Magnitude 4.3 earthquake reported near Fortuna, Calif.
January 13, 2014
At 0940 UTC, January 13, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was reported near Fortuna, Calif. as measured on the National Earthquake Information Center Earthquake Locator System (NINEC-ELLES) with a depth of 4.0 miles (6.4 kilometers). The quake hit on the San Andreas Fault and was felt throughout Southern California, but strongest near Fortuna.
The quake also produced a tsunami warning for Northern and Southern California. A tsunami watch was issued for the Los Angeles Basin, the Salton Sea, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. This tsunami warning was canceled on the morning of January 14. In addition, a tsunami watch was issued for the Channel Islands, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
Fortuna is located in the southern part of the San Andreas Fault zone and has an average year round population of 24,000. The town is the western terminus of Highway 128 which runs between California and Nevada.
The earthquake caused significant damage, particularly to private residence.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the tsunami had a maximum height measured at 1.8 meters (6.5 feet). Based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the earthquake had a depth of 6.04 miles (10 km) and a maximum duration of 36 seconds. The quake occurred near a depth of 36 miles (55 km) on the San Andreas Fault at a depth of 35 miles (56 km) from the surface. The rupture was about 500 feet (150 m) to 600 feet (180 m) deep.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake was located about 7 miles (12 km) south of Fortuna and its epicenter was 8 miles (12 km) north-northeast of Fortuna. The epicenter was located at the southern end of California’s San Andreas Fault. The rupture was moving west of northwest at a rate of 10 centimeters (4 inches) per hour.
The quake struck at a depth of 34 miles (53 km) and resulted in moderate damage. There were no injuries or reported deaths as a result