Series of small quakes hits Southern Calif. desert

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A cluster of earthquakes hit the sparsely populated desert area of Ocotillo Wells, about 65 miles northeast of San Diego near the Salton Sea.

The U.S. Geological Survey measured five quakes Wednesday night of magnitude 3.0 or greater, including a 3.6 magnitude temblor, a 3.5 and a 3.4. They all occurred within three hours.

Swarms are typical in the area and usually continue for a few days, California Institute of Technology seismologist Kate Hutton said. She said it is impossible to know if the peak quake will come at the beginning, middle or end of the series.

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