L.A. earthquakes have been unusually frequent this year, as Malibu temblor shows

The magnitude 4.7 earthquake just north of Malibu on Thursday morning adds to what scientists say is an unusually active year for moderate earthquakes in Southern California.

The Malibu earthquake was part of the 14th seismic sequence this year in Southern California with at least one magnitude 4 or higher earthquake, said seismologist Lucy Jones, a Caltech research associate.

The observation is not necessarily an indication that a large, damaging earthquake is around the corner, scientists said. Some researchers have offered dueling theories — some say earthquake activity increases in a region before a large earthquake, others say seismic activity decreases before a large jolt. So the recent activity does not offer any hint of when the next large, destructive temblor will occur, said Susan Hough, a U.S. Geological Survey seismologist.

But it is a reminder that Southern California has been in a seismic drought, so to speak. The last major seismic event underneath a highly populated area — the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake — is now 30 years old. And the seismic drought won’t last forever.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-12/la-me-earthquake-southern-california