How to expect an earthquake?

Question

Hi,
I made a recent post asking if there was a high chance of there being an earthquake in san jose CA (I'm moving there soon from Great Britain). The answers were very helpful but a little worrying as most of them said yes there is.....as I can't move anywhere else but San Jose ( My green card is through family and I'm living with parent) I would like to know the following:-
Can you predict an earthquake, and are there any warning signs and alarms?
Are buildings in San Jose 'earthquake proof'
Are roads etc 'Earthquake proof'
Do Californians have safety training in what to do in the event of an earthquake and if so can I get that training when I go over from anywhere?
I studied earthquakes as part of gcse geography and got a very good grade but that was a few years ago now and I've forgotten most of what I learnt. The main reason for my fear is seeing footage of motorways collapsing in an 80's quake, people being crushed...so any help would be gratefully received! thanks

Answer 1

I have lived in the Los Angeles area all my life I have ridden out many earthquakes, including the 1971 Sylmar quake (magnitude 6.6, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/events/1971_02_09.php), the 1987 Whittier Narrows quakes (magnitude 5.3/5.9, http://www.goldenstatemuseum.org/gewhittier.htm), the 1992 Landers (magnitude 7.3, http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/landersq.html) and Big Bear (magnitude 6.4, http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/bigbear.html) quakes, and the 1994 Northridge quake (magnitude 6.7, http://www.data.scec.org/chrono_index/northreq.html), so have a bit of personal experience with them.

Sorry, but, despite the previous and sebsequent answers' optimism, one cannot predict earthquakes, yet. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_prediction, http://www.ess.washington.edu/SEIS/PNSN/INFO_GENERAL/eq_prediction.html, etc) For an insight into the relative frequency of quakes in the San Jose area, check this hazard map http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/california/hazards.php for the magnitude of quake expected with > 2% probability within 50 years. Note the red around San Jose (and Los Angeles!). The higher numbers represent the possibility of more violent quakes. Still 2% is not "great". It shows that this is a seismically active area.

Buildings and roads in California are not "earthquake proof", but are constructed to the highest standards to withstand even major quakes.

There is no formal training given to Californians, but many local agencies offer advice. Browse around the USGS site above, especially the "Other Resources" link for more information.

Finally, sorry to say, your geology class won't be of much help, other than as general interest. Mine hasn't been.

If you can get over the initial scary time, you will love it here!

Addenda: Seismic gape? Links to actual papers?

Answer 2

Please read this. I have designed a simple warning system for earthquakes. This has proved its capability on five occasions including on the day of Tsunami. Out of inferiority complex our meteorological department has not shown interest to find the real usage of this equipment. This can be manufactured just for U.S.$ 25.
Methods for prediction of earthquakes & Tsunami
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1. Seismic gape: - The earthquake at a particular place may occur for every fixed gape of time. By knowing the past records of the quakes affected at that place may help to decide when the earthquake is next due.

2. Planet position.: - When the stress is accumulated at the tectonic plate boundary and the same time if the position of more than 2 planets comes in a straight line this may help to accelerate the earthquakes. There fore the full moon days and new moon days are more vulnerable days for earthquakes. Some time this method fails why? Think of a sick patient. New moon and full moon days are dangerous for only sick patents. These days will not affect the healthy people. The same way if there is no accumulated stress at the tectonic plate boundaries no need to worry about the planet positions.

3. Sun rays falling method: - If you observe the position of the sun rays falling on our wall at a particular time on all days it should form an angular infinity symbol. If there is any deviation in its path it means that there is some difference in height of the earth. That means some strain noticed at that place. Somebody claims that they can predict the place of epicenter by observing this. The laser beam measuring method of earth height from satellite also will help.

4. MCDB:- Chinese scientist claims that they can predict up to 60 % accuracy by sensing electro magnetic rays.

5. Cloud forming: - Few hours to a few days before the occurrence of earthquakes a cloud reader claims that he has noticed a peculiar mosaic type of formation .We may also notice some lightening in the sky.

6. By sound :- A professor from Ajmeer University claims that he was able to hear a low frequency noise under 125 meter depth in a bore well. The same thing was reported by one Mr. Nair that he heard some roaring noise under the earth one week before the occurrence of earthquake in Gujarat.

7. By frequency of waves :- Mr Richter Allen of Berkley University claims that he can decide the magnitude of earthquake just 4 seconds after observing the frequency of the primary wave. Present method needs the full seismographic picture to find the real magnitude that too from as many places as possible to have fairly accurate results. His claim has got some truth because when there is a slip of bigger tectonic plate the frequency of quake will be less. If a small tectonic plate slips the frequency of the waves will be more.
8. There are several changes in nature and in the behaviors of animals and birds can be observed before an earthquake and Tsunami. I wrote several articles on these subjects. The water level in well may change. Stay away from beaches if you sense earthquake waves. The Tsunami may attack long after the shaking is stopped.






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Answer 3

Nothing much to worry, really! San Jose is a safe place! You get warning with plenty of time to react: you get training through TV tips, from community centres and such, when necessary: from all angles that you have included in your Q, it is safe!

Answer 4

well, you can watch the news and listen to other people but another way is to adopt a cat. they normally predict earthquakes. all you have to do is take notice of their behavior. if they seem uneasy and run under tables you can guess something is wrong.