When Plates Collide: Predicting the Next Big Earthquake

WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? KANTO 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE WHEN PLATES WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE STRIKE? Key: Although it's impossible to predict with a precise date and time, there are earthquake "hot spots" that scientists have identified, using historical information and sensitive tectonic plates as guides. Cataclysmic earthquakes can occur anywhere, but based on past notable earthquakes, these areas are often cited as some of the most susceptible. COLIDE Magnitude: 6.0 - 6.4 6.4 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.4 7.5 - 7.9 8.0 - 8.4 8.5 - 8.9 9.0 - 9.4 9.5 - 9.9 CALIFORNIA JAPAN HAYWARD FAULT 10/21/1868 7 Magnitude 30 Fatalities SANRIKU 6/15/1896 8.5 Magnitude 27,000 Fatalities The San Andreas fault zone that forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate cuts through a large length of California and has created many notable earthquakes. Roughly the same size as the state of California, Japan also has very active plate tectonics. The Tokai Gap of Japan is expected to rupture roughly every 150 years, causing 8.0 magnitude earthquakes. PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE SAN FRANCISCO 4/18/1906 8.25 Magnitude 3,000+ Fatalities A year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people everywhere have been speculating about when and where the next cataclysmic one will hit our shores. If major quakes occur approximately 15 times a year around the world, where will the OWENS VALLEY 3/26/1872 7.6 Magnitude 27 Fatalities THE PROBABILITY OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE, SANRIKU 3/2/1933 8.4 Magnitude 2,990 Fatalities OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS, OCCURRING IN: next one hite SAN FERNANDO 2/9/1971 6.6 Magnitude 65 Fatalities FUKUI 6/28/1948 7.3 Magnitude 3,769 Fatalities SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KERN COUNTY 7/21/1952 7.7 Magnitude HOW OFTEN DO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCUR*? ΚΑΝΤΟ 9/1/1923 7.9 Magnitude 143,000 Fatalities MAGNITUDE AVERAGE FREQUENCY On average, the vast majority of detectable tremors range between a magnitude of 2.0 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes comparable to the ones that rocked Haiti and Chile last year occur about 17 times a year. Those greater than an 8.0 magnitude happen approximately once a year. 67% 60% NORTHRIDGE 1/17/1994 6.7 Magnitude 60 Fatalities VOLCANO LAKE, BC 11/21/1915 7.1 Magnitude PER YEAR WRIGHTWOOD 12/8/1812 6.9-7.5 Magnitude 40 Fatalities MINO-OWARI 10/27/1891 8 Magnitude 7,237 Fatalities 8.0+ 7-7.9 15 LONG BEACH 3/10/1933 6.4 Magnitude 40 Fatalities TONANKAI 12/7/1944 8.1 Magnitude 1,223 Fatalities "Based on scientific estimates 6-6.9 134 NANKAIDO 12/20/1946 8.1 Magnitude 1,330 Fatalities KOBE 1/16/1995 6.9 Magnitude 5,502 Fatalities 5-5.9 1,319 4-4.9 13,000 130,000 2-2.9 1,300,000 3-3.9 While California has roughly 37 million inhabitants, Japan has a population more than 3 times as large, with many packed into dense cities. 9.5 The largest recorded earthquake in the world: The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone is about TWO INCHES A YEAR. At this rate, Los Angeles and San Francisco could be pushed together as neighbors in approximately 15 MILLION YEARSs. MAGNITUDE CHILE, MAY 22, 1960 CHILE IINDONESA *Based on observations since 1900. Earthquake magnitudes before this year are estimates based on historical geological evidence. SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS 12/26/2004 9.1 Magnitude 227,898 Fatalities Claiming the highest magnitude earthquake in recorded history, Chile is no stranger to calamitous earthquakes. Many of the country's deadliest quakes are due to offshore plate collisions that cause large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities. Indonesia sits at the center of turbulent fault lines that have been pressed against each other for thousands of years. Called the "Ring of Fire," it's a semicircle of volcanoes and shifting plates surrounding the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This volatile area has triggered countless quakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in the Southeast Asia region. DETECTED VS. UNDETECTED Several million earthquakes shock the world each year but many go undetected because they hit remote areas or have small magnitudes. NORTHERN SUMATRA 1 3/28/2005 8.6 Magnitude 1,313 Fatalities SALAMANCA 4/6/1943 8.2 Magnitude 25 Fatalities TARAPACA 6/13/2005 7.8 Magnitude 11 Fatalities ARICA 8/13/1868 9 Magnitude 25,000 Fatalities PAPUA 6/25/1976 7.1 Magnitude 5,000 Fatalities There are an estimated 500,000 earthquakes detected in the world each year. 100,000 VALPARAISO REGION 7/9/1971 7.5 Magnitude 90 Fatalities VALPARAISO 8/17/1906 8.2 Magnitude 3,882 Fatalities LA LIGUA 3/28/1965 7.4 Magnitude 400 Fatalities BANDA SEA 2/1/1938 8.5 Magnitude of those can be felt. 100 MAULE 2/27/2010 8.8 Magnitude 486 Fatalities SOUTHERN SUMATRA 9/30/2009 7.5 Magnitude 1,117 Fatalities SUTHERN SUMATRA 9/12/2007 8.5 Magnitude 25 Fatalities FLORES REGION 12/12/1992 7.8 Magnitude 2,500 Fatalities VALDIVIA 5,22/1960 9.5 Magnitude 5,700 Fatalities of them cause damage. Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Discover | Time | Live Science A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE