The hundreds of earthquakes along a fault line are related to what was thought to be from the dormant Coso volcano field north of Ridgecrest. It last erupted 39,000 yrs ago. The shallowness of the earthquakes means there is movement in the magma pool below the surface. It does not mean an eruption is eminent but one is definitely possible. Some people have speculated that it is related to the 4 geothermal plants located nearby.

Apparently, there have been swarms of earthquakes before in this area but this is the first to have 6 and 7 magnitude quakes. The quakes are not generally thought to relate to anything on the San Andrea's fault line but it may trigger other movements in the area. If it is the volcano waking up, Las Vegas would be directly downwind of any ash fallout. Something to keep an eye on but don't lose any sleep over it.