The
Hayward Fault Zone is a
geologic fault zone capable of generating significantly destructive
earthquakes. This fault is about long, situated mainly along the western base of the hills on the east side of
San Francisco Bay. It runs through densely populated areas, including the cities of
Richmond,
El Cerrito,
Berkeley,
Oakland,
San Leandro,
Hayward,
Union City,
Fremont, and
San Jose, in order from north-to-south.