Fact checks: Can animals predict earthquakes? Will California ‘fall’ into the ocean?

Jacqueline Pinedo
·2 min read
9

California is popular for it’s beautiful coastlines and diverse topography — but with that come earthquakes.

Here are five misconceptions about earthquakes, gathered from the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

1. Myth: Animals predict earthquakes

While anecdotes of animals fleeing their homes days before destructive earthquakes have swirled for centuries, there has been no “consistent and reliable evidence” they can predict when and where the temblor will happens, according to the United States Geological Survey. Smithsonian Magazine reported in 2016 that it’s true animals can sense the quake moments before humans — but they aren’t predicting anything. There is, however, some research on the matter.

2. Myth: The best place to stand during an earthquake is under a door frame

You absolutely should not stand under a doorway, according to the CDC. You are better off going under a table during an earthquake.. It states that doorways, especially in modern housing developments, are not stronger than any other part of the house. Going under a secure area, like a table, prevents flying objects from falling onto you.

3. Myth: California is going to fall into the ocean

Thankfully, it’s impossible for California to actually fall into the ocean, according to the USGS. What is happening, but very slowly, is the state’s tectonic plates are shifting. USGS predicts that in about 15 million years Los Angeles and San Francisco will be adjacent.

4. Myth: Very rainy and hot weather is considered earthquake weather

We probably have all heard of earthquake weather, but it is not real. There is an equal distribution of earthquakes throughout all weather systems, according to the USGS.

5. Partial myth: California has the most earthquakes in the United States

California actually comes in second, after Alaska, in the United States with the most earthquakes, according to the USGS. According to the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission, “scientists have long recognized that Alaska has more earthquakes than any other region of the United States and is, in fact, one of the most seismically active areas of the world.”

California does however place in first when it comes to the most damaging earthquakes in the US. per year.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.