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Nevada Hit by Earthquake Swarm, Strongest Tremor Reaches Magnitude 4.0
Northern Nevada was rattled by a series of earthquakes on Monday, with the strongest registering a magnitude 4.0. The earthquake swarm impacted the region near Valmy, approximately 200 miles southwest of Reno. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 27 percent chance of another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 or greater in the coming week, and a 5 percent chance of a magnitude 4.0 or higher tremor.
Earthquake Details and Location
The magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck at 12:28 PM ET. The epicenter was located about 50 miles northwest of Carlin, 71 miles east-northeast of Winnemucca, and 32 miles north of Battle Mountain, as reported by the Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Reno.
Seismic Activity in Nevada
Nevada is recognized as the third-most seismically active state in the United States, following California and Alaska. Valmy is situated within a zone characterized by numerous active fault lines, including the Fairview Peak-Dixie Valley Fault Scarps and the Central Nevada Seismic Belt. The town also lies along the Pleasant Valley fault, which is capable of generating earthquakes up to magnitude 7.7.
Timeline of the Earthquake Swarm
The recent earthquake sequence unfolded as follows:
- 8:03 AM ET: First earthquake detected, magnitude 3.4.
- 12:24 PM ET: Second earthquake, magnitude 2.6.
- 12:28 PM ET: Strongest earthquake, magnitude 4.0.
- 1:29 PM ET: Fourth earthquake, magnitude 2.9.
Impact and Regional Geology
Despite the potential for widespread tremors from such a swarm, the epicenter’s location within the sparsely populated Great Basin resulted in limited reported effects. The USGS received only three reports from individuals in the area, who described experiencing ‘strong shaking.’
The Great Basin region is known for active crustal stretching, fault movements, and occasional deep fluid activity. These geological processes contribute to the frequent seismic events in the area.
Mining Activity and Potential Seismic Influence
Mining operations in the region are also considered a potential factor in triggering earthquakes. Valmy is home to the Twin Creeks Mine and Turquoise Ridge Mine, both significant gold production sites operated by major mining corporations.
Activities such as extensive excavation, blasting, and material processing in these mines can alter the stress distribution within the Earth’s crust, potentially inducing seismic events or contributing to earthquake swarms in the surrounding areas.
Recent Seismic History in Nevada
Area 51 Earthquake: In February, a 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred near Nevada’s Area 51, striking 32 miles southeast of Beatty, approximately 60 miles from the well-known military installation.
December 2024 Earthquake: A significant 5.7 magnitude earthquake impacted northern Nevada on December 9, 2024. This was the largest seismic event since a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the Monte Cristo Range on May 15, 2020.
Nevada’s Earthquake Activity Explained
According to Shakeout, Nevada experiences thousands of microearthquakes annually. The website explains that earthquakes in western Nevada are a result of extensional forces pulling the state apart and the ‘wrenching’ motion caused by the Sierra Nevada being drawn northwards due to the Pacific-North America plate motion.