Hi everyone,

I have a question. I have heard before that LA has an earthquake deficit, i.e. the number of 6+ quakes that has occured this century in the basin/valley is no where near the number it should be considering the amount of tectonic movement and interconnections in the area. But I've also seen web sites that say, no, there is no deficit in the LA metro area, that the amount of quakes is constant w/ the tectonic drift in the area. Anyone have a thought on what the real answer is? Specifically I could tell after the deficit question was introduced to the public, a lot of people freaked out, maybe they are keeping the masses calm?

Also, correct me I am wrong, but, hasn't LA and S. CAL in general seen a significant increase it quakes the last 20 years? Before the 71 Sylmar quake, there doesn't seem to be much of a listing for even 4+ quakes in the LA area aside from Long Beach. Then boom, we've had Northridge, Whittier, San Gabriel, Landers, Big Bear, Joshua Tree and Hector. If you look at Don's post in is prediction possible, he points out the concern and attention scientists are giving to the Bay Area's increased activity, yet down here, it seems not to be addressed. Any thoughts?