California’s Third Shakiest Earthquake

Humboldt's Queen of Quakes, Dr. Lori Dengler professor emeritus of geology at Cal Poly Humboldt, joins Gang Green to break down the 6.4 magnitude rumbler that hit  Rio Dell hard last December. It was the third most "shaky" recorded earthquake in California's history (as measured by peak ground acceleration), with 1.46 g-force of acceleration. 

Why was Rio Dell harder hit when the earthquake was centered closer to Ferndale? Why did this earthquake feel much more violent than other past earthquakes (which may have had higher magnitudes)? And what lessons can we learn from this earthquake to keep us safer in the future?

PS: Check out Thomas Dunklin's great virtual tour of the Mendocino Triple Junction.

Want more? 

• Earthquakes are not fun, make sure you are prepared for next one
• The complex relationship between small, large earthquakes

Support the show