‘Earthquake Swarm’ Strikes Near California Border; Hundreds of Temblors Recorded

A magnitude-4.7 temblor struck remote northwest Nevada near the California border early Thursday, marking the largest event in an ongoing “earthquake swarm” that has included hundreds of smaller quakes in recent months.

The swarm could point to the possibility of a larger quake striking the area, scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno said Wednesday.

The series of quakes in the sparsely populated area began July 12 and has increased in intensity in the past week, according to a news release from the university’s Nevada Seismological Laboratory.

The lab had recorded more than 42 quakes greater than magnitude 3, and about 550 over magnitude 2 in recent months.

Alturas, California, where about 2,800 people live, is about 50 miles southwest of the swarm.
...
The “swarm” is similar to one that occurred in 1968 in Adel, Oregon, lasting several months and producing three earthquakes over magnitude 5, according to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory news release. The Adel swarm caused moderate damage.

A 2008 swarm in west Reno led to a magnitude-5 earthquake as well, causing moderate damage, the lab stated.

Such quake sequences reveal a “small increase in the probability of a larger event,” the lab said.

ktla.com...


We have to keep an eye on that area. Let's hope the seismic activity doesn't increase anymore or lead to a larger event.

It's about time. The quakes haven't been giving us enough doom lately. What would life be like without all the excitement of disasters going on.

Oh sorry, I should feel concerned for the people in the area I suppose. I keep forgetting about that.

Well, at least it is remote and not heavily populated. Is a 4.7 out there really that big though? Or is it the possibility of it being a precursor to a larger event that has people nervous?