SALTON CITY, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) — Almost 200 earthquakes were recorded in Southern California’s Salton Sea in roughly a 24-hour period, geologists said Tuesday.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quakes that began Monday and persisted throughout the day. The strongest quake had a magnitude of 4.3, officials said.
Most of the earthquakes were small but three had a magnitude of 4.0 or greater and nine of at least 3.0, the USGS said.
Seismic activity near the Salton Sea is not uncommon, since the 350-square mile body of water is located near numerous fault lines, including the notorious San Andreas.
Scientists say earthquakes that occur near fault lines increase the chance that a larger quake will follow.
The Salton Sea is located about 160 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 125 miles northeast of San Diego.
