The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the tremor at 2:11 a.m. with an epicenter positioned roughly two miles southeast of the Contra Costa County metropolis
Residents close to the Contra Costa County metropolis felt a small tremor Monday morning as seismic exercise continues within the Bay Space area
A small earthquake jolted the San Ramon space early Monday morning, marking the most recent seismic exercise to have an effect on the Bay Space. The U.S. Geological Survey reported {that a} preliminary 2.1 magnitude quake struck the area at 2:11 a.m., with its epicenter positioned about two miles southeast of San Ramon at a depth of 5 miles.
Residents report feeling the tremor
Whereas earthquakes of this magnitude sometimes trigger minimal disruption, a number of folks within the space seen the early morning shaking. 4 residents submitted responses by means of the USGS on-line Felt Report type, confirming they skilled the quake. The company maintains this reporting system to assemble public suggestions about seismic occasions and higher perceive how earthquakes have an effect on completely different areas.
Latest seismic exercise within the area
This week’s tremor follows one other small earthquake that struck the world simply days earlier. A 2.6 magnitude quake was recorded close to Livermore two days in the past, indicating ongoing seismic exercise within the East Bay area. The proximity of those two occasions highlights the fixed geological motion occurring beneath the Bay Space, although neither earthquake brought about any reported harm or accidents.
Understanding earthquake measurements
The magnitude scale has changed the older Richter scale as the usual technique for measuring earthquake power. This method calculates the vitality launched on the supply of an earthquake, offering scientists and the general public with a extra correct understanding of seismic occasions.
Earthquakes falling between 2.5 and 5.4 on the magnitude scale are generally felt by folks within the affected space however not often lead to important harm. Monday morning’s 2.1 magnitude tremor falls beneath this vary, which means many residents possible slept by means of the occasion. Earthquakes measuring beneath 2.5 magnitude are sometimes too small for most individuals to detect with out seismographic tools.
California’s earthquake panorama
The Golden State stays one of the crucial seismically energetic areas in america. California ranks among the many areas most vulnerable to earthquakes, alongside Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington. This heightened exercise stems from California’s place alongside main fault traces, together with the notorious San Andreas Fault that runs by means of a lot of the state.
Scientists estimate that roughly 500,000 detectable earthquakes happen worldwide annually. Of that complete, roughly 100,000 are robust sufficient for folks to really feel, whereas solely about 100 trigger any significant harm to constructions or infrastructure. Most earthquakes, like Monday morning’s San Ramon tremor, move with little fanfare.
Potential earthquake hazards
Whereas small earthquakes not often trigger issues, bigger seismic occasions can set off a number of risks. The sudden, violent shaking related to main earthquakes can spark fires, generate tsunamis in coastal areas, or trigger landslides and avalanches in mountainous terrain. These secondary results generally show extra damaging than the preliminary earthquake itself.
Important security pointers
Realizing easy methods to reply throughout an earthquake could make a major distinction in staying secure. Consultants suggest completely different methods relying in your location when shaking begins. If you happen to’re driving, pull over safely and set your parking brake till the tremor passes. These in mattress ought to flip face-down and use a pillow to guard their head and neck.
Folks outdoor ought to steer clear of buildings and keep away from the temptation to hunt shelter inside in the course of the shaking. Conversely, anybody already inside ought to stay indoors slightly than working exterior the place falling particles poses a higher danger. Regardless of standard perception, doorways don’t present superior safety throughout earthquakes.
Drop, cowl and maintain on
Emergency administration officers emphasize a easy three-step course of for earthquake security. First, drop right down to your arms and knees to forestall being knocked over. These utilizing wheelchairs or walkers ought to lock their wheels and keep seated. Subsequent, cowl your head and neck along with your arms whereas in search of shelter below a sturdy desk or desk. If no furnishings is offered, transfer to an inside wall away from home windows.
Lastly, maintain on to your shelter with one hand and be ready to maneuver with it if essential. This place protects important areas of your physique whereas sustaining stability in the course of the shaking.
After the shaking stops
The interval instantly following an earthquake requires warning. Broken buildings, ruptured fuel traces, damaged water mains and downed energy traces can create critical hazards. Aftershocks steadily comply with the principle earthquake, generally occurring hours and even days later. Residents ought to stay alert and able to drop, cowl and maintain on once more if extra shaking happens.
Story credit score: MERCED SUN-STAR
