Series of Quakes Shake Oklahoma City Metro Area
A sequence of earthquakes struck the Oklahoma City metro area, creating seismic unrest from Friday evening into Saturday morning. Among them, at least two earthquakes registered a magnitude of 4.4, prompting concerns and highlighting the geological activity in the region.
Evening Tremors: Magnitudes Recorded
At 9:37 p.m. CT, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Arcadia, just northeast of Oklahoma City, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A mere 10 minutes later, a more significant quake of 4.4 magnitudes occurred approximately four miles west of Arcadia. The USGS, along with local ABC News affiliate KOCO, documented these seismic events.
Subsequent Tremors: Cascading Magnitudes
Following the initial tremors, two smaller earthquakes of 2.7 and 2.5 magnitudes, respectively, were reported by the USGS. The seismic activity continued into Saturday morning, with a 2.6 magnitude earthquake recorded near Acadia around 4:45 a.m. CT. Approximately an hour later, another 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck, this time near Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, according to USGS data. A subsequent smaller quake of 2.7 magnitudes occurred around 6:55 a.m. CT.
Assessing Impact and Response
As of Saturday morning, no damages or injuries have been reported. The USGS notes that earthquakes below 4.9 magnitudes typically cause disturbances and may be felt by many indoors, while those at or above 5.0 magnitudes can lead to more significant damage. The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) emphasized the importance of securing valuables and practicing safety measures due to the heightened seismic hazard in the area.
Historical Context: Notable Earthquakes in Oklahoma
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While these recent earthquakes did not match the state’s most powerful recorded seismic event—an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 in 2016 near Pawnee—they underscore the ongoing seismic activity in Oklahoma. The historical context of seismic events in the region is relevant, especially considering the potential impacts on the community and the need for preparedness.
Legal Implications: Past Lawsuit and Earthquake Connection
The seismic activity in Oklahoma has previously led to legal actions, as evidenced by a lawsuit filed by Pawnee Nation in 2017. The lawsuit targeted Oklahoma oil companies, alleging that the injection of wastewater underground by these companies contributed to the earthquake. This section explores the legal implications and connections between industrial activities and seismic events in the state.