On Saturday morning, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tennessee, sending tremors as far away as Atlanta and beyond. While no injuries or major damage were reported, the unexpected event served as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of preparedness.
The earthquake originated approximately 12 miles from Greenback, Tennessee, a small town about 30 miles south of Knoxville. Within an hour of the quake, over 23,000 reports from the public flooded in to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), with meteorologists at local television news stations in Georgia and North Carolina also feeling the tremors.
Gabriela Reilly, who was making waffles with her husband in Braselton, Georgia, described the experience as “surreal.” As their ceiling fan shook for about 10 seconds, she initially thought a low-flying aircraft had passed overhead. Her husband’s reassurance that it was indeed an earthquake brought a sense of calm to the situation.
Jason Pack, who lives outside Knoxville, was jolted awake by the shaking walls and rumbling noise in his home. As a retired FBI agent with experience in crisis communications, he emphasized the importance of being prepared for earthquakes, especially in regions like east Tennessee where they are not as common. “Even though this one was small, it’s a good reminder — if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover, and hold on if you’re inside,” he said.
The southeastern United States, including the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, carries a significant earthquake risk. According to Ayesha Davis of USGS, since 1950, 15 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of Saturday’s earthquake. The largest was a 4.7-magnitude quake near Knoxville in November 1973.
The recent history of seismic activity in the region is also noteworthy. In December 2018, two tremors struck the East Tennessee Seismic Zone: a 4.4-magnitude earthquake centered in Decatur and a 3.0-magnitude event southeast of Mascot, both of which were felt as far away as Atlanta.
The unique geology of the Eastern United States contributes to the region’s seismic waves spreading more efficiently, making earthquakes felt over a larger distance and by more people compared to the West. As Davis noted, “Earthquakes in the East are felt over a much larger distance and by more people.”
While Saturday’s 4.1-magnitude earthquake may not have caused widespread destruction, it serves as a timely reminder of the region’s seismic potential and the need for residents to be prepared. With a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week, the USGS has issued a warning that underscores the importance of staying informed about earthquake risk and taking necessary precautions.
As we continue to monitor the region’s seismic activity, one thing is clear: the people of Tennessee, Georgia, and beyond must remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected rumblings beneath their feet.
Sourced from https://apnews.com/
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