Sierra Nevada Fault
Encyclopedia
The Sierra Nevada Fault is a normal (vertical motion) seismic fault along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain block in California
. It also demarcates the western margin of the Basin and Range
geologic province. Activity on this fault is responsible for the continuing uplift of the Sierra Nevada. However, no large earthquake has occurred on the fault in recorded history. The largest earthquake in its vicinity was on the adjacent Owens Valley Fault in 1872, known as the Lone Pine Earthquake
, which has been estimated as having had a 7.8 magnitude.
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It also demarcates the western margin of the Basin and Range
Basin and Range
The Basin and Range Province is a vast physiographic region defined by a unique topographic expression. Basin and Range topography is characterized by abrupt changes in elevation, alternating between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat arid valleys or basins...
geologic province. Activity on this fault is responsible for the continuing uplift of the Sierra Nevada. However, no large earthquake has occurred on the fault in recorded history. The largest earthquake in its vicinity was on the adjacent Owens Valley Fault in 1872, known as the Lone Pine Earthquake
1872 Lone Pine earthquake
The Great Lone Pine earthquake was one of the largest earthquakes to hit California in recorded history. The quake struck on March 26, 1872 and its epicenter was near Lone Pine, California in Owens Valley...
, which has been estimated as having had a 7.8 magnitude.