M6.7 January 17, 1994 Northridge, California Earthquake | U.S. Geological Survey

M6.7 January 17, 1994 Northridge, California Earthquake | U.S. Geological Survey
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M6.7 January 17, 1994 Northridge, California Earthquake
Completed
By
Earthquake Science Center
January 5, 2024
Overview
Multimedia
Publications
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California earthquake took a heavy toll, killing 33 people, leaving over 7,000 injured, and 20,000 area residents homeless.  Estimates of property damage are approximately 40 billion dollars.  Damage to freeway bridges and overpasses disrupted key transportation arteries for months after the earthquake.
ShakeMovie Computer Simulation
Animation showing how modeled seismic waves traveled through the complex sub-surface geology in the greater Los Angeles region.
View animation
Did You Feel It?
If you felt the Northridge earthquake, please tell us about your experience.
Tell Us
Northridge Earthquake Sequence
Map showing the 1994 M6.7 Northridge and 1971 M6.6 Sylmar (San Fernando) earthquake sequences.
View Plot
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Retroactively generated ShakeMap for the Northridge earthquake.
Appreciation of the severity of earthquake hazard in the greater Los Angeles area grew slowly in the early 20
th
century, cemented by the occurrence of the magnitude-6.4
Long Beach earthquake
, early in the evening of March 10, 1933.  Since that time, two other moderately large earthquakes have struck within the greater Los Angeles region: the 1971
Sylmar (San Fernando) earthquake
, followed by the January 17, 1994
Northridge earthquake
Both Sylmar and Northridge were estimated 6.7s—not the dreaded “Big One”—but both damaging by virtue of their appreciable size and their locations in proximity to major population centers.  The fact that Southern California has experienced damage from “Pretty Big Ones” is not surprising: earthquake statistics tell us that Pretty Big Ones, magnitude 6-7, occur much more frequently than earthquakes closer to magnitude 8.
The Northridge earthquake took a heavy toll, killing 33 people, leaving over 7,000 injured, and 20,000 area residents homeless.  Estimates of property damage are approximately 40 billion dollars.  Damage to freeway bridges and overpasses disrupted key transportation arteries for months after the earthquake.  Detailed analyses of damage led to important updates to construction practices and building codes.  The earthquake also spurred a major program by Caltrans to retrofit the State’s bridges and overpasses, among other retrofitting programs.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
The Northridge earthquake generated especially strong shaking in the Newhall Pass region, causing catastrophic collapse of two connector structures at the interchange between the I-5 and I-14 freeways.
The Northridge earthquake also impacted
earthquake science
. The earthquake caused
widespread liquefaction and soil failure
, and triggered
over 11,000 landslides
. Ground motions recorded by local seismic instruments dramatically illustrated what seismologists had begun to understand at the time.  Although very large earthquakes release more energy overall than moderately large earthquakes, the most severe shaking from some moderately large earthquakes can
rival peak shaking
of larger events. At some locations in proximity to Northridge, shaking was strong enough to overcome the force of gravity.
The earthquake also taught scientists lessons about the complexity of fault systems in the greater Los Angeles area.  Shortly after the earthquake struck, it appeared to have occurred on an “unknown” fault.  In fact, considering data carefully, scientists showed that it actually occurred on a
known fault system with previously unknown complexities
.  This has been a general lesson of earthquake science over the last century: the closer we look at faults and earthquake ruptures, the more complexity we see.  The Northridge earthquake also taught scientists more about
“earthquake-earthquake” interactions
, enhancing our understanding how the occurrence of one earthquake can sometimes influence nearby faults.
The Northridge earthquake had a major impact on earthquake monitoring.  It directly spurred further development of the USGS seismic monitoring networks and the range of products produced by what is now the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS).  In 1994, data from the seismic network was used to pinpoint the epicenter of the earthquake and its magnitude. But technologies did not exist to rapidly characterize the distribution of shaking.  Within a few years, the USGS and its partners made key upgrades to seismic networks, and moved towards real-time development of now-familiar
ShakeMaps
.  These modern products have now been
generated retroactively for the Northridge earthquake
From 1933 onwards, moderately large earthquakes have taken their toll on the greater Los Angeles area, but lessons from each event take us all one step further along the path to risk reduction.
Earthquake Science Center Seminar
The 17 January 1994 Northridge Earthquake: That was Then, This is Now
Related Content
January 16, 2024
Thirty years after the Northridge earthquake, new tools inform safety.
Thirty years after the Northridge earthquake, new tools inform safety.
Did you feel the 1994 Northridge earthquake?
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
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Study Area
Explore Search
Natural Hazards
California
United States of America
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Southwest Region
Earthquake Science Center
View All
Filter Total Items: 46
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
July 1, 1999
The "LARSE" Project - Working Toward a Safer Future for Los Angeles
The "LARSE" Project - Working Toward a Safer Future for Los Angeles
The Los Angeles region is underlain by a network of active faults, including many that are deep and do not break the Earth's surface. These hidden faults include the previously unknown one responsible for the devastating January 1994 Northridge earthquake, the costliest quake in U.S. history. So that structures can be built or strengthened to withstand the quakes that are certain in the...
Authors
Thomas L. Henyey, Gary S. Fuis, Mark L. Benthien, Thomas R. Burdette, Shari A. Christofferson, Robert W. Clayton, Paul M. Davis, James W. Hendley, Monica D. Kohler, William J. Lutter, John K. McRaney, Janice M. Murphy, David A. Okaya, Trond Ryberg, Gerald W. Similia, Peter H. Stauffer
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
December 4, 1998
Deformation following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M=6.7), Southern California
Deformation following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M=6.7), Southern California
Following the 1994 Mw=6.7 Northridge earthquake, a 65‐km‐long, north‐south array of 11 geodetic monuments was established across the rupture. The array was surveyed with GPS ten times in the 4.25 yr after the earthquake. Although there is evidence for modest nonlinear postseismic relaxation in the first few weeks after the Northridge earthquake, the deformation in the subsequent four...
Authors
James C. Savage, Jerry L. Svarc, W.H. Prescott, Kenneth W. Hudnut
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
August 1, 1995
Intensity distribution and isoseismal maps for the Northridge, California, earthquake of January 17, 1994
Intensity distribution and isoseismal maps for the Northridge, California, earthquake of January 17, 1994
No abstract available.
Authors
James W. Dewey, B.G. Reagor, L.A. Dengler, Kathy Moley
July 1, 1995
Inventory of landslides triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake
Inventory of landslides triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake
The 17 January 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake (M=6.7) triggered more than 11,000 landslides over an area of about 10,000 km?. Most of the landslides were concentrated in a 1,000-km? area that includes the Santa Susana Mountains and the mountains north of the Santa Clara River valley. We mapped landslides triggered by the earthquake in the field and from 1:60,000-scale aerial...
Authors
Edwin L. Harp, Randall W. Jibson
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Landslide Hazards Program
Geologic Hazards Science Center
October 21, 1994
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake of 17 January 1994
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake of 17 January 1994
The most costly American earthquake since 1906 struck Los Angeles on 17 January 1994. The magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake resulted from more than 3 meters of reverse slip on a 15-kilometer-long south-dipping thrust fault that raised the Santa Susana mountains by as much as 70 centimeters. The fault appears to be truncated by the fault that broke in the 1971 San Fernando earthquake at...
Authors
L. Jones, K. Aki, D. Boore, M. Çelebi, A. Donnellan, J. Hall, R. Harris, E. Hauksson, T. Heaton, S. Hough, K. Hudnut, K. Hutton, M. Johnston, W. Joyner, H. Kanamori, G. Marshall, A. Michael, J. Mori, M. Murray, D. Ponti, P. Reasenberg, D. Schwartz, L. Seeber, A. Shakal, R. Simpson, H. Thio, J. Tinsley, M. Todorovska, M. Trifunac, D. Wald, M.L. Zoback
September 2, 1994
Stress triggering of the 1994 M = 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake by its predecessors
Stress triggering of the 1994 M = 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake by its predecessors
A model of stress transfer implies that earthquakes in 1933 and 1952 increased the Coulomb stress toward failure at the site of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. The 1971 earthquake in turn raised stress and produced aftershocks at the site of the 1987 Whittier Narrows and 1994 Northridge ruptures. The Northridge main shock raised stress in areas where its aftershocks and surface...
Authors
R.S. Stein, G.C.P. King, J. Lin
August 26, 1994
Predicting earthquake effects—Learning from Northridge and Loma Prieta
Predicting earthquake effects—Learning from Northridge and Loma Prieta
The continental United States has been rocked by two particularly damaging earthquakes in the last 4.5 years, Loma Prieta in northern California in 1989 and Northridge in southern California in 1994. Combined losses from these two earthquakes approached $30 billion. Approximately half these losses were reimbursed by the federal government. Because large earthquakes typically overwhelm...
Authors
Thomas L. Holzer
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California earthquake took a heavy toll, killing 33 people, leaving over 7,000 injured, and 20,000 area residents homeless.  Estimates of property damage are approximately 40 billion dollars.  Damage to freeway bridges and overpasses disrupted key transportation arteries for months after the earthquake.
ShakeMovie Computer Simulation
Animation showing how modeled seismic waves traveled through the complex sub-surface geology in the greater Los Angeles region.
View animation
Did You Feel It?
If you felt the Northridge earthquake, please tell us about your experience.
Tell Us
Northridge Earthquake Sequence
Map showing the 1994 M6.7 Northridge and 1971 M6.6 Sylmar (San Fernando) earthquake sequences.
View Plot
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Retroactively generated ShakeMap for the Northridge earthquake.
Appreciation of the severity of earthquake hazard in the greater Los Angeles area grew slowly in the early 20
th
century, cemented by the occurrence of the magnitude-6.4
Long Beach earthquake
, early in the evening of March 10, 1933.  Since that time, two other moderately large earthquakes have struck within the greater Los Angeles region: the 1971
Sylmar (San Fernando) earthquake
, followed by the January 17, 1994
Northridge earthquake
Both Sylmar and Northridge were estimated 6.7s—not the dreaded “Big One”—but both damaging by virtue of their appreciable size and their locations in proximity to major population centers.  The fact that Southern California has experienced damage from “Pretty Big Ones” is not surprising: earthquake statistics tell us that Pretty Big Ones, magnitude 6-7, occur much more frequently than earthquakes closer to magnitude 8.
The Northridge earthquake took a heavy toll, killing 33 people, leaving over 7,000 injured, and 20,000 area residents homeless.  Estimates of property damage are approximately 40 billion dollars.  Damage to freeway bridges and overpasses disrupted key transportation arteries for months after the earthquake.  Detailed analyses of damage led to important updates to construction practices and building codes.  The earthquake also spurred a major program by Caltrans to retrofit the State’s bridges and overpasses, among other retrofitting programs.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
The Northridge earthquake generated especially strong shaking in the Newhall Pass region, causing catastrophic collapse of two connector structures at the interchange between the I-5 and I-14 freeways.
The Northridge earthquake also impacted
earthquake science
. The earthquake caused
widespread liquefaction and soil failure
, and triggered
over 11,000 landslides
. Ground motions recorded by local seismic instruments dramatically illustrated what seismologists had begun to understand at the time.  Although very large earthquakes release more energy overall than moderately large earthquakes, the most severe shaking from some moderately large earthquakes can
rival peak shaking
of larger events. At some locations in proximity to Northridge, shaking was strong enough to overcome the force of gravity.
The earthquake also taught scientists lessons about the complexity of fault systems in the greater Los Angeles area.  Shortly after the earthquake struck, it appeared to have occurred on an “unknown” fault.  In fact, considering data carefully, scientists showed that it actually occurred on a
known fault system with previously unknown complexities
.  This has been a general lesson of earthquake science over the last century: the closer we look at faults and earthquake ruptures, the more complexity we see.  The Northridge earthquake also taught scientists more about
“earthquake-earthquake” interactions
, enhancing our understanding how the occurrence of one earthquake can sometimes influence nearby faults.
The Northridge earthquake had a major impact on earthquake monitoring.  It directly spurred further development of the USGS seismic monitoring networks and the range of products produced by what is now the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS).  In 1994, data from the seismic network was used to pinpoint the epicenter of the earthquake and its magnitude. But technologies did not exist to rapidly characterize the distribution of shaking.  Within a few years, the USGS and its partners made key upgrades to seismic networks, and moved towards real-time development of now-familiar
ShakeMaps
.  These modern products have now been
generated retroactively for the Northridge earthquake
From 1933 onwards, moderately large earthquakes have taken their toll on the greater Los Angeles area, but lessons from each event take us all one step further along the path to risk reduction.
Earthquake Science Center Seminar
The 17 January 1994 Northridge Earthquake: That was Then, This is Now
Related Content
January 16, 2024
Thirty years after the Northridge earthquake, new tools inform safety.
Thirty years after the Northridge earthquake, new tools inform safety.
Did you feel the 1994 Northridge earthquake?
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
Communications and Publishing
Study Area
Explore Search
Natural Hazards
California
United States of America
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Southwest Region
Earthquake Science Center
View All
Filter Total Items: 46
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
January 1, 1994
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
By
Natural Hazards
Communications and Publishing
July 1, 1999
The "LARSE" Project - Working Toward a Safer Future for Los Angeles
The "LARSE" Project - Working Toward a Safer Future for Los Angeles
The Los Angeles region is underlain by a network of active faults, including many that are deep and do not break the Earth's surface. These hidden faults include the previously unknown one responsible for the devastating January 1994 Northridge earthquake, the costliest quake in U.S. history. So that structures can be built or strengthened to withstand the quakes that are certain in the...
Authors
Thomas L. Henyey, Gary S. Fuis, Mark L. Benthien, Thomas R. Burdette, Shari A. Christofferson, Robert W. Clayton, Paul M. Davis, James W. Hendley, Monica D. Kohler, William J. Lutter, John K. McRaney, Janice M. Murphy, David A. Okaya, Trond Ryberg, Gerald W. Similia, Peter H. Stauffer
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
December 4, 1998
Deformation following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M=6.7), Southern California
Deformation following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (M=6.7), Southern California
Following the 1994 Mw=6.7 Northridge earthquake, a 65‐km‐long, north‐south array of 11 geodetic monuments was established across the rupture. The array was surveyed with GPS ten times in the 4.25 yr after the earthquake. Although there is evidence for modest nonlinear postseismic relaxation in the first few weeks after the Northridge earthquake, the deformation in the subsequent four...
Authors
James C. Savage, Jerry L. Svarc, W.H. Prescott, Kenneth W. Hudnut
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Earthquake Hazards Program
Earthquake Science Center
August 1, 1995
Intensity distribution and isoseismal maps for the Northridge, California, earthquake of January 17, 1994
Intensity distribution and isoseismal maps for the Northridge, California, earthquake of January 17, 1994
No abstract available.
Authors
James W. Dewey, B.G. Reagor, L.A. Dengler, Kathy Moley
July 1, 1995
Inventory of landslides triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake
Inventory of landslides triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake
The 17 January 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake (M=6.7) triggered more than 11,000 landslides over an area of about 10,000 km?. Most of the landslides were concentrated in a 1,000-km? area that includes the Santa Susana Mountains and the mountains north of the Santa Clara River valley. We mapped landslides triggered by the earthquake in the field and from 1:60,000-scale aerial...
Authors
Edwin L. Harp, Randall W. Jibson
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Landslide Hazards Program
Geologic Hazards Science Center
October 21, 1994
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake of 17 January 1994
The magnitude 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake of 17 January 1994
The most costly American earthquake since 1906 struck Los Angeles on 17 January 1994. The magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake resulted from more than 3 meters of reverse slip on a 15-kilometer-long south-dipping thrust fault that raised the Santa Susana mountains by as much as 70 centimeters. The fault appears to be truncated by the fault that broke in the 1971 San Fernando earthquake at...
Authors
L. Jones, K. Aki, D. Boore, M. Çelebi, A. Donnellan, J. Hall, R. Harris, E. Hauksson, T. Heaton, S. Hough, K. Hudnut, K. Hutton, M. Johnston, W. Joyner, H. Kanamori, G. Marshall, A. Michael, J. Mori, M. Murray, D. Ponti, P. Reasenberg, D. Schwartz, L. Seeber, A. Shakal, R. Simpson, H. Thio, J. Tinsley, M. Todorovska, M. Trifunac, D. Wald, M.L. Zoback
September 2, 1994
Stress triggering of the 1994 M = 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake by its predecessors
Stress triggering of the 1994 M = 6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake by its predecessors
A model of stress transfer implies that earthquakes in 1933 and 1952 increased the Coulomb stress toward failure at the site of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. The 1971 earthquake in turn raised stress and produced aftershocks at the site of the 1987 Whittier Narrows and 1994 Northridge ruptures. The Northridge main shock raised stress in areas where its aftershocks and surface...
Authors
R.S. Stein, G.C.P. King, J. Lin
August 26, 1994
Predicting earthquake effects—Learning from Northridge and Loma Prieta
Predicting earthquake effects—Learning from Northridge and Loma Prieta
The continental United States has been rocked by two particularly damaging earthquakes in the last 4.5 years, Loma Prieta in northern California in 1989 and Northridge in southern California in 1994. Combined losses from these two earthquakes approached $30 billion. Approximately half these losses were reimbursed by the federal government. Because large earthquakes typically overwhelm...
Authors
Thomas L. Holzer
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