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Tremors Predict California Earthquakes

Posted by michael on from the drop-off-into-the-ocean dept.

johkir writes "A seismologist at the University of California Berkeley Seismological Laboratory has discovered mysterious tremors deep under the San Andreas Fault that may help predict future earthquakes. The episodes of tremors, which he calls chatter, last from four to twenty minutes and are being recorded from as deep as 40 kilometers beneath the surface -- up to four times the depth of normal earthquakes! These tremors also seem to occur a few weeks prior to detectable surface tremors. Article is published in Science Magazine, but you'll need a subscription, and it is covered in the San Francisco Chronicle and a UC Berkeley press release."

2 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. We have a savior!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Quick, let's put Michael J. Fox in charge of earthquake prediction!

  2. When does California... by OAB_X · · Score: 1, Funny

    Not have earthquake warnings? If you build your state on a major fault line, you deserve what you get. Sure its all warm and everything, but you can get that in Florida, only thet have hurricanes instead.

    Moral of the story: Move from California to Toronto, no hurricanes/tornados/earthquakes. Just remember to buy a jacket before you leave home.