The first significant Los Angeles area earthquake in several years happened on the morning of March 17th, and it’s stirring up talk of the ‘Big One’ that seismologists have been predicting for years now. Experts say that Southern California is long overdue for a massive earthquake that could be twice as large and last twice as long as the one that occurred on Easter back in 2010.

The first significant Los Angeles area earthquake in several years happened on the morning of March 17th, and it’s stirring up talk of the ‘Big One’ that seismologists have been predicting for years now.

Experts say that Southern California is long overdue for a massive earthquake that could be twice as large and last twice as long as the one that occurred on Easter back in 2010.

Pat Abbott, Professor Emeritus of Geology at San Diego State University is quoted as saying: "We’re definitely due for The Big One. But overdue on geological time might mean it’s another 100 years in terms of human time. You never have just one earthquake, it’s a series of movements that take place over weeks, months or even years.”

People in San Diego felt the effects of the 5 point 1 magnitude earthquake on March 17th because it happened along the Puente Hills thrust fault, which goes from northern Orange County, under downtown Los Angeles and into Hollywood.

The United State Geological Survey has said that a 7 point 5 magnitude quake on the same fault line would be devastating, and could cause anywhere from 3 thousand to 18 thousands deaths along with up to 250 billion dollars in damages.