Introduction to the Earthquake
A magnitude-5.2 earthquake struck San Diego County, causing shaking in parts of Los Angeles. The earthquake, which was initially listed at magnitude-6.0, occurred in the Julian area of east San Diego County, approximately 130 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
What to Know
What to Know
- An earthquake in east San Diego County caused shaking in parts of Los Angeles.
- The earthquake was initially listed at magnitude-6.0, but later downgraded to 5.2.
- Shaking was reported in Los Angeles, Downey, San Pedro, Long Beach, Pasadena and elsewhere.
Earthquake Details
Shaking was reported in parts of Los Angeles Monday morning from a magnitude-5.2 earthquake more than 100 miles away in San Diego County. The quake at about 10:10 a.m. was in the Julian area in east San Diego County, about 130 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Shaking was reported in parts of LA, Grand Terrace, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Downey, Cypress, San Pedro, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Pasadena, Corona in Riverside County and other areas.
Initial Reports and Reactions
Initially reported at magnitude-6.0 and later downgraded, the quake triggered mobile emergency alerts on phones in Los Angeles County and elsewhere. "It lasted long enough that my alert went off," said Temecula resident Kathleen Dolan. "I was having a great morning drinking my coffee and I’m thinking I need to hit the floor." Several aftershocks of magnitude-2.5 and greater were reported in the region.
Location and Seismic Activity
Julian, a community of about 1,500, is roughly 60 miles northeast of San Diego, where widespread shaking was reported. Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said the earthquake was most likely associated with the Elsinore Fault, which runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault. "We do have a way of guessing at what the fault would be. We can’t actually confirm it’s on a particular fault without it coming up to the surface," Jones said. "That’s one of our major faults in Southern California, part of the San Andreas system. We’ve had a couple of magnitude 5s over the last few decades that were in this general vicinity."
The Elsinore Fault
The Elsinore Fault is one of Southern California’s largest and quietest, according to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. Only one earthquake greater than magnitude-5.2, a magnitude-6.0 shock reported in 1910 near Temescal Valley, is associated with the main part of the fault.
Public Reaction
Several NBCLA viewers reported shaking. "I felt it here in Tujunga, and I’m 100 miles from there," said NBCLA Facebook user Laura Green. "Felt it in Tustin, strong rattle," Bonni Christopher said. "I’m in North Indio," said Mary Catherine Egan. "Felt very strong."
Conclusion
The magnitude-5.2 earthquake in San Diego County served as a reminder of the seismic activity in Southern California. Although the earthquake was downgraded from its initial magnitude of 6.0, it still caused significant shaking in various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The association with the Elsinore Fault highlights the complexity and potential risks of the region’s fault system.
FAQs
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake was initially reported as magnitude-6.0 but was later downgraded to magnitude-5.2.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred in the Julian area of east San Diego County, approximately 130 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Were there any aftershocks?
Yes, several aftershocks of magnitude-2.5 and greater were reported in the region.
Which fault is the earthquake associated with?
The earthquake is most likely associated with the Elsinore Fault, which runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault.
Were there any reports of damage or injury?
There were no immediate reports of significant damage or injury, but the earthquake did trigger mobile emergency alerts and caused shaking in various areas.
