, or even more powerful earthquake could strike the area, in an event often referred to as 'The Big One'. By examining past earthquakes, and looking at how the urban landscapes in California have changed in the years since, researchers can apply their knowledge to make predictions about exactly what kind of impacts the region would see from one of these mega-earthquakes.
Check out the video above to learn more about the San Andreas fault and see the details of this 'What If' scenario.
(Thumbnail image courtesy Insider Science)