Rosman, North Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Rosman, a small town in North Carolina, experienced its 11th earthquake of the year recently. The 1.7 magnitude quake occurred about 7.5 miles west of the town, but fortunately, no residents reported feeling it, and no damage was reported. This surge in seismic activity is part of a trend in the area, with experts noting that while most earthquakes are minor, the potential for larger quakes exists due to the region’s geological conditions.
Rosman, North Carolina Reports Eleventh Earthquake This Year, a 1.7 Magnitude Event
Rosman, a small town in North Carolina with approximately 730 residents, experienced its 11th earthquake of the year on Saturday. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 1.7 and occurred at 12:46 a.m. while being located about 7.5 miles west of Rosman. The earthquake’s depth was reported to be 0.06 miles. Fortunately, no residents reported feeling the earthquake, and there was no reported damage from the event.
Prior to this latest event, Rosman experienced two earthquakes on Wednesday, September 10. The first quake had a magnitude of 2.2 and occurred at 5:12 a.m. nearly 5.6 miles west of the town, while the second recorded a magnitude of 2.1 and took place around 6:40 p.m. near Trinity Lane and Dunwerken Road. The depth of the 2.2 magnitude earthquake was measured at 2.8 miles.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provided data on these seismic events, noting that approximately 100 miles northeast of Rosman, a separate 1.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded about five miles west of Bakersville on September 11.
In August, Rosman saw three earthquakes occur over a four-day span, illustrating a concerning but typical occurrence of seismic activity in the area. It is important to note that earthquakes with a magnitude under 3.0 are generally classified as weak and typically do not cause damage.
This year, Rosman has seen a notable increase in seismic events, particularly highlighted by a significant 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Tennessee-North Carolina border in May. This quake could be felt as far east as Charlotte and was centered about 12 miles southeast of Greenback, Tennessee, near North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest.
Experts have explained that the Carolinas sit on an old continental edaphus with ancient fractures that can break under the right pressures, leading to low-magnitude seismic activity. While most seismic activity in the Carolinas is mild, usually falling between 2-3 magnitude, the tectonic differences between the Carolinas and regions like Eastern Eurasia contribute to the lower frequency of significant earthquakes in the area.
Other Significant Earthquakes in the Region
In addition to the earthquakes reported in Rosman, the broader area has seen other seismic activity. The notable 4.1 magnitude earthquake in May is a reminder that while the Carolinas predominantly experience minor quakes, larger seismic events can still occur.
Conclusion
As Rosman continues to experience small earthquakes, residents may remain vigilant but should also take comfort in the fact that such weak magnitudes generally do not lead to damage. The local geological conditions contribute to this pattern of seismic activity, creating a unique environment for studies in geology and seismic science.
FAQs
- What magnitude was the latest earthquake in Rosman? The earthquake registered a magnitude of 1.7.
- How many earthquakes has Rosman experienced this year? Rosman has experienced its 11th earthquake of the year.
- Did residents feel the latest earthquake? No residents reported feeling the earthquake.
- What is the general classification of earthquakes under 3.0 magnitude? Earthquakes with a magnitude under 3.0 are generally classified as weak and typically do not cause damage.
- What was the location of the latest earthquake? The earthquake occurred about 7.5 miles west of Rosman.
Key Features of Seismic Activity in Rosman
| Date | Magnitude | Depth (miles) | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2023 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 5.6 miles west of Rosman | No damage |
| September 10, 2023 | 2.1 | N/A | Near Trinity Lane and Dunwerken Road | No damage |
| September 11, 2023 | 1.8 | N/A | 5 miles west of Bakersville | No damage |
| May 2023 | 4.1 | N/A | 12 miles southeast of Greenback, TN | Felt in Charlotte |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Launches Community Survey for New Chief of Police
2.2-Magnitude Earthquake Recorded in Rosman, NC
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- CBS17
- WBTV
- MSN News
- WSPA
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Google Search: Earthquake North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Earthquake North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- Google News: Earthquake North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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