A magnitude 2.0 earthquake just struck off the Carolina coast early this morning and may have been felt in parts of the Charlotte region. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred at approximately 3:48 a.m. EDT with an estimated depth of about 10.5 km beneath the surface.
Earthquakes in this region usually occur within the interior of the North American tectonic plate rather than along plate boundaries. Because of that geology, scientists say seismic waves in the eastern U.S. can travel farther than in western states.
Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.
According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”
Have you felt any of the quakes?
