Earthquake Facts & Earthquake Fantasy

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Earthquake Facts & Earthquake Fantasy

Highlights:
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