New Research Reveals How An Ancient Lake May Have Delayed Massive Earthquakes Along San Andreas Fault — And How Future Changes Could Trigger Them

San Andreas Fault in California has been inactive in its southern section for over 300 years according to new research.
The seismic silence may be due to the historical presence of ancient Lake Cahuilla and its effects on the fault.
The emptying of Lake Cahuilla appears to have stabilized the fault, preventing major earthquakes.
Refilling the nearby Salton Sea could increase pressure on the fault and trigger destructive earthquakes in heavily populated areas.
Understanding the relationship between fault lines and large bodies of water provides insights into predicting future earthquakes.