Scientists at Stanford University and MIT have found a new way to predict earthquakes and possible damage in areas where seismologists have struggled with oceans causing small seismic waves.

The scientists have developed a way to use ocean waves as a model for earthquakes and its impact on different types of soil.

The study says that Los Angeles is very vulnerable to a large quake from the San Andreas Fault.

The study shows that because the city sits on what’s called a ”sedimentary basin” shock waves from quakes could be magnified as much as three times their usual level.  A sedimentary basin is softer, sandier dirt surrounded by a ring of rock.  The waves would bounce off the rock and increase in magnitude.

One member of the scientific team said it was similar to a large bathtub full of water.  If you shake the tub, the tub does not shake much but the water within violently shakes along with anything on top of it.

The study says the new system will allow scientists to test the impact of an earthquake on buildings in areas that have not experienced an earthquake for many years.