San Francisco 1906 Earthquake

One of the greatest earthquakes happened in 20th century is in San Francisco in year 1906. It measured 7.8 degrees. Many building were destructed and several hundred of people got killed. The earthquake also started a fire, which destroyed the central business district. The earthquake happened on the San Andreas Fault, which is the major fracture of the Earth's crust. It is trending northwestward through southern and northern California, U.S., for 650 miles (1,050 km) and passing seaward …

…powerful as the 1906 earthquake is not likely to strike Northern California soon, probably not for at least 100 years. By studying quakes like the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, scientists and engineers gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to assess the risk from future shocks and to reduce the vulnerability of buildings and other structures to damage in these inevitable and terrifying events. In this way they help to protect the lives and property of the people.