Can An Earthquake Happen Near You? Find Out Here

CALIFORNIA -- Are you worried about the "big one" striking your city? Ever wonder if you live near a fault line? The California Geological Survey this week an online interactive map that allows users to type in any address to find out if they're in an "earthquake hazard zone."

The California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application also tells users if the California Geological Survey has not yet evaluated the hazards in that area.

The application also allows potential buyers and sellers of properties to learn more about potential earthquake hazards, according to a press release.

The California Geological Survey said the earthquake hazard zones are defined by three ground failures including fault rupture, liquefaction, earthquake-induced landslides, according to a press release.

"Although strong ground shaking is responsible for most earthquake-related damage, these zones identify areas where earthquake hazards other than structural shaking — specifically ground failures during an earthquake — are more likely," the press release said. "The zones trigger geologic and engineering investigations that can identify and mitigate the ground failure hazard before construction begins, thereby making the structure itself more resilient to potential shaking."

However, the agency noted that the map may not show all "faults that have the potential for surface fault rupture." The map is also based on the best data available, the agency said.

Check out the map here.

--Photo via Shutterstock

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