'The system is critically stressed': San Andreas and San Jacinto faults scarily close to major earthquake, study finds
A new study indicates that the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems have reached their highest tectonic stress levels in 1,000 years. Researchers warn that a rupture at the 'earthquake gate' in Cajon Pass could trigger a major, combined earthquake affecting Southern California.
Why it matters
This finding highlights a significant, imminent seismic risk for major population centers in Southern California, including Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley.
The San Andreas fault and a neighboring fault in Southern California have reached their highest levels of tectonic stress in 1,000 years, and a rupture at one fault could propagate to the other, researchers found.
The article reports on scientific findings without political or ideological framing.
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