San Andreas Fault Slipping Faster Than Feared, New Study Reveals
San Andreas Fault Moving Faster Than We Thought: What You Need to Know
The Big News in Simple Terms
Scientists at San Jose State University just discovered something important about the famous San Andreas Fault—the giant crack in the Earth’s crust that runs through California.
Key Finding: The fault is slipping (moving sideways) faster and more steadily than researchers previously believed.
This matters because faster-moving faults tend to produce earthquakes more often.
What Happened Recently?
Just a week before this discovery, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake shook the Hayward Fault in Oakland. That quake was felt as far away as Sacramento! While the Hayward Fault and San Andreas Fault are different cracks in the ground, they’re part of the same big system of faults in the Bay Area.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
Professor Kim Blisniuk and her team at San Jose State University studied the ground at Sanborn County Park. Here’s what they found:
The Science Made Simple (ELI5)
Imagine the Earth’s crust is like a giant puzzle. The pieces (called tectonic plates) are always slowly moving. Where they meet, we get faults—cracks where the ground can suddenly slip, causing an earthquake.
- Slip rate = how fast the two sides of a fault slide past each other over time
- Faster slip rate = more stress builds up quicker = earthquakes happen more often
What the Research Shows
- The slip rate on this part of the San Andreas Fault is steady and constant over the last 10,000 years
- It matches the rate seen further north on the same fault
- Before this study, scientists thought the rate might slow down in this section
- Surprise! It doesn’t slow down—it stays the same
Why This Matters to You
IMPORTANT POINT
This doesn’t mean an earthquake is coming tomorrow. But it does mean:
- The San Andreas Fault is actively building up stress at a steady clip
- Big earthquakes have happened here before (1906 San Francisco, 1989 Loma Prieta)
- They will happen again—we just don’t know exactly when
- Being prepared is your best protection
Historical Earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault
| Year | Earthquake | Magnitude | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1906 | Great San Francisco Earthquake | ~7.9 | Devastated San Francisco |
| 1989 | Loma Prieta Earthquake | 6.9 | 63 deaths, major damage across Bay Area |
What Should You Do? (Preparedness Steps)
Professor Blisniuk compares earthquake prep to insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’re glad you have it when disaster strikes.
5 Steps to Get Ready Today
- Make a family emergency plan – Where will you meet? Who’s your out-of-area contact?
- Build an earthquake kit – Water, food, flashlight, first aid, medications, cash, important documents
- Secure your space – Bolt bookshelves, strap water heaters, secure heavy furniture
- Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On" – The safest action during shaking
- Know your risk – Check if you live near a fault or in a liquefaction zone
Find detailed preparedness tips here: prepare.norcal
Important Context About This Research
- Not yet peer-reviewed – The findings haven’t been formally verified by other scientists yet
- Still valuable – Even preliminary research helps us understand our earthquake risk better
- More studies coming – This is one piece of a larger puzzle scientists are putting together
Summary
- San Jose State researchers found the San Andreas Fault slips at a steady, constant rate over 10,000 years
- This rate is similar to northern sections of the fault—and faster than previously thought for this area
- Faster slip = more frequent earthquakes (generally speaking)
- Two major quakes have hit this fault in recent history: 1906 and 1989
- The research isn’t published yet, but it’s a strong reminder to prepare
- Best action: Build a kit, make a plan, secure your home—today
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Does this mean "The Big One" is coming soon?
Not necessarily. "Soon" in geology could be decades or centuries. This research tells us the rate of stress buildup is steady—not when the next quake will strike.
Is the Hayward Fault connected to the San Andreas Fault?
They’re neighbors. Both are part of the same plate boundary system. Movement on one can influence the other, but they’re separate faults.
Should I panic?
Absolutely not. Knowledge is power. This research helps scientists build better forecasts—and helps you make smarter safety choices.
What’s the single most important thing I can do today?
Get water. At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days. It’s the #1 thing people run out of after a quake.
Where can I learn more about my specific neighborhood’s risk?
Check the California Earthquake Authority or USGS websites for interactive hazard maps by address.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: earthquakes are a fact of life in California—but disasters don’t have to be.
Source: ABC7 News interview with SJSU Professor Kim Blisniuk. Research conducted at Sanborn County Park. Not yet peer-reviewed.