Question about The Big One in California

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The discussion centers on the imminent threat of a significant earthquake, termed "The Big One," in California, with a 99% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or higher occurring within the next 30 years. The potential loss of life and structural risks in both Northern and Southern California are highlighted, emphasizing the severe consequences due to high population density. The Richter scale's logarithmic nature is explained, indicating that a 1.0 increase represents a tenfold increase in shaking amplitude. Historical data shows that earthquakes have caused a staggering 230,000 deaths this year alone, underscoring the critical need for preparedness.

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  • Familiarity with California's geological fault lines
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Question about "The Big One" in California

There's a 99% chance that, within the next 30 years, there will be an earthquake of at least magnitude 6.7 in either Northern California or Southern California (perhaps both). How much loss of life are we looking at in each case, and which structures are at the highest risk in both places (Nor. California and So. California)?
 
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You may find this interesting:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1858700,00.html"

As I am sure you know, a difference of 1.0 on the Richter scale represents a shaking amplitude that is 10 times larger. A 6.0 earthquake would not be good. Take a look here as well:

http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/other/quake1.html"

Notice the death toll this year alone by earthquakes is 230,000 people. It all depends on where and when (mostly where) the earthquakes strike. In California, where population density is high, the outcome of a large earthquake could be... hellish.
 
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I and everyone I know (except my fish) survived a 7.4 in 1994.

It's bad but it's not Earth shattering. No wait, it is.
 

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