Can California be split by a big earthquake?

Answer by  Amanda65 (1220)

Yes, technically California could be split by a big earthquake. However it is highly unlikely that this will happen. It would require many very powerful earthquakes that hit at the right spots, and cause the plates to move in the correct direction for this to occur.

Answer by  HilaryC (1382)

It is a theory that may become true. California is on a fault line and it is believed that a powerful earthquake can actual break part of California away from the rest of the United States.

Answer by  eyeguy (3760)

Tuscon has a very dry and hot climate. Once the sun goes down it goes through a drastic temperature drop.

Answer by  whoareyou (3483)

It is impossible for any chunk of land the size of California to be 'split' by a single earthquake. Over many decades, with many large and destructive earthquakes, it is possible for parts of the state to start moving off at the fault lines.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

If an earthquake of that magnitude were to come along it could be quite possible for California to be split in half.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

California is along the San Andreas Fault line, which moves at an average rate of 33-37 mm/year. If a major earthquake, 7. 0 or higher, hit, it could cause a rift between the tectonic plates, but it's unlikely. Likely it would do major damage to the man-made structures in the area.

Answer by  Brett (7986)

California has often to be rumoured to the location of the next "big one," and the fault lines and history are their to suggest it could happen. To be split literally in half isn't likely (would have to register about a 10!), but the threat of an earthquake is very real in the area.

Answer by  WinterWind (111)

The term split can mean many things. California will not be broken in pieces and fall into the ocean if a huge eathquake should hit. Any earthquakes in the California region are in the process of uplifting the mantle, so California will get mountains of higher elevation.

Answer by  Kurt (4579)

It would be unlikely for California to be actually split by a large earthquake. A split has not happened before but they have had severe earthquakes.