Parkfield – earthquake capital of California

Two aftershocks measuring magnitude 5.0 and 4.5 hit Parkfield on Wednesday morning, among the strongest of the more than 500 aftershocks roiling the area where a 6.0 earthquake occurred the day before.

The aftershocks were centered five miles northwest of Parkfield at 10:10 and 10:12 a.m. Since the 6.0 quake at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, there have been six aftershocks of 4.0 or greater.

The strong earthquake that shook Central California on Wednesday – without causing any significant damage or injuries – could be a boon to researchers who hope intense scrutiny of the state's &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2002/06/19/30636.html ' target=_blank>earthquake capital may help predict future temblors, San Diego Union Tribune reported.

According to the National Post, there were no immediate reports of any injuries from the 6.0-magnitude quake and its more than 160 aftershocks. The quake was centred about 10 kilometres southeast of Parkfield, a town of 37 people known as California's earthquake capital. The town is one of the world's most seismically active areas, located on the San Andreas Fault.

"Things were shaking so bad you couldn't tell where to go next," said Parkfield Vineyard owner Harry Miller, who grows about 70 hectares of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/science/19/95/381/10805_wine.html' target=_blank>wine grapes. "Trees shaking like brooms and dust coming from everywhere."