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M5.2 earthquake shakes California

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June 10, 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a 5.2-magnitude earthquake – a moderate but noteworthy earthquake – near the San Jacinto fault in southern California. The quake was centered in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A local news outlet, the Desert Sun reported that the quake shook southern California residents awake early Friday at 1:04 a.m.

USGS gives the following information about the quake:
Time
2016-06-10 08:04:38 (UTC)

Nearby Places
22.0 km (13.7 mi) NNW of Borrego Springs, CA
24.0 km (14.9 mi) ESE of Anza, CA
25.0 km (15.5 mi) NE of Warner Springs, CA
43.0 km (26.7 mi) S of Palm Springs, CA
68.0 km (42.3 mi) ENE of Escondido, CA
98.0 km (60.9 mi) NE of San Diego, CA
109.0 km (67.7 mi) SE of San Bernardino, CA

Initial incomplete data had suggested two quakes of roughly the same size shook within a minute, but USGS deleted one of them shortly afterward.

California is an earthquake-prone region because it is located along what geologists call the Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Read more: What is the Ring of Fire?

Dr. Lucy Jones – a geologist in southern California – has posted many tweets about the June 10 earthquake this morning:

EQ at ~1:05 this morning is a mag 5 near the San Jacinto fault

— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) June 10, 2016

Another M3 aftershock.
M5.2 @ 1:04 am
M3.5 @ 1:06
M3.0 @ 1:07
M3.5 at 1:33
+ dozens of tiny ones

— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) June 10, 2016

We have never seen a San Andreas EQ triggered by a San Jacinto EQ. The 2 faults are ~25 miles apart

— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) June 10, 2016

California is an earthquake prone region. Note the time bar on the bottom of this map. These are moderate and small earthquake occurring over the past week. Via USGS page of recent earthquakes in California. — Note the time bar on the bottom of this map. These are moderate and small earthquake occurring over the past week. Via USGS page of recent earthquakes in California.

Bottom line: No immediate reports of damage or injuries from a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in southern California early in the morning on June 10, 2016.

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June 10, 2016

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Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.