United States Geological Survey (USGS) issues daily alerts regarding seismic movements felt throughout the United States, mainly in states such as California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and other areas where seismic activity frequently occurs.
Data from the USGS website indicates that nearly 75% of the continental US, along with Alaska and Hawaii, might experience a damaging earthquake within the next century. This means millions of residents are at risk of earthquake damage, even in regions not traditionally considered earthquake-prone. This article provides information regarding recent earthquakes recorded by the USGS today, Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Earthquake in the US today, July 6, according to USGS live
Stay informed and learn how to prepare for an earthquake. Below is information on the latest tremors in the US today, Saturday, July 6, 2024:
Why do earthquakes occur in California?
California sits at the meeting point of two tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The Pacific Plate encompasses most of the Pacific Ocean floor and the California coast, while the North American Plate covers most of the North American continent and parts of the Atlantic Ocean floor.
The primary boundary between these plates is the San Andreas Fault, a massive fracture over 650 miles long and extending to a depth of less than 10 miles. Numerous smaller faults, such as the Hayward (northern California) and San Jacinto (southern California), branch off from and connect to the San Andreas Fault.
The Pacific Plate is moving northwestward past the North American Plate at a rate of roughly two inches per year. Portions of the San Andreas Fault system accommodate this movement through constant “slipping,” resulting in numerous small tremors and occasionally moderate earthquakes.
Seismic zones in the United States, according to the USGS report
States most likely to experience earthquakes include Texas, California, Alaska, Utah, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and others, as they are situated along the San Andreas Fault, one of the country’s major geological fault lines.
The USGS released its new report on seismic zones in the United States where there is a high probability of a strong earthquake. (Photo: USGS)
What should I do before, during and following an earthquake in the United States?
Here is a helpful list of actions you can take to prepare for a strong earthquake in the United States or anywhere in the world. Follow the safety recommendations below:
Before an earthquake in the United States
- Regularly inspect your home’s infrastructure.
- Install secure locks, cabinets, and shelving.
- Store fragile items in safe places.
- Always keep a first-aid kit readily available.
- Establish a designated safe meeting point for your family.
- Educate family members on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
- Create a list of emergency contact numbers, including doctors, police, civil protection, and others.
During an earthquake in the United States
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, and sharp objects that might fall.
- Seek shelter under a sturdy table or under a door frame.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Avoid using elevators; take the stairs during the earthquake.
- Never run out of a building while an earthquake is ongoing.
After an earthquake in the United States
- Seek medical help for individuals with serious injuries.
- Provide first aid and emotional support to injured people who need it.
- Avoid unnecessary use of mobile phones to prevent overloading the network.
- Inspect your home for structural damage.
- Turn off water, electricity, and gas to prevent potential leaks.
- Do not light candles, matches, or anything else that might cause a fire.
Earthquake Updates in the US
United States Geological Survey (USGS) issues daily alerts regarding seismic movements felt throughout the United States, mainly in states such as California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and other areas where seismic activity usually occurs daily.
It is worth mentioning that according to data collected from the USGS website, almost 75% of the continental US territory, as well as Alaska and Hawaii, might suffer a damaging earthquake at some point in the next century. This means that its millions of inhabitants are at risk of suffering damage from catastrophic earthquakes, even in areas that are not traditionally considered prone to events of this nature.
Earthquake in the US Today, July 6, 2024, According to USGS Live
Follow LIVE and find out how to be prepared for the arrival of an earthquake. Below, I leave you the information of the reports of the latest tremors in the US today, Saturday, July 6, 2024:
| Time (UTC) | Magnitude | Location | Depth (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:23:45 | 3.2 | 7 miles W of Ridgecrest, California | 6.3 |
| 02:18:12 | 2.8 | 10 miles S of Mammoth Lakes, California | 8.5 |
| 07:45:00 | 4.1 | Near Palmer, Alaska | 10.0 |
| 11:32:21 | 2.5 | Near Volcano, Hawaii | 3.8 |
| 14:59:54 | 3.0 | 15 miles E of El Centro, California | 5.7 |
Disclaimer: This information is based on the USGS website and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date earthquake data, please visit the official USGS website.
Why do Earthquakes Occur in California?
California, known as the “Earthquake State,” is a hotbed of tectonic activity. The state sits on the boundary of two major tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. These plates are constantly moving, and when they grind once morest each other, they cause earthquakes.
The San Andreas Fault, a major geological fault running through California, is a prime example of this interaction. It marks the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. The Pacific Plate moves northwestward past the North American Plate at a rate of regarding two inches per year. This movement, known as “slip,” causes tension to build up along the fault. Over time, this tension can release suddenly, leading to an earthquake.
California’s unique geological structure, combined with the movement of tectonic plates, makes it the most earthquake-prone state in the United States.
Seismic Zones in the United States, According to the USGS Report
The USGS has identified several seismic zones in the United States based on the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. These zones are categorized by their relative risk of experiencing a damaging earthquake. Here are some of the most active seismic zones in the US:
- West Coast: California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska. This region is highly active due to the convergence of the Pacific and North American plates. The San Andreas Fault system, along with other faults, is responsible for numerous earthquakes, including the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
- Intermountain West: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada. This region is characterized by a complex network of faults triggered by the interaction of the North American plate and the Basin and Range province, creating seismic activity.
- Central and Eastern US: While overall less active than the West Coast, this region experiences earthquakes due to the reactivation of ancient faults, particularly in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in the Mississippi River valley. The 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes were among the most powerful in US history.
- Hawaii: Situated atop a volcanic hotspot, Hawaii experiences frequent earthquakes due to volcanic eruptions, magma movement, and the movement of tectonic plates.
The USGS released its new report on seismic zones in the United States where there is a high probability of a strong earthquake. (Photo: USGS)
What Should I Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake in the United States?
It’s crucial to be prepared for earthquakes, especially if you live in a seismic zone. These are the recommended actions to take before, during, and following an earthquake:
Before the Earthquake in the United States
- Secure your home: Assess your home’s structure for potential hazards. Secure heavy objects (like bookcases and mirrors) to walls, and install safety latches on cabinets and shelving.
- Create an emergency kit: Prepare a kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, a radio, and a copy of your important documents.
- Develop an emergency plan: Create a family communication plan with an emergency meeting place and evacuation routes. Familiarize your family with earthquake drills.
- Learn CPR and first aid: Knowing how to perform basic life-saving techniques can make a difference in an emergency.
During the Earthquake in the United States
- Drop, cover, and hold on: When you feel an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy object (like a table or desk), and hold onto it until the shaking stops.
- Stay away from windows and heavy objects: These can shatter or fall during the earthquake, causing injuries.
- Avoid using elevators: Use the stairs instead, as elevators can be disabled during an earthquake.
- Be prepared for followingshocks: Earthquakes frequently have followingshocks, which can be just as dangerous as the main event.
After the Earthquake in the United States
- Check for injuries and provide first aid: Do not move someone with a suspected spinal injury unless absolutely necessary.
- Turn off gas, water, and electricity: Inspect for leaks and damages before turning them back on.
- Be cautious regarding fallen power lines and structural damage: Stay away from debris and damaged areas.
- Listen to official announcements: Get information from credible sources, such as radio, TV, or emergency officials.
- Be aware of followingshocks: These can occur for weeks or even months following an earthquake.
- Stay calm and be patient: Emergency services may be overwhelmed, so it’s important to be patient and cooperate with authorities.
Being prepared for earthquakes is vital for safety and minimizing damage. Following these steps can help you navigate an earthquake situation with caution and reduce your risk of harm.
