Better understanding of the patterns revealed in rocks and other records make clear that places like Los Angeles are sitting in a hotbed with a history of destruction, turmoil and earth-shattering upheavals.

The Big One is just a matter of time. It is inevitable.

People had better take heed, and get as prepared as they're going to get. The only guarantee of relative safety is to move away from the path of destruction – which records now indicate takes place time and again in the same earthquake-prone regions.

But it would also be prudent to check your stocks and supplies, and keep, at a minimum, a three-day bug out bag and emergency road kit in your vehicle, and maintain full fuel tanks. This is one scenario that may well play out.

via Reuters:

The Big One may be overdue to hit California but scientists near Los Angeles have found a new risk for the area during a major earthquake: abrupt sinking of land, potentially below sea level.