The United States Geological Survey reported a Magnitude 3.4 Earthquake at a depth of 11 km in southeastern Monterey County, California, slightly before 9.50 am local time (slightly before 4.50 pm GMT) on Friday 8 August 2014. There are no reports of any damage or casualties associated with this event, though it was felt in southern Monterey and northern San Luis Obispo counties.
The approximate location of the 8 August 2014 Monterey County Earthquake. Google Maps.
California is extremely prone to Earthquakes due to the presence of the San Andreas Fault, a tectonic plate margin that effectively bisects the state. The west of California, including Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, is located on the Pacific Plate, and is moving to the northwest. The east of California, including Fresno and Bakersfield is on the North American Plate, and is moving to the southeast. The plates do not move smoothly past one-another, but constantly stick together then break apart as the pressure builds up. This has led to a network of smaller faults that criss-cross the state, so that Earthquakes can effectively occur anywhere, although this particular quake appears to have occured directly on the San Andreas Fault itself.
The extent of and movement on the San Andreas Fault. Geology.
Witness accounts of Earthquakes can help geologists to understand these events and the underlying structures that cause them. If you felt this quake (or if you were in the area but did not, which is also useful information) then you can report it to the United States Geological Survey here.
See also...
The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 2.5 Earthquake at a depth of 7.5 km, in southern San Benito County...
The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 2.5 Earthquake at a depth of 5.5 km, 3 km southwest of San Juan...
The United Stated Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 2.8 Earthquake at a depth of 8.2 km, 11 km to the southeast of...
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