How many giant earthquakes does the San Andreas Fault produce in a year?
Quick Answer
Usually none; big earthquakes on the San Andreas are separated by years to centuries, not by an annual schedule. The fault slips little by little, but large ruptures are infrequent.
The Full Story
The San Andreas Fault does not produce giant earthquakes every year. Instead, it builds up stress for long periods and then releases it in occasional large ruptures. Historic examples include the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, estimated around magnitude 7.8, and the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake, also around magnitude 7.9. In some sections, smaller quakes and steady creep release part of the motion, but other sections remain locked. That is why scientists watch the fault closely, even in years without major shaking.
Key Facts
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"Why California’s famous fault doesn’t quake on a schedule"
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