Satellite imagery shows the rupture and shifting of land near Ridgecrest, CA from the July 2019 earthquakes.
Remembering Ridgecrest
Stories from the July 4, 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake
Stories from the July 4, 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake
By Communications and Publishing
July 1, 2020
Earthquakes can be unsettling.
Feeling the ground beneath you shake and seeing the environment around you roll and rock can leave one feeling wary of what is to come next. This was certainly the case for the community of Ridgecrest, California, on July 4th, 2019, as they experienced a magnitude 6.4 earthquake. As scientists and responders from different agencies and organizations focused their energy on emergency response, another stronger earthquake shook the area about 33 hours later.
In the video, “Remembering Ridgecrest,” USGS scientists recollect how they responded on July 4, 2019, and their most memorable moments during the immediate and subsequent response. This video is only a small snapshot of the many USGS employees who responded, and only begins to allude to the myriad of partner agencies and institutions who were involved. This kind of research and partnership ultimately can help save lives and property.
Related
Could the M7.1 Ridgecrest, CA Earthquake Sequence Trigger a Large Earthquake Nearby?
Release Date: SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 Two of the first questions that come to mind for anyone who just felt an earthquake are, “Will there be another one?” and “Will it be larger?”.
Filter Total Items: 25
Image of the Week - A Tear in the Mojave
Satellite imagery shows the rupture and shifting of land near Ridgecrest, CA from the July 2019 earthquakes.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence: July 4, 2019–July 16, 2019
3,557 earthquakes recorded since July 4, 2019 above Magnitude 2
M6.4 12km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-04 17:33:49 (UTC)
51,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
M7.1 18km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-06 03:19:53 (UTC)
42,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
3,557 earthquakes recorded since July 4, 2019 above Magnitude 2
M6.4 12km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-04 17:33:49 (UTC)
51,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
M7.1 18km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-06 03:19:53 (UTC)
42,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
Geologists with USGS, the California Geological Survey (CGS) and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS) worked together in response to the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence in California that occurred July 4-6, 2019. The earthquakes were large enough that the fault rupture reached the earth’s surface.
Geologists with USGS, the California Geological Survey (CGS) and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS) worked together in response to the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence in California that occurred July 4-6, 2019. The earthquakes were large enough that the fault rupture reached the earth’s surface.
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe collects and records information on earthquake surface ruptures observed along a roadway following the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence. Photo credit: Ryan Gold (USGS)
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe collects and records information on earthquake surface ruptures observed along a roadway following the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence. Photo credit: Ryan Gold (USGS)
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS Geophysicists Elizabeth Cochran and Nick VanDerElst install a seismometer on the base Photo credit: Ben Brooks, USGS
USGS Geophysicists Elizabeth Cochran and Nick VanDerElst install a seismometer on the base Photo credit: Ben Brooks, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe measures fault offset at the site of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence rupture. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss, USGS
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe measures fault offset at the site of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence rupture. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jaime Delano, observes a sand blow caused by liquefaction during the M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss
USGS scientist Jaime Delano, observes a sand blow caused by liquefaction during the M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
Kate Scharer examining striations along fault scarp while completing GPS survey of fault rupture. Here the fault has about 2.6 m of horizontal displacement and 0.5 m of vertical. The rake of the striations is 47 degrees. Photo credit: Jamie Delano, USGS
Kate Scharer examining striations along fault scarp while completing GPS survey of fault rupture. Here the fault has about 2.6 m of horizontal displacement and 0.5 m of vertical. The rake of the striations is 47 degrees. Photo credit: Jamie Delano, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS Pasadena Earthquake Response Coordinator surveys displaced rocks near the southern end of the surface rupture of the 5 July 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. USGS photograph. Photo credit: Sue Hough, USGS
USGS Pasadena Earthquake Response Coordinator surveys displaced rocks near the southern end of the surface rupture of the 5 July 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. USGS photograph. Photo credit: Sue Hough, USGS
Animation of Ridgecrest Earthquake Seq. thru July 6 (Prelim. Results)
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, through July 6 (UTC), including the foreshock sequence and the first ~20 hours of aftershocks from M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, through July 6 (UTC), including the foreshock sequence and the first ~20 hours of aftershocks from M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence
Animation of Ridgecrest Foreshock Seq up to M7.1 (Prelim. Results)
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest foreshock sequence, up to the the time of occurrence of the M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence, with early events in dark blue and later events (up to the
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest foreshock sequence, up to the the time of occurrence of the M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence, with early events in dark blue and later events (up to the
USGS provides briefing to Navy about Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
USGS provides briefing to Navy about Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake
Oblique photograph showing surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake. The dirt track (center) is right-laterally offset approximately 2.5 m (~8 ft).
Oblique photograph showing surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake. The dirt track (center) is right-laterally offset approximately 2.5 m (~8 ft).
Northern end of rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley quake
Fault rupture crosses dirt road, with California Geologial Survey vehicles for scale. Displacement at this location is primarily normal (vertical). Photograph taken near the northern end of the rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Fault rupture crosses dirt road, with California Geologial Survey vehicles for scale. Displacement at this location is primarily normal (vertical). Photograph taken near the northern end of the rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #9
Vertical fault rupture on road with truck.
Vertical fault rupture on road with truck.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #8
Truck scanning road offset on the base with USGS geologist Josie Nevitt walking along side.
Truck scanning road offset on the base with USGS geologist Josie Nevitt walking along side.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #6
Aerial view shot from Blackhawk helicopter overflight on July 6 of the zone of high surface displacement.
Aerial view shot from Blackhawk helicopter overflight on July 6 of the zone of high surface displacement.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #5
USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut demonstrating Drop Cover and Hold Technique during the foreshock sequence to the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut demonstrating Drop Cover and Hold Technique during the foreshock sequence to the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #4
USGS geodesist Todd Ericksen sets up GPS surveying equipment on July 5th.
USGS geodesist Todd Ericksen sets up GPS surveying equipment on July 5th.
Related
Could the M7.1 Ridgecrest, CA Earthquake Sequence Trigger a Large Earthquake Nearby?
Release Date: SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 Two of the first questions that come to mind for anyone who just felt an earthquake are, “Will there be another one?” and “Will it be larger?”.
Filter Total Items: 25
Image of the Week - A Tear in the Mojave
Satellite imagery shows the rupture and shifting of land near Ridgecrest, CA from the July 2019 earthquakes.
Satellite imagery shows the rupture and shifting of land near Ridgecrest, CA from the July 2019 earthquakes.
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence: July 4, 2019–July 16, 2019
3,557 earthquakes recorded since July 4, 2019 above Magnitude 2
M6.4 12km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-04 17:33:49 (UTC)
51,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
M7.1 18km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-06 03:19:53 (UTC)
42,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
3,557 earthquakes recorded since July 4, 2019 above Magnitude 2
M6.4 12km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-04 17:33:49 (UTC)
51,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
M7.1 18km W of Searles Valley, CA
2019-07-06 03:19:53 (UTC)
42,000+ responses via Did You Feel It?
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
Geologists with USGS, the California Geological Survey (CGS) and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS) worked together in response to the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence in California that occurred July 4-6, 2019. The earthquakes were large enough that the fault rupture reached the earth’s surface.
Geologists with USGS, the California Geological Survey (CGS) and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS) worked together in response to the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence in California that occurred July 4-6, 2019. The earthquakes were large enough that the fault rupture reached the earth’s surface.
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe collects and records information on earthquake surface ruptures observed along a roadway following the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence. Photo credit: Ryan Gold (USGS)
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe collects and records information on earthquake surface ruptures observed along a roadway following the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence. Photo credit: Ryan Gold (USGS)
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS Geophysicists Elizabeth Cochran and Nick VanDerElst install a seismometer on the base Photo credit: Ben Brooks, USGS
USGS Geophysicists Elizabeth Cochran and Nick VanDerElst install a seismometer on the base Photo credit: Ben Brooks, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe measures fault offset at the site of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence rupture. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss, USGS
USGS scientist Jessie Thompson Jobe measures fault offset at the site of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence rupture. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS scientist Jaime Delano, observes a sand blow caused by liquefaction during the M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss
USGS scientist Jaime Delano, observes a sand blow caused by liquefaction during the M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. Photo credit: Chris DuRoss
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
Kate Scharer examining striations along fault scarp while completing GPS survey of fault rupture. Here the fault has about 2.6 m of horizontal displacement and 0.5 m of vertical. The rake of the striations is 47 degrees. Photo credit: Jamie Delano, USGS
Kate Scharer examining striations along fault scarp while completing GPS survey of fault rupture. Here the fault has about 2.6 m of horizontal displacement and 0.5 m of vertical. The rake of the striations is 47 degrees. Photo credit: Jamie Delano, USGS
Women in Science - Responding to Ridgecrest, CA earthquake July 2019
USGS Pasadena Earthquake Response Coordinator surveys displaced rocks near the southern end of the surface rupture of the 5 July 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. USGS photograph. Photo credit: Sue Hough, USGS
USGS Pasadena Earthquake Response Coordinator surveys displaced rocks near the southern end of the surface rupture of the 5 July 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. USGS photograph. Photo credit: Sue Hough, USGS
Animation of Ridgecrest Earthquake Seq. thru July 6 (Prelim. Results)
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, through July 6 (UTC), including the foreshock sequence and the first ~20 hours of aftershocks from M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, through July 6 (UTC), including the foreshock sequence and the first ~20 hours of aftershocks from M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence
Animation of Ridgecrest Foreshock Seq up to M7.1 (Prelim. Results)
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest foreshock sequence, up to the the time of occurrence of the M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence, with early events in dark blue and later events (up to the
This animation shows preliminary results from precise relocation of the Ridgecrest foreshock sequence, up to the the time of occurrence of the M 7.1 mainshock. The animation begins in a map view and then transitions into a rotating vertical slice. Earthquakes are colorcoded by time of occurrence, with early events in dark blue and later events (up to the
USGS provides briefing to Navy about Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
USGS provides briefing to Navy about Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Kate Scharer (USGS) provides CO CAPT Paul Dale (Navy) with the field mapping team’s initial product, showing the surface fault rupture at NAWSCL as well as the temporarily deployed seismic and GPS sensors that were rapidly deployed. Contributions of field data from within the base were from CGS & USGS, and from outside the base were from Univ.
Surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake
Oblique photograph showing surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake. The dirt track (center) is right-laterally offset approximately 2.5 m (~8 ft).
Oblique photograph showing surface faulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake. The dirt track (center) is right-laterally offset approximately 2.5 m (~8 ft).
Northern end of rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley quake
Fault rupture crosses dirt road, with California Geologial Survey vehicles for scale. Displacement at this location is primarily normal (vertical). Photograph taken near the northern end of the rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Fault rupture crosses dirt road, with California Geologial Survey vehicles for scale. Displacement at this location is primarily normal (vertical). Photograph taken near the northern end of the rupture resulting from the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #9
Vertical fault rupture on road with truck.
Vertical fault rupture on road with truck.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #8
Truck scanning road offset on the base with USGS geologist Josie Nevitt walking along side.
Truck scanning road offset on the base with USGS geologist Josie Nevitt walking along side.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #7
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
USGS geologist Josie Nevitt and geodesist Todd Ericksen collect a sample from the fault zone of the main rupture.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #6
Aerial view shot from Blackhawk helicopter overflight on July 6 of the zone of high surface displacement.
Aerial view shot from Blackhawk helicopter overflight on July 6 of the zone of high surface displacement.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #5
USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut demonstrating Drop Cover and Hold Technique during the foreshock sequence to the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut demonstrating Drop Cover and Hold Technique during the foreshock sequence to the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake.
Searles Valley Earthquake field photo #4
USGS geodesist Todd Ericksen sets up GPS surveying equipment on July 5th.
USGS geodesist Todd Ericksen sets up GPS surveying equipment on July 5th.
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