Nevada has seen a drumroll of seismic activity in recent weeks, with hundreds of earthquakes shaking through the northern part of the state — a so-called swarm, state officials said.
But not to worry. Seismologists with the state said all the activity doesn’t necessarily mean a destructive big one is coming any time soon, CNN reported.
The small but frequent quakings have impacted other states, like California, without automatically bringing on a massive devastation. In September, for instance, the Golden State recorded roughly 500 mini-quakes in a two-day period, but the largest was at a magnitude 3.8, CNN reported.
The swarm in Nevada has been going on near the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge since July 12, CNN said. But since Oct. 30, they’ve grown stronger, with three hitting above magnitude 4.0, and one, right at the dangerous 4.0 level, CNN said.
“There is a slightly elevated risk of a larger earthquake while the swarm is active,” said seismologist Ian Madin from Oregon, in CNN.
In all, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory has noted 550 quakes of magnitude 2 or higher in the last couple months, 42 of which hit above magnitude 3.0, CNN said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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