4 ms·
Seems an important distinction given that the largest quake recorded in California was a 7.9 and the largest in San Francisco a 7.8. So presumably an 8.0 is pl
by hugh4 11y ago
Seems an important distinction given that the largest quake recorded in California was a 7.9 and the largest in San Francisco a 7.8.
So presumably an 8.0 is plausible but an 8.5 may not be.
- mikeyouse 11y agoApparently the maximum 'plausible' (which is a generous modifier) earthquake on the San Andreas is about an 8.3, but the entire fault line from Mexico to Northern California would have to rupture simultaneously. You're right that we're unlikely to see an 8.5. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-will-really-happen-california-when-san-andreas-unleashes-big-one-180955432/?no-ist http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-will-reall...