California Earthquakes Worry Seismologists

Last week, “a rapid succession of small earthquakes—three measuring above magnitude 4.0—began rupturing near Bombay Beach [California], continuing for more than 24 hours. Before the swarm started to fade, more than 200 earthquakes had been recorded… The temblors were not felt over a very large area, but they have garnered intense interest—and concern—among seismologists. It marked only the third time since earthquake sensors were installed there in 1932 that the area had seen such a swarm, and this one had more earthquakes than the events of 2001 and 2009” (LA Times, October 1, 2016). The earthquakes “hit in a seismic zone just south of where the mighty San Andreas fault ends” (ibid.). Successive quakes near the San Andreas fault worry seismologists because they fear the quakes could trigger a reaction from the mighty fault and trigger the “big one.” Geologists say that California is long-overdue for the “big one”—a major rupture of the San Andreas fault that could cause extreme damage throughout southern California.

Bible prophecy reveals that the “big one” will come one day—but not just in California. Jesus warned that one of the signs of the end of the age would be “great earthquakes in various places” (Luke 21:11). Reports like this bear watching. For more on this timely topic, be sure to read Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.