Real-time earthquake monitoring for California. Track seismic activity, view recent quakes, and understand the region's geological activity.
📍 Real-Time Data
Live earthquake data from USGS showing all seismic activity in and around California.
📊 Magnitude Scale
Color-coded markers show earthquake magnitude from minor (M2.5) to major (M7+).
🕐 24-Hour History
View all earthquakes in California from the past 24 hours.
📱 3D Visualization
See earthquake epicenters and depths on our interactive 3D globe.
Seismic Activity in California
California sits on the San Andreas Fault and experiences frequent seismic activity. Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are particularly vulnerable.
Understanding Earthquakes
- Magnitude 2.5-4.9: Minor earthquakes, usually felt but rarely cause damage
- Magnitude 5.0-5.9: Moderate earthquakes, can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings
- Magnitude 6.0-6.9: Strong earthquakes, can cause significant damage in populated areas
- Magnitude 7.0+: Major earthquakes, can cause severe damage over large areas
Stay Prepared
If you live in California, it's important to be prepared for earthquakes. Have an emergency kit ready, know safe spots in your home, and follow official guidance during seismic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do earthquakes occur in California?
California experiences varying levels of seismic activity. Our real-time map shows all recorded earthquakes magnitude 2.5 and above.
How is earthquake magnitude measured?
Earthquakes are measured using the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw), which replaced the Richter scale. Each whole number increase represents about 32 times more energy released.
What causes earthquakes in California?
Earthquakes in California are primarily caused by tectonic plate movement. The region's geological setting makes it prone to seismic activity.