A swarm of eight earthquakes struck the Coso volcanic field in California on Friday, prompting scientists to monitor the region for potential volcanic activity. The strongest tremor registered a magnitude of 3.4 at 10:26 a.m. Pacific time.
The Coso volcanic field, located approximately 100 miles northeast of Bakersfield, is an active geological area characterized by dozens of individual volcanic features and a broad underlying zone of magma. This region last experienced an eruption between 39,000 and 40,000 years ago, with roughly 40 distinct eruptive events occurring over the past quarter-million years.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continuously monitors the volcanic field in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. The area's current alert level is Normal, with a Green aviation color code. The USGS has stated that Friday's seismic activity does not definitively indicate that the earthquakes are volcanic in origin or that an eruption is imminent.
In addition to its volcanic potential, the Coso region is a significant producer of geothermal power, capable of supplying energy to an estimated 270,000 homes. The Coso volcanic field is not a single mountain vent but a 150-square-mile cluster of volcanic features.