Greenwood County Shakes: A Series of Earthquakes Rocks South Carolina

Greenwood County Shakes: A Series of Earthquakes Rocks South Carolina

This past Sunday, the usually peaceful Greenwood County in South Carolina found itself at the center of some seismic excitement. Residents might have jolted out of bed as the ground rumbled beneath their feet. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed not one but eight earthquakes over the course of the day, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5. The first quake, clocking in at a magnitude of 2.4, hit around 4:48 a.m. in the Coronaca area, located approximately 2.5 miles underground. Talk about an early wake-up call!

The Tremors Begin

After that initial quake, the tremors just kept coming. Here’s how the seismic activity unfolded:

• A magnitude 1.8 quake was detected at Cokesbury at 6:12 a.m., shaking things up at a depth of about 9.5 miles.
• Another quake of the same magnitude occurred in Coronaca just below the surface at 8:50 a.m.
• By 9:06 a.m., a 2.1 magnitude quake was confirmed in Coronaca at a depth of 4.5 miles.
• The day kept getting busier with a magnitude 2.5 earthquake registered in Coronaca at 10:09 a.m., only 3 miles deep.
• A 2.2 magnitude quake rattled Coronaca again at 10:49 a.m., just below the surface.
• By the afternoon, at 2:39 p.m., another 2.1 magnitude tremor was felt at about 7 miles deep in Coronaca.
• Lastly, a magnitude 1.5 earthquake was confirmed at 3:15 p.m. at just 3 miles below ground.

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, these recent quakes are among the strongest South Carolina has seen this year. This wave of seismic activity interestingly coincided with the start of South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week, a reminder for residents to stay alert and prepared.

What’s Going On?

So far this year, there have been 25 confirmed earthquakes in the state, showing a significant increase from the usual total of six to ten. For context, in 2023, South Carolina experienced 28 quakes, with a notable uptick in recent activity. Just days before these events, Greenwood County also felt the earth shake with a 2.2 magnitude quake, highlighting an ongoing trend in the area.

Earthquakes have typically concentrated around the Midlands, particularly in Kershaw County, which has seen 64 recorded seismic events since June 2022. Interestingly, the majority of South Carolina’s quakes in 2021 and 2022 have been within the Columbia area, which has recorded over 111 quakes since December 27, 2021.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Officials say that while the sheer number of minor earthquakes is concerning, it’s important to note that these are not necessarily indicative of a larger, more damaging quake on the horizon. After all, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in South Carolina took place back in 1886 with a staggering magnitude of 7.3 in Charleston, which is a sobering part of the state’s history. Thankfully, the recent quakes have not reported major damage or injuries.

Residents who felt the recent tremors are encouraged to report their experience to the USGS. This helps gather more data about the seismic activity in South Carolina. Furthermore, state officials emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness: reviewing insurance policies, securing loose objects around the house, and understanding protective measures like “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the state geologists are still looking into the reasons behind these recent quakes. There’s no definitive answer yet, but some experts suggest that rising water levels in the nearby Wateree River and a history of previous moderate earthquakes might be linked to the ongoing activity. Elgin, northeast of Columbia, still feels the tremors of an unusual “swarm” of earthquakes, keeping residents on their toes.

As South Carolina continues to navigate its seismic past and present, one thing is for sure: staying informed and prepared will keep us all a little more grounded in this shaking affair!