News Summary
Edgefield County experienced a 2.7-magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, with its epicenter near Plum Branch and Turkey roads. Thankfully, there were no reports of damage or injuries. While the region is not known for seismic activity, this quake is one of the largest recorded in recent decades. Experts suggest geological factors may influence such disturbances, emphasizing the importance of earthquake preparedness among locals.
Edgefield, South Carolina – A 2.7-magnitude earthquake shook Edgefield County on Saturday morning, occurring at approximately 11:22 a.m. local time. The epicenter of the quake was located near Plum Branch and Turkey roads, east of Parksville, around 25 miles north of Augusta, Georgia. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries following the event.
The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of roughly 2.7 miles. By 1 p.m. the same day, around 40 individuals had reported feeling the tremor on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website. In comparison, this recent earthquake is considered less intense than a previous 4.1-magnitude earthquake that struck metro Atlanta in May. The quake was not felt in metropolitan Atlanta, which is approximately 130 miles to the west of Edgefield County.
This region of South Carolina is not known for frequent seismic activity, with only about seven measurable earthquakes recorded in Edgefield and McCormick counties since 2010. Interestingly, the epicenter of the recent quake is located less than a mile away from where the 4.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in 2014, raising awareness about geological activity in this area. The 2.7-magnitude quake has been recognized as one of the largest in South Carolina in recent decades.
In general, earthquakes in South Carolina tend to have low magnitudes, with few exceeding a 3.0 measurement in recent years. The state typically experiences between 15 to 20 earthquake events annually, of which the significant majority are classified as minor. The infrequency of larger earthquakes has led to widespread public indifference to seismic events in the region.
Experts suggest that recent seismic activity may stem from several natural environmental factors. According to Dr. C. Scott Howard from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, not all fault lines within the state remain active, leading to variability in earthquake prevalence over time. Changes in water levels due to weather events may also contribute to seismic disturbances. Such alterations could have an impact on subsurface pressures and stress on geological formations within the area.
Despite the occurrence of the 2.7-magnitude quake, the absence of damage or injuries offers reassurance to local residents and authorities. Community members are encouraged to stay informed about earthquake preparedness, especially given the region’s unpredictable geological history.
As residents in Edgefield County and surrounding areas return to their normal routines, this event serves as a reminder of the shifting nature of the Earth’s crust and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters, even in places where such occurrences are rare.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquake
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Earthquake Near Georgia State Line
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquake 2023
- The Augusta Press: Series of Earthquakes in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: earthquake in South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Residents React to Earthquake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- CNN: South Carolina Earthquake
- Google News: South Carolina earthquake 2014
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
