Residents in Lennox and Westmont experienced several small earthquakes over the weekend, raising concerns in these communities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) documented 90 minor tremors in the unincorporated areas of Lennox and Westmont, with magnitudes ranging from 1.0 to 2.7. These quakes occurred between 8:05 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The recent swarm was concentrated near the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone. This strike-slip fault stretches from Culver City to Newport Beach. A study in 2017 revealed this fault might be more hazardous than previously assumed. Evidence indicated that ancient earthquakes in the area might have reached magnitudes as high as 7.5, with such powerful tremors causing coastal subsidence in Seal Beach.
In the preceding week, a 3.2 magnitude quake occurred on the same fault near Compton. Residents across various locations including Crenshaw, Huntington Park, Bell, West Adams, Mid-City, and Gardena reported feeling the tremors on social media platforms.
Although the USGS could not immediately provide a comment, it has previously indicated that micro-quakes don’t necessarily predict larger seismic events. The organization also stated that while significant rainfall, like the storm earlier this September in L.A., likely doesn’t trigger seismic activity, geological studies suggest that variations in micro-quake rates could be indirectly tied to rain patterns. Periods of heavy rain or drought might subtly impact fault zones.
Senators Reach Bipartisan Agreement on Permitting Reform 
Experts Warn of Critical Period for the Colorado River 
Future Cities: Ambitious Projects Aiming for Innovation and Sustainability 
Supreme Court Case Suncor vs. Boulder: Implications for Accountability in Climate Change 
Hawaii Faces Impact of Record El Niño Through Recent Hurricanes 
Efforts to Save the Endangered American Red Wolf