So even though it was quite a ways away the 6.4 quake that originated east of Bakersfield, CA about a third of the way to Vega only 40 minutes ago gave us a long slow rolling tremor here. Both the dog and I looked around at first trying to figure out what was happening.
If you haven't experienced this type of significant earthquake then it is interesting to know that eventually things in your house/office/store start making noise and you feel like you might be on a boat as things sway around you. The rattling was what made me realize it was an earthquake and this one seemed to go on a long time.
The type of earthquake like the Northridge quake we lived through in our prior S. Cal stay was a jolting feeling like a giant had picked up the house and dropped it from a short distance. That one sure jolted us out of our sleep.
Don't like them no matter how they move but no harm or damage from this one here. Just a bit too much adrenaline rushing through my veins.
Update: I just learned why it was a rolling quake sensation here thanks to the amazing Cal Tech geologist expert. She said that the rolling motion is caused by low frequency waves while the jolt is the high frequency. Low frequency ones travel much further than the high so you can know that it is pretty far away if that is what you feel. Good to know!
Interesting. I experienced the rolling sensation from an earthquake in Panama in the '80s. I have always been a lightweight drinker, and had just finished a beer, so I thought it was the alcohol. Felt very much like being on a boat. Glad you are safe. But such an unsettling feeling.
ReplyDeleteIn this case the aftermath of the adrenaline surge is the worst part. The people living near its epicenter haven't been so lucky but at least it was in a sparsely populated area.
DeleteEarthquakes have to very scary! I'm glad you didn't have any damage.
ReplyDeleteThey are scary. This one was a long way away so no damage here.
DeleteEarthquakes are some serious business. At least with a Hurricane we have some warning and can get to safety. I think I'll stick with Hurricanes over Earthquakes. LOL
ReplyDelete