Forward...into the past!

Huh. Moderate earthquake this morning. Just big enough to shake the house more than the wind (we regularly have winds over 40mph). Quake was about a 4.0 mag: big enough to startle the dogs and gave the tourists a thrill.

For native Californians, earthquakes provide their own alarm-warning system: if it's big enough to literally throw you out of bed, take action; if not, go back to sleep. Ironically, the current official recommended action is...to get back in bed. Win-win.

Apparently your own bed is one of the safest places in your house: great shock-absorber, not much to fall on you there (unless you foolishly store a library's worth of books over your head...*cough*...hrm). Better than doorways (the quake often causes the doors to slam with surprising force...with unfortunate results). Most common injury after a big quake: broken fingers (doors slamming), broken/sprained wrists and ankles (people trying to run while the place shakes like a funhouse ride).

Most surprising about this little shaker: A friend living on the epicenter (Martes) and her husband apparently didn't feel a thing...the fish tank wasn't even splashing (fishtanks: a common SoCal EQ monitor).

Just now. One of those perfect earthquakes that are great for visiting tourists...makes them want to head right back to the Midwest, etc. Big enough to feel and not be mistaken for a passing bus or truck, but not enough to do any damage.

It's been a while, actually-- I haven't felt one in a few years, actually.

EDIT: apparently a 4.4 just north of Yorba Linda.

EDIT-EDIT: Real-time earthquake map from the USGS

Just now. One of those perfect earthquakes that are great for visiting tourists...makes them want to head right back to the Midwest, etc. Big enough to feel and not be mistaken for a passing bus or truck, but not enough to do any damage.

It's been a while, actually-- I haven't felt one in a few years, actually.

EDIT: apparently a 4.4 just north of Yorba Linda.

EDIT-EDIT: Real-time earthquake map from the USGS