[quote=threadkiller]
Interesting that the last 2 posts promulgate 2 of the most popular myths when it comes to eathquakes. 1)that CA will drop into the ocean and 2)that building standards will keep damage to a minimum. What I just learned is that San Bernadino-Imperial counties have not had a big one in over 300 years and the probability of a big one in our lifetimes is like 97%. San Diego appears to be safe but Temecula not so much, lucky for El Centro I don’t think they have too many tall buildings there.[/quote]
I’m not sure why you consider my statement a myth. Building standards do keep damage to a minimum up to some point. Want proof? We had a 7.2 in the vicinity of San Andreas just this Easter. The scope of damage north of the border? “gas leaks, water main breaks, and collapsed chimneys and balconies were reported” (Wikipedia). Mexicali did not fare nearly as well. Neither the Northridge or the Loma Prieta earthquakes (6.7 and 6.9 in densely developed areas) resulted in large-scale damage to residential areas. In contrast, IIRC there was an earthquake of a similar magnitude in Italy last year that managed to depopulate a whole city and cause a few thousand fatalities. The difference between CA and Italian building codes.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t have any more faith in the building codes than you if it comes to a 8.0.
