News Summary
Eastern Tennessee experienced a 4.1 magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, with its epicenter near Greenback. Tremors were felt as far as North Carolina and Georgia, but no injuries or damage have been reported. Residents reported confusion over the source of the tremors, while experts noted a low chance of aftershocks in the coming week. This seismic event highlights the ongoing geological activity in the region.
Greenback, Tennessee – A 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled eastern Tennessee on Saturday morning at 9:04 a.m. EDT. The epicenter of the quake was located in the Greenback area, approximately 12 miles southeast of the town. Tremors from the earthquake were felt as far away as Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and various regions of South Carolina and Georgia, with over 23,000 reports of tremors submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the first hour.
Reports indicate that residents in several areas, including South Park, Quail Hollow, west Charlotte, and Lincoln County, experienced noticeable shaking. Despite the intensity of the earthquake, no injuries or significant damage have been reported in the aftermath. The Knoxville Fire Department and Police Department confirmed that they received no damage reports following the quake.
Seismologists with USGS may adjust the reported magnitude of the earthquake as further data becomes available, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the event. Experts have indicated that there is a 5% chance of aftershocks measuring 4 or greater in magnitude occurring in the following week.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that some residents experienced confusion regarding the source of the shaking. For instance, a resident in Braselton, Georgia, initially mistook the tremors for the noise of a low-flying aircraft. Meteorologists from local television stations in Georgia and North Carolina also reported feeling the seismic activity.
The occurrence of earthquakes in this region is considered relatively common due to the geological factors in the Eastern United States, which allow seismic waves to travel longer distances compared to other regions. The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone is recognized as one of the most active seismic areas in the southeastern U.S., with a history of seismic activity.
Since 1950, there have been 15 recorded earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater within a 155-mile radius of the Greenback area, the largest of which was a 4.7 magnitude quake near Knoxville in November 1973. Notably, Tennessee has witnessed only three earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 3.0 in the past year, indicating a quieter seismic period in recent times.
Earthquake damage typically occurs at magnitudes of 4 or 5, with the extent of damage often influenced by structural design and local soil conditions. In the case of Saturday’s earthquake, the absence of reported damage suggests that the buildings in the affected areas may have been built to withstand such seismic events.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic activity in the eastern United States and highlights the need for preparedness in affected regions. As the situation continues to be monitored, both residents and officials remain attentive to the possibility of aftershocks and any future seismic events.
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HERE Resources
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Greenback, Tennessee
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Seismology
- NBC News
- Google Search: earthquake Tennessee
- The Weather Channel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- USA Today
- Google News: Tennessee earthquake
