Greenwood County, South Carolina, experienced a restless night as two minor earthquakes struck in quick succession. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the seismic activity, confirming that neither quake posed a significant threat to residents.
Details of the Earthquakes
The first earthquake, registering a magnitude of 2.2, occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Monday. The epicenter was located about 2.4 miles north-northwest of Coronaca. Just a few hours later, at 3:08 a.m. on Tuesday, a second quake with a magnitude of 1.7 struck about 3.1 miles southeast of Coronaca.
Both earthquakes were shallow, originating near Lake Greenwood, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. While residents in the immediate vicinity may have felt a slight tremor, experts believe that most people would not have noticed the events.
Expert Analysis
Meteorologist Doug Outlaw, who monitors regional seismic activity, described the tremors as "very minor." He explained that damage is unlikely to occur until earthquakes reach a magnitude of 5.0 or higher. He referenced the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Virginia several years ago, which caused cracks in the Washington Monument, as an example of a more impactful seismic event.
These quakes follow a 2.6 magnitude earthquake that was recorded in Columbus, North Carolina on August 14th. This means there has been a total of three earthquakes in the region so far this month.
Are Earthquakes Common in South Carolina?
Although South Carolina is not typically known for frequent earthquakes, minor tremors do occasionally occur along inactive fault lines, particularly in the Upstate region. While these small quakes are unlikely to cause significant damage, they serve as a reminder that the ground beneath us is not always completely still.
The USGS continues to monitor the region for any further seismic activity. Residents are encouraged to report any noticeable tremors to the USGS website.