Comments on potential geologic and seismic hazards affecting coastal Ventura County, California

Stephanie L. Ross; David M. Boore; Michael A. Fisher; Arthur D. Frankel; Eric L. Geist; Kenneth W. Hudnut; Robert E. Kayen; Homa J. Lee; William R. Normark; Florence L. Wong

doi:10.3133/ofr20041286

Comments on potential geologic and seismic hazards affecting coastal Ventura County, California

Open-File Report 2004-1286

By: Stephanie L. Ross, David M. Boore, Michael A. Fisher, Arthur D. Frankel, Eric L. Geist, Kenneth W. Hudnut, Robert E. Kayen, Homa J. Lee, William R. Normark, and Florence L. Wong

https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20041286

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Abstract

This report examines the regional seismic and geologic hazards that could affect proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in coastal Ventura County, California. Faults throughout this area are thought to be capable of producing earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 to 7.5, which could produce surface fault offsets of as much as 15 feet. Many of these faults are sufficiently well understood to be included in the current generation of the National Seismic Hazard Maps; others may become candidates for inclusion in future revisions as research proceeds.

Strong shaking is the primary hazard that causes damage from earthquakes and this area is zoned with a high level of shaking hazard. The estimated probability of a magnitude 6.5 or larger earthquake (comparable in size to the 2003 San Simeon quake) occurring in the next 30 years within 30 miles of Platform Grace is 50-60%; for Cabrillo Port, the estimate is a 35% likelihood. Combining these probabilities of earthquake occurrence with relationships that give expected ground motions yields the estimated seismic-shaking hazard. In parts of the project area, the estimated shaking hazard is as high as along the San Andreas Fault. The combination of long-period basin waves and LNG installations with large long-period resonances potentially increases this hazard.

Study Area

Additional publication details
Publication type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Title	Comments on potential geologic and seismic hazards affecting coastal Ventura County, California
Series title	Open-File Report
Series number	2004-1286
DOI	10.3133/ofr20041286
Edition	Version 1.0
Year Published	2004
Language	English
Publisher	U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location	Reston, VA
Contributing office(s)	Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description	20 p.
Country	United States
State	California
County	Ventura County
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page