The South was shaken up on a Saturday morning.  A 4. 1-magnitude earthquake hit Tennessee.  It was strong enough to be felt in Atlanta, Georgia.  No one was hurt, and there was no major damage.  The earthquake happened about 12 miles from Greenback, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles south of Knoxville.  The earthquake was felt in several states, including Georgia and North Carolina.  The USGS website reported over 23, 000 people felt the earthquake.

    The USGS said there is a 5% chance of another earthquake of magnitude 4 or larger in the next week.  This is not unusual for the area.  The South has a significant risk of earthquakes, especially around the New Madrid seismic zone and the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone.  Since 1950, there have been 15 other earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger within 155 miles of Saturday’s earthquake.  The largest was a 4. 7-magnitude earthquake near Knoxville in November 1973.

    People in the area were surprised by the earthquake.  Gabriela Reilly was making waffles with her husband in Braselton, Georgia, when they felt their home shake.  They thought it was a giant aircraft flying low over the neighborhood.  Jason Pack was still in bed at his home outside Knoxville when he felt the walls shaking and heard a rumbling.  He said it was unusual to have an earthquake in east Tennessee.  He has experienced tremors before, but this one was the strongest he’s felt in Tennessee.  He said it’s a good reminder to know what to do if there is a big earthquake.  Drop, cover and hold on if you’re inside.  Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside.

    Earthquakes in the eastern US are felt over a much larger distance and by more people because of the region’s geology.  This is why the earthquake was felt in several states.  The South has a significant risk of earthquakes, and it’s important to be prepared.  The USGS said damage does not usually occur from earthquakes until they reach a magnitude of somewhere above 4 or 5.  This depends on variables such as building construction, soil, and distance from the epicenter.  The earthquake was a reminder to be prepared for the unexpected.

    The earthquake was a reminder that the South is at risk for earthquakes.  It’s important to be prepared and know what to do if there is an earthquake.  The USGS said there is a 5% chance of another earthquake of magnitude 4 or larger in the next week.  This is not unusual for the area.  The South has a significant risk of earthquakes, and it’s important to be prepared.  The earthquake was a reminder to be prepared for the unexpected.

Earthquake Shakes the South: What Happened and Why?

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