Seismic Swarm S20101203.2: Analysis of Activity Near Anza, California
An earthquake swarm designated S20101203.2 was recorded 12 km southeast of Anza, California. The sequence began at 12:08 on 2 December 2010 and concluded at 12:58 on 12 December 2010. Over approximately 240 hours and 50 minutes, 68 earthquakes were detected. Magnitudes ranged from 0.0 to 2.2, with the majority below 1.0. Focal depths varied between 4 km and 14 km, indicating shallow crustal activity typical of the region.
The swarm initiated with several events on 2 December, including magnitudes of 0.4, 1.1, and 1.8. Activity peaked on 3 December with multiple events reaching 2.2. Subsequent days showed declining frequency but persistent low-magnitude releases through 12 December. No single mainshock dominated the sequence; instead, events occurred in clusters without clear foreshock-aftershock patterns.
The Anza area lies within the Peninsular Ranges of southern California, part of the tectonically active boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. This location coincides with the San Jacinto Fault Zone, a major northwest-trending right-lateral strike-slip system that accommodates a significant portion of regional plate motion. The fault zone features multiple strands that have produced both historical large earthquakes and recurrent swarms. Depths recorded in the swarm align with the brittle-ductile transition zone in this segment of the fault system.
Seismic swarms in the Anza region reflect fluid migration or aseismic slip triggering brittle failure along fault segments. Historical records show 13 swarms since 1 January 2000, occurring in 2001 (1 swarm), 2002 (2), 2003 (2), 2005 (2), 2009 (2), and 2010 (4). These episodes underscore the persistent strain accumulation and release characteristic of the San Jacinto Fault Zone.
The 2010 swarm contributed to ongoing monitoring of microseismicity that helps refine fault models and assess potential for larger events. No damage or felt reports were associated with these low-magnitude events.
References
- United States Geological Survey Earthquake Catalog
- California Geological Survey Fault Activity Map
- Southern California Earthquake Data Center Swarm Database