The White Wolf Fault and the
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The map above shows 1986-1996 earthquake activity in the White Wolf Fault area. The heavy red lines represent surface ruptures from the 1952 Kern County earthquake, and the red star indicates the epicenter for the main quake. |
The White Wolf Fault at one time was not considered to be a major threat - most seismologists believing that it was not long enough to generate a sizeable tremor. However, when the Bakersfield Earthquake hit at 4:52 am on July 21, 1952, with up to 4 feet of elevation change, it caused severe damage as far away as Las Vegas (see the isoseismic damage map below). Twelve lives were lost, and there was at least $50 million in property damage. In addition, there were at least 20 aftershocks 5th magnitude or greater associated with the initial 7.5 magnitude shock, including a 5.8 magnitude tremblor that hit nearly a month later on August 22.
Photos of the Kern County Earthquake of 1952
FORMATIONS |
Tulare |
San Joaqiun |
Etchegoin |
Monterey |
Temblor |
Lodo |
Tumey |
Kreyenhagen |
Moreno |
Panoche |
Strat Charts |