California’s tectonic systems at highest levels of stress in 1,000 years – study (opens original article in a new tab)

A study shows Southern California's fault systems are at their highest tectonic stress in 1,000 years, with Cajon Pass potentially influencing the likelihood of a large earthquake.

• Southern California's San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems are at their highest tectonic stress levels in 1,000 years.
• Cajon Pass may act as an 'earthquake gate' that could block or facilitate large ruptures between the faults.
• Stress has accumulated for over 160 years since the last major rupture, increasing the risk of a large earthquake.