California Earthquakes – LIVE Map & Latest Quakes
See the latest California earthquakes updated in real time from the USGS. The map below shows all magnitude 1.5+ earthquakes across the state, refreshed every few minutes.
California Earthquake Map (Real-Time)
This interactive map shows the latest earthquakes in California, updated in real time from the USGS feed. Each colored circle represents an earthquake location. Click any circle to see detailed information including magnitude, location, time, and depth. Use the time filter buttons to view earthquakes from the last hour, 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
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📊 California Earthquake Statistics
Magnitude 1.5+ • Data from USGS
🔔 Latest California Earthquakes (M4.0+)
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On average, two or three earthquakes every year in California reach magnitude 5.5 or higher—powerful enough to damage buildings and infrastructure.
Source: California Geological Survey (CGS)
Latest Quakes Detected in California
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About California Earthquakes
California experiences thousands of earthquakes each year due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. The San Andreas Fault system, stretching approximately 800 miles (1300 km) through California, is one of the world’s most studied and monitored fault systems.
Major Fault Systems
- San Andreas Fault: Primary transform fault running from Salton Sea to Cape Mendocino, capable of magnitude 8+ earthquakes
- Hayward Fault: East Bay fault through heavily populated areas, considered one of the most dangerous in California
- Calaveras Fault: Parallel to Hayward Fault, runs through Hollister and San Jose areas
- San Jacinto Fault: Southern California fault zone, one of most active in the state
- Garlock Fault: East-west trending fault in southern California, separates Mojave Desert from Sierra Nevada
- Cascadia Subduction Zone: Offshore Northern California, capable of magnitude 9+ megaquakes
Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Public Domain
Seismically Active Regions
- Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose – crisscrossed by multiple active faults
- Los Angeles Basin: Complex network of faults including Newport-Inglewood and Hollywood faults
- Eastern Sierra: High seismic activity along eastern edge of Sierra Nevada
- Imperial Valley: Southern California near Mexican border, frequent seismic activity
- North Coast: Mendocino Triple Junction where three tectonic plates meet
Earthquake Risk & Probabilities in California
According to the USGS, California has a high probability of experiencing damaging earthquakes in the coming decades:
- Bay Area: ~33% chance of M≥6.7 within 30 years (USGS UCERF3 model).
- Southern San Andreas: capable of M7.5–8 with major surface rupture.
- Cascadia Subduction Zone: capable of M9 megathrust earthquakes offshore Northern California.
Source: USGS – “Most California earthquakes occur within the top 16 km (10 miles)…”
Historical Major Earthquakes
- 1857 Fort Tejon (M7.9): Left a 220-mile surface scar
- 1906 San Francisco (M7.9): Most famous California earthquake, destroyed much of San Francisco
- 1989 Loma Prieta (M6.9): World Series earthquake, collapsed section of Bay Bridge
- 1994 Northridge (M6.7): Los Angeles area, one of costliest earthquakes in US history
- 2019 Ridgecrest (M7.1): Eastern California near Death Valley, largest in 20 years
Earthquake Preparedness
California has some of the strictest building codes and early-warning systems in the world. The ShakeAlert system can provide valuable seconds of warning before shaking starts, allowing time to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. All California residents should have emergency kits and family disaster plans.
Earthquake Safety Checklist
- Keep a 3-day supply of food, water, and medications
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances
- Know “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedures
- Download the ShakeAlert or MyShake app
- Have an out-of-area emergency contact
Source: USGS – Cascadia Subduction Zone Science
California’s Earthquake Monitoring Networks
California’s real-time earthquake data comes from several scientific networks working together:
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – national seismic monitoring and hazard assessment.
- Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) – operates 500+ stations across Southern California.
- Caltech Seismological Laboratory – analyzes regional seismicity and supports ShakeAlert.
- California Geological Survey (CGS) – provides fault maps and seismic hazard zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does California have so many earthquakes?
Because it lies along the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, crossed by numerous active faults such as the San Andreas.
What was the largest earthquake in California?
The largest earthquakes in California were the 1857 Fort Tejon and 1906 San Francisco events, both estimated at magnitude 7.9. The 1906 quake was the most destructive, devastating San Francisco and killing over 3,000 people.
Does California have an early-warning system?
Yes. The ShakeAlert system provides several seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives.
Which part of California has the highest earthquake risk?
The Bay Area and Southern San Andreas region have the highest probability of experiencing a major earthquake in the coming decades according to the USGS.
🗺️ Related Maps
View broader region: United States Earthquakes
View other states: Alaska | Washington |
View California regions: Southern California | Northern California | San Francisco Bay Area
More resources: See all U.S. earthquakes | ShakeAlert Official Site | Caltech Seismology News