Earthquake Rattles West Texas with Magnitude of 5.1
Earthquake Strikes West Texas
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake rattled West Texas Monday; the quake occurred around 7:49 p.m. The epicenter was located about 21.1 miles west southwest of Ackerly and 27.6 miles north of Midland, according to the United States Geological Study.
Texas and Its Seismic History
When people think of earthquakes, Texas might not be the first state that comes to mind. However, data from the U.S. Geological Survey reveals that over 3,600 earthquakes have been recorded in Texas since 1900. Most of these are minor, yet more than 70 have surpassed magnitude 4, and at least eight have exceeded magnitude 5.
Historic Strong Quakes and Trends
Interestingly, Texas' strongest earthquake struck at 5:40 a.m. on August 16, 1931, with a magnitude of 5.8, centered near Valentine, Presidio County. Numerous earthquakes have been documented across Texas; the West Texas region is particularly notable for having the most fault zones and a high incidence of fracking activities.
Induced Seismicity and Recent Trends
- Fracking, mining, and dam construction have been linked to induced seismicity.
- 82% of earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or higher in Texas occurred since early 2020.
As earthquakes continue to increase in frequency in Texas, monitoring these events has become vital for safety and preparedness.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.