2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence: An Independence Day California Won't Forget

On July 4, 2019, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Ridgecrest, a town in California's Mojave Desert. Thirty-four hours later, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit the same area – the largest to strike California in 20 years. Shaking was felt across California, Arizona, and Nevada. The earthquakes killed one person, injured 25, and caused surface ruptures stretching 30 miles with ground displacement exceeding six feet. Total damage exceeded $5.3 billion.

Learn about the impact of the Ridgecrest earthquakes and how they became a case study for understanding earthquake cascades and stress transfer between intersecting fault systems. We’ll also share an important message about safety and preparedness.

 

⏱️ Timestamps

INTRODUCTION

00:00 – Welcome Message

00:12 – Topic Introduction

2019 EARTHQUAKE FACTS

00:30 – About Ridgecrest

01:01 – The Earthquake Sequence

01:41 – One Death and 25 Injuries

02:03 – Damage and Economic Impact

02:35 – Surface Rupture

SCIENTIFIC LESSONS

03:05  – Two Perpendicular Fault Systems

03:24  – L-Shaped Rupture Pattern

03:51  – Aftershocks

04:10  – Rethinking Seismic Hazards

OUR EXPERIENCE

04:31 – Did We Feel It?