Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake in South Carolina, February 14, 2014
An unusual event in South Carolina just occurred, a magnitude 4.1 event. At the present time, there is no reason to think this is anything but a relatively rare event. However, it should also be recalled that Charleston, South Carolina was destroyed by a major earthquake on August 31, 1886. Estimates place the magnitude in excess of 7, possibly as large as 7.3 moment magnitude. So while unusual, earthquakes are not unknown in this area.
They are generally related to the fold and fault belts of the Appalachian Mountains, in association with the Brevard fault zone, which runs into Georgia from the Carolinas.
About OpenHazards Bloggers
Steven Ward is a Research Geophysicist at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UC Santa Cruz. He specializes in the quantification and simulation of natural hazards. Read Steve's blog.
John Rundle is a Distinguished Professor of Physics and Geology at UC Davis and the Executive Director of the APEC Collaboration for Earthquake Simulations. He chaired the Board of Advisors for the Southern California Earthquake Center from 1994 to 1996. Read John's blog.
Comments
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