can L.a have a big stunami if a big earthquake hits japan?
114060
the earthquake spreads out it's energy in all possible directions, so yes the tidal wave would head east and if big enough would make a splash in california.
711008
I think it depends on what's near it to be destroyed, and whether it starts one or more tsunamis and how big they are & where they hit. A bigger quake certainly has greater potential for destruction.
448302
I don't know for sure, I believe it mainly affects the Arkansas and Missouri area.  It is likely related to the Ozarks, and caused that huge earthquake in the early 1900s near St. Louis.\n\nTo answer the other question, there is also a San Andreas fault system and plate in California but that is losely related to this fault system.
746545
There are earthquakes all the time.  Do you mean a destructive one?  That would be the quake that interrupted a game during the 1989 World Series when the Giants were playing at home.  Do you mean one some people just barely felt or noticed?  Earlier this month.  Do you mean one detected only by seismograph?  Probably within the last fifteen minutes.\nThe San Andreas fault runs right through San Francisco Bay, and there are plenty of other active faults in the area.
460543
Pretty much the entire city rests on the Hayward Fault Zone, so I'd say everywhere. Which isn't to say that the entire place will collapse due to Earthquakes, but it is on a fault line so there will be seismic activity.
8834
Yes.  Any coastline has a chance of getting hit with a tsunami because the waves are created by underwater displacement and can be propagated around the world.
376357
there are many earthquake observatories in japan.\n we can get almost correct information within 10minutes\n but sometimes we cannot count on the machines.earthquakes\n occur everyday.
836415
I'm in Tokyo, watching TV. Its predicted to be about 1.5 feet in this area, closer to 6 feet in extreme northeast Hokkaido. as of 9:45pm JST
1166032
no but that would start an earthquake in China
995592
That depends upon where you live.  If you are on the West Coast of America for instance, the best indication will most likely be the EAS (Emergency Alert System).  This alert will come through tv, radio, and sirens in low areas.  \n\nIf you live near the source, the first indication may be a earthquake.  If you are at the beach and you feel a tremor, it is a good idea to at least prepare to evacuate.\n\nIf there are neither of these warnings, and the ocean suddenly goes out, it is a very good idea to head for higher ground.  Many tsunami reach shore with the 'low' part of the wave, and that can be recognized.\n\nThe worst thing that can happen is a underwater slide that triggers a tsunami, yet is not associated with a significant seismic event.  In this case, no matter where you are, you may not get a warning.  But, these are rare, and I wouldn't loose sleep over them.  \n\nJust be aware of where you are.  If you live or travel in tsunami areas, stay alert.
218765
It didn't occur in San Fransisco.  It occurred along the San Andreas fault.  San Fransisco was just one of the major cities effected.  It happened in October during the World Series.  What are you looking to find out about it?
816499
You won't be warned.  The earth will just start moving.  The danger isn't the earthquake.  The dangers are the things that fall on you, the fires that burn after (assuming gas lines or electricity or some source of fire and fuel).
813517
Yes and no!\n\nYes - the amount of energy released when the fault slips dictates the force of the shock waves.\n\nBut the No is also important.   A deep high magnitude earthquake may not rattle a cup because most of it's energy is absorbed before it reaches the surface.  Where a relatively much lighter earthquake on the surface could cause devesatation.
1050564
well city has tons of buildings and the buildings have weight. so they will add more pressure to the tectonic plates and cause them to move faster i guess. There are tectonic plates which meet at one point and they either slip, slide or grind agaisnt each other. and when they slip, this causes the earthquake. so then the more weight on the plates means also more pull. so the plates move faster or something. my guess. but i doubt it has any effect
88247
yes, usually but sometimes they are so small they can't be felt.  If you go the usgs.gov website it will give you all the earthquakes which occur on a daily basis.  Most earthquakes that occur can't be felt on the surface.
853741
Yes. \n\nThe earthquake starts when the two massive land masses on each side of the fault line break loose, as the Masses are trying to move and build up tremendous pressure in the fault (The actual crack between land Masses) builds and finally releases when the land Masses suddenly jolt apart causing an oscillation  resulting in an earthquake. \n\nGood question, \n\nDarryl S.
544138
There are many factors that would determine whether your house would be knocked down by an earthquake or not.\n\nThe most obvious would be the size of the earthquake and your distance from the epicenter. The amount of destruction tends to drop off rapidly with distance from the epicenter.\n\nThe next factor would be what your house is made of.  Wood frame structures tend to stand earthquake stress more readily than a masonry (brick or concrete) building would because the joints between the wood can flex and return to their original form whereas bricks will break apart.  The age of the structure and any earthquake retrofitting will also be a factor.  In homes, one of the most common retrofits is to bolt the house to the concrete foundation so it won't slide off during a quake.\n\nThe third factor is the ground under your house.  There are certain soil types that can magnify the force of the earthquake.  An example of this is the Marina District in San Francisco.  It is largely built on top of debris from the 1906 quake.  During the Loma Prieta quake, the relatively loose rubble vibrated and shifted causing extensive damage to the buildings atop it.