Patrick -> RE: Earthquake in USA (Aug. 24 2011 16:54:40)
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On the West Coast we stir our coffee we 5.9’s [:D] Actually there is a significant difference between East and West Coast U.S. earth quakes. On the West Coast, we have many active fault lines. When we have quakes, the energy dissipates quickly. Also the rock in our plates are hotter, so energy is somewhat dampened. We could have a 5.9 and not feel a thing just miles from the center. The East Coast U.S. is different in that it has pretty much just one big plate. They have a lot of fault lines, but are very old and rigid. The rock in there plates is colder versus the West, so the energy is transmitted more efficiently. When a quake hits the East, the large, solid plate transfers the energy much farther. That’s why it was felt so far away.
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