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Concerns Rise Over Earthquake Swarm in Death Valley

130 earthquakes rattle Death Valley, stoking fears of the Big One 🔗

A swarm of earthquakes is rattling California 's Death Valley, with seismic activity detected all the way to Las Vegas. Since October 9, 130 quakes have struck the National Park. The largest was M4.7.

A series of 130 earthquakes has struck Death Valley, California, since October 9, raising concerns about a potential larger quake. The largest tremors recorded were magnitudes 4.7 and 4.5 on October 25, which were felt as far away as Las Vegas. While this swarm of quakes is not unusual for the area, experts are monitoring the situation closely due to the possibility of a more significant earthquake following the recent activity. Death Valley has a history of major seismic events, including a 2019 magnitude 7.1 earthquake nearby. Although fears of the "Big One"—a major quake along the San Andreas fault—are heightened during such clusters, there is currently no evidence to suggest that this swarm will trigger it.

What has caused concern among experts regarding the recent earthquakes in Death Valley?

Experts are concerned that the recent swarm of earthquakes could signal a larger, more devastating quake in the future, as such clusters are often followed by significant seismic events.

How strong were the largest earthquakes recorded in this swarm?

The largest earthquakes in this swarm reached magnitudes of 4.7 and 4.5, occurring on October 25.

Is there a risk that the Death Valley earthquakes could trigger the "Big One" on the San Andreas fault?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the recent swarm of earthquakes will lead to instability in the San Andreas fault or trigger the "Big One."

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