Ridgecrest quake's impact along dormant fault
LOS ANGELES - When it comes to earthquake faults a quake on one fault can have an impact on another. That's exactly what's happened.
On July 4th there was a 6.4 earthquake northeast of Ridgecrest. The next day we were rocked by a 7.1 magnitude quake. The first temblor was considered a foreshock to the second.
Scientists, seismologists, geologists and so many others headed to Ridgecrest where buildings shook, walls cracked and valuables came flying off shelves. The scientists went to the region to study the impact of those quakes.
Related: Ridgecrest quakes strained major fault, capable of 8.0 quake, according to new study
In their new study, published in the Journal SCIENCE, geophysicists have concluded that those over large quakes put stress on the Garlock Fault which runs from the San Andreas Fault to Death Valley. That essentially is from Frazier Park to Nevada. But, what does that mean to all of us?
At CalTech seismologist Zachary Ross tells FOX 11 News that the Garlock Fault 2cm creep movement is a significant piece of information. That's a fault he says could create a quake with the magnitude of an 8.0. But, he cautions it's not cause for alarm... it's a reason for further study.