The latest research shows that California is overdue for a massive earthquake on a major fault.
An online map application from the California Geological Survey (CGS) can help. Click here to drill down to the block level to show if your house (or one that you're looking to buy) sits on sturdy ground or if it's at risk of liquefaction or landslides during a quake of 5.5 magnitude earthquake or larger.
The CGS last week released five new Seismic Hazard Zones maps affecting communities in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties. They are:
- Antioch North quadrangle
- Antioch South quadrangle
- Honker Bay quadrangle
- Montara Mountain quadrangle
- Woodside quadrangle.
The Contra Costa communities covered include all or parts of Antioch, Concord, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg and Bay Point. In San Mateo, communities impacted include all or parts of Woodside, San Carlos, Belmont, Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, Portola Valley and Pacifica.
Living in an area with high risk of liquefaction does not necessarily mean your house will be damaged should a major quake strike. Newer buildings and retro-fitted structures are better equipped to weather temblors, especially those in modern, engineered artificial fill zones.