Almost 200 earthquakes were recorded near the Salton Sea in Southern California between Monday and Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Three recorded a magnitude of at least 4.0 and nine of 3.0 or greater. The sea, situated on the San Andreas Fault, is commonly the site of earthquakes. File Photo by Tim Roberts Photography/Shutterstock

SALTON CITY, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Almost 200 earthquakes were recorded in Southern California's Salton Sea in roughly a 24-hour period, geologists said Tuesday.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quakes that began Monday and persisted throughout the day. The strongest quake had a magnitude of 4.3, officials said.


Most of the earthquakes were small but three had a magnitude of 4.0 or greater and nine of at least 3.0, the USGS said.

Seismic activity near the Salton Sea is not uncommon, since the 350-square mile body of water is located near numerous fault lines, including the notorious San Andreas.

Scientists say earthquakes that occur near fault lines increase the chance that a larger quake will follow.

The Salton Sea is located about 160 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 125 miles northeast of San Diego.