Earthquake Zone Maps Now Online

The fault, dear reader, lies not in our stars but on a new Web page. The California Geological Survey has put its earthquake zone maps online for the first time, according to the Associated Press.

The Geological Survey's earthquake zone mapping page allows visitors to type in an address to show its proximity to specific fault lines. Markings show seismic conditions at various locations. Some areas of the Hayward Fault, which crosses Interstate 80 near San Pablo Dam Road, are marked by lines with question mark that  indicate geologists' uncertainty about its exact location. The maps also show areas prone to landslides.

The state has established the quake zone boundaries and published them in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Maps. The state's 547 maps were previously available only on paper or CDs, according to the AP. The state agency announced the online availability Thursday. The California Geological Survey is part of the state Department of Conservation.