What new discoveries have been made about the Mendocino triple junction?

Scientists have discovered that the Mendocino triple junction involves at least five tectonic plates or fragments, making its underground structure far more complex than previously believed.

How might these new findings affect earthquake risk in California?

The discovery of hidden fault lines suggests that current seismic risk models may be underestimating the hazard, potentially leading to unexpected larger earthquakes.

Who could be affected by revised earthquake risk calculations?

Revised seismic risk models could affect earthquake preparedness for millions of people living along the West Coast, due to the junction's influence on major fault systems.

Home / Science / Hidden Faults Raise Northern California Quake Risk

Hidden Faults Raise Northern California Quake Risk

28 Jan

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Summary

New research reveals more tectonic plates beneath Mendocino.
Hidden fault lines may mean underestimated seismic hazard.
Revised models could affect West Coast earthquake risk.

Hidden Faults Raise Northern California Quake Risk

Researchers studying Northern California's Mendocino triple junction have uncovered a more complex tectonic structure than previously understood. What was believed to be an intersection of three tectonic plates and major fault systems is now known to involve at least five plates or fragments deep beneath the surface. This revelation suggests that hidden fault lines may exist, leading to an underestimation of the region's seismic hazard.

The increased complexity implies that stress accumulation and potential earthquake releases might not be accurately captured by current models. Scientists utilized a network of seismometers to track minute underground earthquakes, correlating seismic activity with tidal forces to validate their findings. These low-frequency events, thousands of times smaller than detectable quakes, provided crucial data about the subterranean plate movements.