Landers damage

Damage from the Landers earthquake was relatively light given the magnitude (7.3) because the strongest shaking was concentrated in a relatively remote part of the Mojave Desert.  Structures in the desert near the town of Landers did, however, sustain serious damage.  Shaking at this location was likely especially strong due to the proximity to the surface rupture and the local topography, which is known to amplify shaking. (Photograph: Susan E. Hough, USGS)