A 5.0 magnitude #earthquake struck in the California desert just north of Ridgecrest on Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey. This is the largest magnitude quake to hit the area since a 7.1 magnitude quake that struck Ridgecrest on the 4th of July. The area has experienced thousands of aftershocks since that quake.

Right now Thursday’s quake is being called an aftershock to the July 4th earthquake. Although if a larger quake occurs it would be considered a foreshock.

The 5.0 quake hit Thursday afternoon about 20 miles north of Ridgecrest at the China Lake Naval Weapons Base. Quake damage to the Base from the July 4th earthquake is expected to top $5 billion.