Earth gas issuing up hints of a quake in California

Scientists speculate that a major earthquake may hit southern California soon , having detected a sudden influx of radon gas in the area's well and ground water, the Los Angeles Times reports.

A US Geological Survey memo said the gas has been bubbling in springs in the desert around Los Angeles. These changes in the water can be construed as precursors to an earthquake. Scientists noticed a similar increase in radon before the Imperial Valley earthquake of 1979. But the scientists stopped short of making a prediction of a temblor. Many of the survey scientists plan to meet in southern California early next month to discuss the earthquake hazard.