How to Predict an Earthquake
Geologists are studying ancient earthquakes to better predict future seismic activity in California. By digging trenches along major fault lines, they analyze geological layers to estimate the timing and magnitude of past earthquakes. This research indicates that while California has experienced significant earthquakes historically, there has been a notable absence of such events in the last 120 years.
- ▪Paleoseismologists dig trenches to study ancient earthquakes along California's fault lines.
- ▪Radiocarbon dating helps establish the timing of past earthquakes by analyzing offset layers in the soil.
- ▪California's fault network is expected to host a large earthquake in the future, despite a 120-year gap in significant seismic activity.
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