Long-Dormant Fault Linked to Quakes

VENTURA COUNTY — A series of minor earthquakes over the last two months in the Oxnard-Port Hueneme area indicates that a long-dormant fault has suddenly become active, geologists said Tuesday.

There is no evidence, however, that the recent activity indicates more, or larger, quakes than have already occurred, experts said.

Monday afternoon brought the latest rumbling on the Oxnard Plain, when an earthquake of magnitude 2.6 was felt three miles southeast of Port Hueneme. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

That was the fourth quake in that area in the last few weeks. Ground movement ranging in magnitude from 2.3 to 2.6 was registered on Nov. 29, Dec. 28 and Jan. 12. Only the last two quakes were felt.

Although all the quakes have been minor, one geologist said the fault has the potential to cause a larger quake, possibly in the magnitude of 5.0 or above.