More likely, the quake occurred within either the North American or Gorda plates and was the result of internal deformation of the plate caused by the subduction process. These depths basically define the subduction zone contact, between the two plates with the shallower quakes occurring within the overriding North American plate. Interestingly, A M3.5 temblor struck the Mammoth Lakes region a little more than an hour after the Northern California jolt. This earthquake report was faxed to subscribers of the Seismo-Watch Earthquake Alert Bulletins within hours of the event. Click HERE if you are interested in receiving these reports.
All data are preliminary and subject to change.
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