Prediction markets for a major California earthquake spiked to 58¢, up from 30¢, following recent scientific warnings about catastrophic earthquake risks. USC researchers warn that "supershear earthquakes, moving faster than seismic waves, could cause catastrophic shaking across California" with many faults capable of magnitude 7 quakes potentially producing these explosive ruptures. The timing coincides with heightened seismic activity discussions and a recent magnitude 7.0 earthquake recorded off California's coast near the San Andreas Fault in December 2024. While scientists maintain they cannot predict specific timing, researchers assert "we can say with certainty that over the next few decades, we will have multiple magnitude 7 earthquakes in California. They are coming, whether we are prepared or not". The 28-cent surge suggests traders are factoring in both the scientific consensus and recent geological activity.