The Hayward Fault— Is it due for a repeat of the powerful 1868 earthquake?

Fact Sheet 2008-3019
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

On October 21, 1868, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay region. Although the region was then sparsely populated, this quake on the Hayward Fault was one of the most destructive in California's history. Recent studies show that such powerful Hayward Fault quakes have repeatedly jolted the region in the past. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists describe this fault as a tectonic time bomb, due anytime for another magnitude 6.8 to 7.0 earthquake. Because such a quake could cause hundreds of deaths, leave thousands homeless, and devastate the region's economy, the USGS and other organizations are working together with new urgency to help prepare Bay Area communities for this certain future quake.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The Hayward Fault— Is it due for a repeat of the powerful 1868 earthquake?
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2008-3019
DOI 10.3133/fs20083019
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center
Description 4 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Hayward Fault
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details