Reno earthquakes of 2008

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The Reno earthquakes of 2008, are an unusual swarm of earthquakes which is occurring in the western Reno, Nevada suburbs of Mogul and Somersett in 2008. The quakes began in February, but the first significant quake of the series occurred on April 15, registering a 3.6 magnitude. On April 24, two quakes in the same area registered 4.1 and 4.2. On April 25, the largest magnitude occurred, registering 4.7 on the Richter Scale and causing damage in the immediate area around the epicenter including destroying a section of the Highland Ditch, Reno's main source of water. In addition to these significant felt quakes, hundreds of smaller ones have also occurred in the same area

Seismologists with the USGS as well as the Nevada Seismological Laboratory expressed concern that the increasing magnitude of the felt quakes may indicate that a larger earthquake is imminent. As yet, they have not identified the particular tectonics involved with these earthquakes. However, they have stated categorically that volcanic activity is not involved.[1]

The largest recorded magnitude earthquake in the Reno area in occurred on April 24, 1914, registering 6.1. [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Special Earthquake Report. Nevada Seismological Laboratory. Retrieved on 2008-05-10.
  2. ^ Reno urged to prepare for worse as earthquakes continue (AP)

[edit] External links