Small Earthquake Shakes Malibu Beach – More Big Ones Coming?
Do you ever worry about the ground shaking under your feet? People in Malibu, California felt a sudden jolt on Wednesday morning when a small earthquake struck offshore. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 3.2-magnitude earthquake hit just 2.8 miles off Malibu Beach at 9:33am PT.
The earthquake happened on the famous San Andreas Fault, which runs through California. While this was a relatively small tremor with no injuries or damage reported, it has reminded people about the bigger danger that might be coming.
Where People Felt the Shaking
- Malibu Beach (closest to epicenter)
- Los Angeles (reported weak shaking)
- Santa Monica (felt minor tremors)
- Culver City (detected slight movement)
- Carson (experienced mild vibrations)
- Calabasas (13 miles north of Malibu)
- Montebello (eastern Los Angeles area)
NBC Los Angeles reported that weak shaking was felt across many parts of Southern California, though most people only noticed gentle vibrations. One local said on social media, “Malibu just can’t catch a break,” referring to the area’s recent troubles.
How Strong Was This Earthquake?
When earthquakes happen, scientists measure them in different ways. CBS News reported that the USGS Community Internet Intensity Map showed this earthquake had a level 2 intensity with weak shaking.
| Measurement Type | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude | 3.2 | Size of energy released |
| USGS Intensity | Level 2 | Barely felt by some people |
| ShakeMap Intensity | III | Noticed by people indoors |
The Southern California Earthquake Data Center noted a preliminary ShakeMap intensity of III for the event. The USGS has a “Felt Report – Tell Us!” section where regular people can share what they experienced during the earthquake.
Famous People With Homes in the Shaken Area
Malibu is well-known as a place where many celebrities have beautiful homes. The earthquake affected an area with houses belonging to:
- Paris Hilton (businesswoman and media personality)
- Anthony Hopkins (award-winning actor)
- Tina Knowles (fashion designer and Beyoncé’s mother)
- John Goodman (famous TV and movie actor)
- Candy Spelling (producer and widow of TV producer Aaron Spelling)
- Milo Ventimiglia (television actor)
- Miles Teller (film actor)
Why the San Andreas Fault is Extra Dangerous
According to CRMP, the San Andreas Fault is California’s longest fault line. It cuts through Los Angeles County and increases the risk for places like Malibu.
Britannica states that this fault runs northwest for over 800 miles, marking the boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Think of these plates like giant puzzle pieces of Earth’s crust that slowly move against each other.
- Can create earthquakes up to magnitude 8
- Runs through heavily populated areas
- Has caused major historical earthquakes
- Movement happens suddenly after long periods of pressure buildup
- Forms visible cracks and ridges in California’s landscape
The Scary “Big One” Scientists Worry About
Angie Lux, project scientist for Earthquake Early Warning at Berkeley Seismology Lab, says experts are “fairly confident that there could be a pretty large earthquake at some point in the next 30 years.”
Newsweek reports that this predicted “Big One” could reach magnitude 7.8 or higher. Such a powerful earthquake would cause widespread destruction across Southern California.
| Earthquake | Magnitude | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1857 San Andreas Quake | 7.9 | Major historical event |
| 1906 San Andreas Quake | 7.9 | Destroyed much of San Francisco |
| Potential “Big One” | 7.8+ | Could cause ~1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries, $200 billion in damages |
The Coventry University Blog Network estimates a 7% chance of a magnitude 8.0 earthquake on this fault in the next 30 years. They also predict a 75% probability of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Southern California within that same time period.
What Scientists Say About Predicting Earthquakes
Dr. Sue Hough, a scientist in USGS’ Earthquake Hazards Program, points out that there are conflicting research studies about earthquake warning signs. Some scientists think certain patterns can help predict earthquakes, while others disagree.
When it comes to knowing exactly when an earthquake will happen, scientists still cannot make precise predictions. They can only talk about chances and risks over long periods.
Malibu’s Streak of Bad Luck
This earthquake is just the latest problem for Malibu. The area has recently suffered from devastating wildfires that destroyed homes and changed the landscape.
As one social media user pointed out, “Malibu just can’t catch a break.” The beautiful coastal community faces natural challenges from both fire and earthquakes.
Also Read: West Texas experienced multiple earthquakes linked to oil industry wastewater injection and fracking this week. Read Here.
What You Should Know About Earthquake Safety
- Drop, cover, and hold on during shaking
- Have emergency supplies ready (water, food, medicine)
- Know how to turn off gas and water in your home
- Create a family meeting plan for after an earthquake
- Secure heavy furniture that could fall during shaking
Are you ready if the ground starts to shake? While this Malibu earthquake was small, it serves as an important reminder. The next one might not be so gentle. Taking simple steps now could keep you and your family safer when – not if – a bigger earthquake comes.
