March 13, 2005: Seismic Update - Jim Berkland

Art Bell opens with a review of seismic and volcanic activity sweeping the globe, from an underwater eruption off Vancouver Island to Mount St. Helens producing its strongest blast since 1980. He notes the Princeton Global Consciousness Project eggs appear unusually active, raising the question of whether a major event is approaching. Callers weigh in on biodiesel fuel following the previous night's interview with Willie Nelson, with truckers and farmers sharing firsthand experiences.

Geologist Jim Berkland joins to discuss his methods for predicting earthquakes using tidal flooding tables, lunar cycles, and animal behavior. He explains the seismic significance of the Juan de Fuca Ridge activity off the Oregon and Washington coasts, noting that spreading ridges constantly produce new magma. Art asks whether drilling into a volcanic dome could relieve pressure, but Berkland explains the gas pressure is too immense for such an approach to prevent eruptions.

Berkland reports hitting roughly 75% accuracy in his earthquake predictions over the years and describes how missing animal ads in newspapers have preceded major quakes, including the 1989 World Series earthquake. He predicts a magnitude six or greater quake for Southern California or Southern Nevada during the summer months of 2005 and discusses how record rainfall patterns historically correlate with significant seismic events.