A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes late Sunday night, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The temblor occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. Pacific Time, roughly 14 miles offshore near Catalina Island, the USGS reported.
The earthquake was felt across a wide area, extending along the Los Angeles County coastline and as far east as northern Orange County near Fullerton, according to the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” report. Even as the quake was widely felt, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage.
The event occurred at a depth of nearly seven miles, the USGS stated. This latest seismic activity is the third earthquake reported off the Southern California coast in the past week. A 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 11 miles southeast of Port Hueneme in Ventura County, and a 2.9 magnitude temblor occurred four miles west of Malibu.
Southern California lies in a seismically active region, and while smaller earthquakes are relatively common, the Palos Verdes Fault zone presents a unique concern. The fault, running roughly parallel to the California coast between Santa Catalina Island and the mainland, passes directly through the Port of Los Angeles and continues north into Santa Monica Bay. Like the San Andreas fault, the Palos Verdes Fault is a strike-slip fault, meaning the tectonic plates move laterally against each other. According to USGS research, the Palos Verdes Fault currently moves at a rate of about 3 millimeters per year.
While magnitude 2 and 3 earthquakes associated with the fault occur frequently with little consequence, larger temblors pose a potential risk. USGS scientists have warned that larger earthquakes along the Palos Verdes Fault could trigger seafloor landslides, potentially displacing significant volumes of water and creating tsunamis. These tsunamis could cause damage to coastal communities, and harbors.
Researchers have been actively studying the Palos Verdes Fault zone using advanced techniques like seismic reflection. A recent 8-day research cruise, conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, utilized sound waves and hydrophones to map a network of submarine faults within the zone. This work, led by geophysicist Jared Kluesner and geologist Jamie Conrad of the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, aims to better understand the fault’s structure and potential for future seismic activity. The USGS has too utilized industry multichannel seismic reflection data to map the offshore portions of the fault, as reported in 2013.
The ongoing research builds on previous studies of the region’s geology, including investigations of Santa Catalina Island. Understanding the complex geological features of the area is crucial for assessing and mitigating earthquake risks.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with earthquake preparedness guidelines and to report any unusual shaking they experience to the USGS through the “Did You Feel It?” system.
As seismic activity continues off the Southern California coast, ongoing research and monitoring efforts remain vital for understanding and mitigating potential risks to coastal communities. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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