1954 Eureka earthquake
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  | |
| UTC time | 1954-12-21 19:56:29 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 891371 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | December 21, 1954 |
| Local time | 11:56 am Pacific Time |
| Magnitude | 6.5 Mw |
| Epicenter | 40°47′N 123°52′W / 40.78°N 123.87°W |
| Type | Unknown |
| Areas affected | North Coast (California) United States |
| Total damage | $2 million |
| Max. intensity | MMI VII (Very strong) |
| Casualties | 1 death, 50 injuries |
The 1954 Eureka earthquake occurred at 11:56 am on December 21, just east of Eureka and Arcata, California in the United States. The unknown type shock had a moment magnitude of 6.5 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong). Buildings swayed, windows were broken, and the Humboldt County Courthouse collapsed. A total of US$2 million damages was counted, with one death and 50 injuries.
The earthquake was located within the Franciscan subduction complex, taking up northwestern California.[1] The history of the subduction complex spans for about 150 million years, with significant events happening in this time period.[2][3] Regularly, faults are hidden beneath the ocean, but at this particular subduction complex, the faults can be spotted piercing through land. The faults are considered active, with evidence of rupture originating within the last 10,000 years.[4]