NPR

50 earthquakes hit off the Oregon coast, but scientists say they're no great shakes

A swarm of earthquakes led some people to worry that the seismic activity might portend The Big One. But seismologists say that given the location of the quakes, there was no cause for alarm.
A swarm of more than 50 earthquakes has been detected off the Oregon coast in the past 24 hours, prompting seismologists to reassure Pacific Northwest residents that they're not in danger. The Blanco Transform Fault Zone is very active, but it poses little threat, researchers say.

The Blanco Transform Fault Zone off of Oregon's coast is famously active, and it has not disappointed in the past 24 hours, generating at least 50 earthquakes, including two at a 5.8 magnitude.

That sounds like a lot — but scientists say the fault is virtually incapable of generating a cataclysm, either by a tsunami or a powerful quake affecting the U.S. mainland.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min read
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14
This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following the lead of country superstar Luke Combs, whose new album Fathers & Sons is a heartfelt meditati
NPR1 min read
How The FBI's Fake Cell Phone Company Put Criminals Into Real Jail Cells
There is a constant arms race between law enforcement and criminals, especially when it comes to technology. For years, law enforcement has been frustrated with encrypted messaging apps, like Signal and Telegram. And law enforcement has been even mor
NPR1 min read
What's With All The Tiny Soda Cans? And Other Grocery Store Mysteries, Solved.
There's a behind the scenes industry that helps big brands decide questions like: How big should a bag of chips be? What's the right size for a bottle of shampoo? And yes, also: When should a company do a little shrinkflation? From Cookie Monster to

Related Books & Audiobooks