Hi EQF. According to the moment tensor solution (MTS) this quake was a down slip quake. Past MTS indicate that the quakes in that area were strike slip on dipping fault plane, or strike slip with down-slip component on a vertical fault plane. In other words the quake is close to being a thrust quake.

All of the past moderate to large quakes in this area including some of those in the Japan Sea have been at least 350Km or more in depth.

The 1989 Loma Prieta quake was the same type of quake. Most of the quakes in the Hollister area display the same type of movement.

Most rocks when subject to great pressures will change their molecular structure. Some of this change can be predicted and some can’t. Rocks associated with the San Andreas fault in the Parkfield area give off heat when compressed, but yet the fault in the Parkfield area doesn’t. The reason isn’t known, but one speculation is that water is keeping the fault cool in this area. This may also account for the continuous creep with an occasional M>6.0 thrown in for good measure.

A theory until proven to be fact is no more then speculation. Take Care…Don in creepy town