Local & Community
Seismologist Studies Dimensions, Dynamics of Ridgecrest Fault Line
A UC Riverside geophysics professor is taking measurements along fault lines running through Ridgecrest, California, to determine how the little-known fissures produced the July 4 earthquake and the bigger one that followed the next day, campus officials said Wednesday.
Professor Abhijit Ghosh has planted 25 seismometers along the surface of the Ridgecrest faults to monitor activity since last month’s shakers and utilize that data to gauge what impact the lines are having on surrounding faults, including the well-known Garlock fault that stretches 150 miles, just southeast of Bakersfield, according to UCR.
“These instruments are extremely sensitive,” Ghosh said. “They can detect and locate even very tiny earthquakes very precisely.”
The professor acknowledged very little is understood about the main 40- mile Ridgecrest fault — until it got everyone’s attention with a 6.4- magnitude quake on July 4 and a 7.1-magnitude roller July 5, causing extensive damage to infrastructure in the community of Ridgecrest and around the neighboring China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station.
Ghosh is hoping the readings, which give a three-dimensional view of fault lines’ composition, will enable seismologists to improve geophysical mapping of the region.
The professor says he is keenly interested to know what influence the 7.1-magnitude quake may have had on tectonic plates moving within surrounding faults.
“It’s not a matter of `whether’ there will be another large quake in California,” Ghosh said. “It’s an inevitability. The more we understand about the physics behind earthquakes, the better we can prepare to combat their hazards.”
Ghosh dismissed the notion that a big quake provides a release of energy that lessens the likelihood of a similar temblor happening in the same area soon afterward. He said a bigger quake could strike at any time.
“Be prepared,” the professor said. “Seismic hazard levels are high in California, whether you live near Ridgecrest or not.”
His research is being funded, in part, by the National Science Foundation.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 14, 2019
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings