Monday, October 17, 2011

4.0 Earthquake and Swarm of Moderate Quakes at Pisgah Volcanic Crater in California



Today at around 2 pm PST, there was a series of light to moderate earthquakes near the Pisgah Crater, not far from Barstow and Dagget, California. As some of you have read in previous posts, and according to famed blogger Durchsinse, the area near Pisgah Crater had possibly plumed or vented in early August. This area is now really worth observing to see what may possibly be going on. I'm not going to make any claims, but simply pointing out the earth movements in an area of interest for many people.

The Pisgah Crater has a large fairly recent (1000 plus or minus years) lava flow that you can see from Highway 40, just east of Dagget, CA. From a airplane, the view is spectacular. You can see a black flow against the white sand and salt flats.

If you look at the CA/NV earthquake map by the USGS, you can also see some micro-quakes at Salton Buttes Volcano at the south end of the Salton Sea in the Southern California desert. You can also see a increase in what may be aftershocks from a 7.2 a year and half ago in the Ocotillo area. Ocotillo has had a lot of activity since the Mexicali earthquake, and for me, it's something I'm keeping a close eye on. I'm collecting rocks down there, and have fine examples of basalt and black shiny rocks with gas bubble induced holes in them. Certainly an indicator of volcanism near the town of Ocotillo.

Here are some USGS links. The images above are thanks to the USGS.

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