Mention the word earthquake to a Californian and it will bring fear to his eyes. Every year, hundreds of minor earthquakes occur on the West Coast leading residents to believe the “Big One” is coming. Through a thorough examination of California’s major faults in general, and plate tectonics, fault types, hazards, preparedness and predictability specifically, one might develop a better understanding of this natural disaster. A very simple definition of an earthquake is the …showed first 75 words of 2292 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2292 total…a database of potential sources for earthquakes. Below is an example of data for earthquakes larger than magnitude six in Northern California: West Coast earthquakes are a fact of nature. They will continue to occur with varying degrees of magnitude and resulting damage. With the help of seismology, predictive intensity maps, earthquake preparedness and ever improving modern technology, there is hope that loss of life from these deadly disasters can be kept to a minimum.