News Summary
Tennessee experienced a notable earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 near Greenback, felt as far as Georgia and North Carolina. The quake occurred at 9:04 a.m. EDT, with over 40,000 individuals reporting their experiences. While minor tremors were noted in Augusta, residents closer to the epicenter reported more intense shaking. The Blount County Emergency Management Agency found no injuries or significant damages, although inspections are underway. Experts indicate a low chance of aftershocks, reminding residents to remain cautious.
Tennessee experienced an earthquake on Saturday morning that was felt in multiple states, including Georgia. The earthquake, which occurred at 9:04 a.m. EDT, had an estimated magnitude of 4.1 and was centered near Greenback, roughly 30 miles southwest of Knoxville. Tremors from the quake were reported as far away as Augusta, Georgia, where residents experienced minor shaking.
Over 40,000 individuals reached out to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to report their experiences with the earthquake. In Augusta, a resident noted that the shaking was so slight that it only caused bookshelves to gently tap against the wall. Another resident described their bathroom door rattling during the event. The tremors also extended across metro Atlanta and were felt down to Macon, Georgia, and even further north in areas around Charlotte, North Carolina.
Reports from residents close to the epicenter noted more substantial effects. One individual from Fort Eisenhower experienced shaking walls and described the event as significant enough to wake up family and pets. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 12 miles below the surface, a characteristic typical of the seismic activity in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone.
The Blount County Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that there were no injuries or damages reported in proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter. However, they received numerous calls from concerned residents. Inspections revealed that the only site requiring further examination was Fontana Dam, although no problems were found. Additionally, a section of Foothills Parkway West in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been closed temporarily for safety inspections.
According to experts, earthquakes of this nature are not typical but can occur in the region. Since 1950, there have been 15 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or higher within 155 miles of Saturday’s event, with the largest recorded being a magnitude 4.7 in November 1973. As a precaution, the Tennessee Department of Transportation stated there are currently no immediate reports of roadway damage. However, they plan to carry out bridge inspections in the upcoming weeks to ensure structural integrity.
Following Saturday’s incident, experts have estimated a low likelihood of aftershocks, with a 5% chance of another quake occurring within the next week, potentially with a magnitude of 4 or higher. The USGS explains that damage typically occurs at magnitudes of 4 and above, and it can significantly vary based on the types of buildings and the ground conditions in the affected areas.
This seismic event, while notable for its reach and the number of people who experienced it, offers a reminder of the area’s geological activity. Residents in affected regions will continue to monitor updates from authorities and remain alert to any potential aftershocks or seismic activity as inspections and evaluations are carried out in the aftermath of the quake.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Greenback, Tennessee
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Felt Across North Georgia and Metro Atlanta
Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Rattles Southeastern Tennessee
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Atlanta Metro Area
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Tennessee and Georgia Regions
Additional Resources
- WRDW: 4.1 Magnitude Quake Rattles Parts of Region
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Augusta Free Press: Two Seismic Events This Week in Virginia
- Google Search: Earthquake Effects
- Fox Carolina: Two Earthquakes Reported in Georgia
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Preparedness
- The Augusta Press: Series of Earthquakes Recorded in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seismic Activity
- Weatherboy: Over 1000 Report Shaking from Maine Earthquake
- Google News: Earthquake News
