Computer models simulated how the Joshua Tree, Landers, Big Bear, and Hector Mine quakes alleviated stress in some places (blue areas) and transferred and increased stress (red areas) to adjacent regions. In a domino-like effect, strain can "creep" through the crust, interact with neighboring faults, and trigger another earthquake elsewhere. Scientists believe that the Landers and Hector Mine quake sequence together have shifted stress toward the San Bernadino Mountain segment of the San Andreas Fault and increased the likelihood of a quake there. (Courtesy of Jian Lin, WHOI)[back]
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