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Seismologist Dr. Jones Reveals If Big L.A. Earthquake Is Next

Mexico City post earthquake

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones called in to On Air With Ryan Seacrest on Thursday, September 21, and explained to us how earthquakes, unfortunately, can’t be predicted. Dr. Jones explained that the deadly 7.1 earthquake that struck nearby Mexico City on Tuesday — and on the 32nd anniversary of the 1985 earthquake that killed thousands — was tragically just a coincidence. 

“Probably the second one could be an extended aftershock of the first one, but it is complete coincidence that it overlaps with September 19,” Dr. Jones said. “It’s strange, but the earth doesn’t know what … calendar we use.”

While one earthquake can trigger another with aftershocks, Los Angeles doesn’t need to be concerned over the recent 3.6 quake in Westwood. 

“One earthquake can trigger another one, but the range over which they can do it depends on how big the earthquake is and a 3.6 is tiny,” Dr. Jones said. 

As for if Los Angeles should prepare for that talked-about massive quake, Dr. Jones said the only thing anyone can do is prepare and make sure their homes or apartments are to code. 

“Human beings can’t stand randomness and we always try to make a pattern no matter what it is,” Dr. Jones said. “That’s what saved us evolutionary when we were out hunting on the Savannah, that you could see moving grass and realize that pattern meant a predator was hiding … so we look for patterns when we’re faced with danger. [But] that’s the problem with random … you’ve got to be ready all the time. You never know when it’s coming.”

Listen to the audio above to learn what you can do.