California mega-earthquake risk increases

US Geological Survey Marker in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Image by Sam Howzit / CC BY 2.0

Scientists at the US Geological Survey have released a study this week forecasting the risk of earthquakes in California, and the results show that the probability of a strong magnitude 8 earthquake happening in the next 30 years has increased.  The chance of such a mega earthquake happening is now at 7 percent, up from the 4.7 percent estimated in a 2008 report. The study also predicts that moderate-sized earthquakes (of 6.5 to 7.5) will be slightly less likely than previously thought. Read more: desertsun.com