Small earthquake registered in north Alabama
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For the second time this year, an earthquake was registered in Alabama.
On Sunday, a 2.5-magnitude earthquake was registered near Athens, just north of the Tennessee River. Here are the details from the United States Geological Survey:
- Time: 10:54PM, Sunday, April 26
- Location: Nuclear Plant Rd, Athens, AL 35611
- Depth: 7.2 kilometers (4.47 mile)
Earthquakes in Alabama
This is the second geological event recorded in our state this year. A 2.3-magnitude earthquake was registered in Addison on Jan. 16.
Earlier this spring, an earthquake was recorded in the gulf just off Alabama’s coast. Another was recorded near Talladega last October.
The strongest earthquake in Alabama’s history came in 1916 when a 5.1 magnitude quake was registered in Vandiver, according to USGS.
However, in more recent history, Fort Payne saw a significant earthquake when a 4.9 magnitude quake caused damage in several areas.
The USGS says there are four zones of frequent earthquake activity that impact Alabama including:
- New Madrid Seismic Zone
- Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone
- South Carolina Seismic Zone
- Bahamas Fracture Seismic Zone
