Earthquake Facts & Earthquake FantasyHighlights:
Earthquakes are sudden rolling or shaking events caused by movement under the Earth’s surface.
FACT
Can “Mega Quakes” really happen?
THEORETICALLY, YES. REALISTICALLY, NO.
Earthquakes only occur on the West Coast in the United States.
FICTION
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was the deadliest ever.
FICTION
California has the most earthquakes in the United States.
PARTIALLY FACT
Earthquakes can occur just below the surface or deep below the surface.
FACT
The ground can open up during an earthquake.
FICTION
California will eventually fall into the ocean.
FICTION
An “Aftershock” can be greater than the initial earthquake.
PARTIALLY FACT
Two major earthquakes occurred on the same day, so they must be related.
NOT LIKELY
People can cause earthquakes.
PARTIALLY FACT
People can stop earthquakes.
FICTION
Nuclear explosions can start or stop earthquakes.
FICTION
You can prevent large earthquakes by making lots of small ones, or by "lubricating" the fault with water
FICTION
We can predict earthquakes.
FICTION
Animals can predict earthquakes.
FICTION
Some people can sense that an earthquake is about to happen.
MAYBE
It’s been raining a lot, or very hot--it must be earthquake weather!
FICTION
The Golden Gate Bridge, Seattle Space Needle and other buildings will all eventually fall during an earthquake.
NOT LIKELY
Earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings and their contents do.
FACT
During an earthquake you should head for the doorway.
FICTION
Everyone will panic during the Big One.
FICTION
You can’t plan ahead for an earthquake.
FICTION:
USGS is a worldwide leader in earthquake hazard research, information and mitigation.
FACT
But more can be done.
ABSOLUTELY
