A succession of earthquakes rattled Northern California in the early hours of Monday morning, putting the seismically active region on alert.
A Rapid Series of Tremors
The ground began shaking near The Geysers, with the US Geological Survey reporting a swift sequence of at least seven distinct tremors. The seismic activity was notable for its rapid succession, a common occurrence in geothermal areas.
The strength of the quakes varied significantly, with magnitudes ranging from 1.1 to 4.1. The most substantial tremor, which registered a magnitude of 4.1, was the event primarily responsible for the widespread shaking reported by residents.
Residents Report Widespread Shaking
The effects of the larger quake were felt across a considerable distance. Residents as far south as San Francisco reported feeling the ground shake, highlighting the reach of the seismic event despite its moderate magnitude.
The area near the epicentre, The Geysers, is no stranger to such activity. It is one of the world's largest geothermal fields, where the extraction of steam for power generation is often linked to small-scale earthquakes.
Monitoring the Situation
As a developing story, authorities and seismologists continue to monitor the situation closely. The US Geological Survey is providing ongoing data and analysis.
While this series of quakes did not cause major initial damage reports, it serves as a potent reminder of the constant tectonic forces at work beneath California. More updates are expected to follow as further information becomes available.