M6.9

1989 California, USA Earthquake

Loma Prieta, Santa Cruz, California — October 17, 1989

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck during the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, making it one of the most widely witnessed disasters in American history. It collapsed a section of the Bay Bridge and the Cypress Street Viaduct, killing 42 people in a single structure.

Earthquake Facts

Magnitude

M6.9

Date

Oct 17, 1989

Depth

18 km

Deaths

63

Latitude

37.040°

Longitude

-121.880°

Tsunami

No

Region

California, USA

Tectonic Cause

Oblique-thrust rupture on a section of the San Andreas Fault system in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The earthquake occurred on a curved segment of the fault experiencing both compressive and shear forces.

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