Scientists have raised the chances of an 8.0 or bigger earthquake striking in California in the next 30 years from 4.7% to 7%. This is either scary news or great timing to promote The Rock’s new San Andreas movie.
From The LA Times:
Scientists said the reason for the increased estimate was because of the growing understanding that earthquakes aren’t limited to separate faults, but can start on one fault and jump to others. The result could be multiple faults rupturing in a simultaneous mega-quake.
Stated another way, the chance of an 8.0 or greater quake in California can be expected once every 494 years. The old forecast calculated a rate of one 8.0 or greater earthquake every 617 years.
Living in California does come with the risk of earthquakes, it is the price you pay to live in one of the best places in the world (well, that and higher taxes and unaffordable home prices). A large earthquake is inevitable, but judging from the movie trailer, at least The Rock will be here to save us from danger.
