Geologist Jim Berkland returned to the show, offering his analysis of planetary seismic activity. The recent series of quakes off the American Northwest are being caused by magma coming up from the water, which is typical for an active ridge, he said. He doesn't see this situation turning into an "Atlantis-type of thing."
Berkland made a prediction of a 6+ earthquake to occur in either Southern Nevada or California during June, July, or August of this year, as these months have particularly high tide periods. He also discussed how the number of deaths are often underestimated for serious quakes. For instance, it has only been in recent years that the death toll from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake was raised to the thousands (from several hundred). Governments are reluctant to admit shoddy construction in many cases, he said.
Berkland noted that some people are "earthquake sensitives" who exhibit severe headaches for three days preceding a major quake. He also suggested that there is a correlation between the sun and seismic activity. For example, he said, there were huge X-13 flares that were occurring at the time of both the Loma Prieta and Morgan Hill quakes.
Coast Insiders can hear the full audio of this program in the Art Bell Vault.