Mag 6.4, Triple Point -Juan de Fuca (Gorda), N America, Pacific Plates

In summary, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred 12km WSW of Ferndale, CA on December 20, 2022 at 10:34:25 (UTC). The earthquake had a depth of 16.1 km and was followed by numerous aftershocks. Power outages were reported in Humboldt county, affecting more than 70,000 residents. A year ago, on the same date, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit the same area causing damage and two fatalities. The recent earthquake also caused some injuries and at least one structure fire. Two fatalities were confirmed, both were older individuals who experienced medical emergencies during or after the earthquake. Similar movement of the Juan de Fuca plate caused a
  • #1

Astronuc

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M 6.4 - 12km WSW of Ferndale, CA​

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc73821036/executive
  • 2022-12-20 10:34:25 (UTC)
  • 40.523°N 124.393°W
  • 16.1 km depth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_de_Fuca_Plate#/media/File:Juan_de_fuca_plate.png

Numerous aftershocks (Mag 2-4) occurring inland. Power outages reported in Humboldt county.

M 4.6 - 6km WNW of Rio Dell, CA​

  • 2022-12-20 10:39:02 (UTC)
  • 40.515°N 124.174°W
  • 24.2 km depth

According to PowerOutage.us, more than 70,000 people across Humboldt County, a majority of residents, were without power early Tuesday. Pacific Gas & Electric was working to restore power, Karges said, adding that "there is no time available" for when services might come back online.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/magnitude-6-4-earthquake-strikes-111116652.html
State Route 11 at Fernbridge, the county’s oldest bridge, was closed early Tuesday because the bridge was cracked in four places, according to the California Highway Patrol incident log. Pictures on Twitter showed the concrete was fractured in several places. Crews were dispatched for an integrity check, Carsey said.

Exactly a year ago, the same area was hit by a magnitude 6.2 quake that shattered windows and caused some damage.
 

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  • #2
Yes, a decent quake, some building damage and I understand 2 deaths reported, hopefully no more
 
  • #3
Exactly a year ago, the same area was hit by a magnitude 6.2 quake that shattered windows and caused some damage.

Yes, indeed, just a bit SE and further inland

@Astronuc That newspaper link has incorrect info and shows the event
well offshore. The 6.2 was on shore just a bit southeast of todays event

M 6.2 - 7km N of Petrolia, CA​

  • 2021-12-20 20:10:31 (UTC)
  • 40.390°N 124.298°W
  • 27.0 km depth
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc73666231/executive

211220 M6.2 Petrolia area nthrn Cal.jpg



cheers
Dave
 
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  • #7
There was an M6.8 earthquake near Olympia, WA on Feb. 28, 2001, caused most likely by movement of the same plate, the Juan de Fuca plate. I remember that quake distinctly, as I was driving south on I-405 when I felt the whole highway moving under me for about 10 seconds. I thought there was something wrong with my car, but found out later that it was an earthquake.
 

1. What is Mag 6.4?

Mag 6.4 refers to the magnitude of the earthquake measured on the Richter scale. This scale is used to measure the strength or intensity of an earthquake.

2. What is the Triple Point-Juan de Fuca (Gorda), N America, Pacific Plates?

The Triple Point-Juan de Fuca (Gorda), N America, Pacific Plates is a tectonic boundary where three plates meet. This specific location is where the Juan de Fuca, Gorda, and North American plates meet in the Pacific Ocean.

3. What caused the Mag 6.4 earthquake?

The Mag 6.4 earthquake was caused by movement and release of energy along the Triple Point-Juan de Fuca (Gorda), N America, Pacific Plates. This type of earthquake is known as an interplate earthquake, meaning it occurs at a tectonic boundary.

4. What is the significance of this earthquake?

This earthquake is significant because it is a relatively large earthquake and occurred at a tectonic boundary. It can also potentially cause damage to surrounding areas and trigger other earthquakes or tsunamis.

5. Is there a way to predict or prevent earthquakes like this?

Currently, there is no reliable method for predicting earthquakes. However, scientific research and technology continue to advance in hopes of one day being able to predict and potentially prevent these natural disasters.

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