2.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern Middle tennessee
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PARK CITY, Tenn. – A minor earthquake rattled southern Middle Tennessee early Sunday morning, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). the United States Geological survey (USGS) recorded the event as a 2.4 magnitude earthquake https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/earthquakes.
Earthquake Details
The USGS pinpointed the earthquake’s location southwest of Park City, in Lincoln County, close to the Alabama state border. The seismic event occurred at 5:01 a.m.local time. while the earthquake was officially recorded, TEMA confirmed that earthquakes of this magnitude are rarely felt by the general population.
Did You Know? The New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in the central United States, is capable of producing considerably larger earthquakes. The last major events occurred in 1811 and 1812.
Frequency of Earthquakes in the Central U.S.
TEMA has stated that the central U.S. experiences frequent, albeit small, earthquakes. Hundreds of these minor seismic events occur each year https://www.weather.gov/pah/earthquakes. These events often go unnoticed due to their low magnitude.
Pro Tip: Download a mobile earthquake alert app to receive notifications about seismic activity in your area.
Earthquake Magnitude Scale
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using the Richter scale. Each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves. Therefore, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake is ten times stronger than a magnitude 5.0 earthquake.
| Magnitude | Typical Effects |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Generally not felt, but recorded. |
| 3-4 | Often felt, but rarely causes damage. |
| 4-5 | Noticeable shaking of indoor objects, rattling noises. |
| 5-6 | Can cause damage of varying severity. |
| 6+ | Can cause widespread damage. |
Further Information
for complete details about this earthquake and general information about seismic activity, visit the USGS website.
Understanding Earthquakes: An Evergreen Perspective
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. These plates are constantly shifting,and when they get stuck and then suddenly slip,it releases energy in the form of seismic waves,which we experience as earthquakes. While predicting earthquakes remains a challenge, scientists continue to study fault lines and seismic patterns to better understand and prepare for these events. The Ready.gov website offers valuable information on earthquake preparedness.
frequently Asked Questions About Earthquakes
What should I do during an earthquake?
If you are indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
how can I prepare for an earthquake?
Create an emergency plan, assemble a disaster kit, and secure heavy items in your home to prevent them from falling.
What is the difference between magnitude and intensity?
magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, while intensity measures the shaking produced by the earthquake at a specific location.
Have you ever experienced an earthquake? What steps do you take to prepare for seismic events in your area? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
