KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News WeatherIs the Big One Headed for the Central Coast ?

Is the Big One Headed for the Central Coast ?

SALINAS, Calif.- What would happen if the "big one" hit the Central Coast?

People have been asking Central Coast News if they should be dusting off their emergency kits, and restocking their first aid kits, and revisiting during an earthquake. Geologists say we could be in for the big one, but it may not be for the reason you're thinking.

Chile and California may share very different fault lines, but we are both very busy when it comes to earthquakes.  In fact, California is second only to Alaska in seismic activity for all of the U.S.  Even though they may be smaller than some we've seen recently in other areas, our quakes can pack a powerful punch.

"Our earthquakes are smaller in magnitude they're usually closer to the surface so they can cause just as much damage," said Hartnell college instructor Bob Barminski.

Barminski says people shouldn't look at the recent chain of earthquakes as the reason why we're next, but the amount of time that's passed.

"Mainly they look and see how long its been since we've had a major earthquake for us its been since 1906, every 100 to 150 years so we're due for a big one here," says Barminski.

And if you're wondering why in talking about "big ones" Barminski didn't mention the Loma Prieta, it's because seismologists don't consider it one, "The 1989 Loma Prieta was about a 6.9, 1906 was larger it released 32 times more energy so '89 wasn't the big one that we are expecting."