What is the San Andreas Fault?

Living in the one of the world's most notorious earthquake fault zones

Stars Insider

09/07/19 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE San andreas fault

Two recent earthquakes in Southern California have reminded residents in the west coast US state that they live in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, an area distinguished by the notorious San Andreas Fault.

The quakes, one a magnitude 6.4, the other a more powerful 7.1, were centered near the small town desert town of Ridgecrest, about 241 km (150 miles) from Los Angeles—two of the biggest earthquakes to rattle the region in decades! And the one question left on everybody's lips? Is the "Big One" on its way?

But what exactly is the San Andreas Fault, and why is it associated with such high-risk earthquake activity?

Click through the gallery for a brief overview of this infamous geological feature. 

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