Apparently 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 Northe

Apparently 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...