MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Parkin, Arkansas residents had a shaky start to the day. A 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded six miles southwest of Parkin at 7:39 Monday morning, only 39 miles west of Memphis. Five surrounding states reported feeling the vibrations from the quake, but there were no reports of damage.
Arkansas is no stranger to weak tremors. On average, 100 small earthquakes happen in the New Madrid seismic zone every six months. Seismologists say the 4.0 magnitude earthquake originated from 14 miles underground, a much greater depth than many frequent and less intense tremors.
Gary Patterson, University of Memphis Geologist, says, “We haven't seen an earthquake this deep of magnitude 4.0 since 2004 near Blytheville, Arkansas.”
Patterson says the 4.0 magnitude earthquake does not indicate a precursor to a larger earthquake. Aftershocks could occur in the Mid-South for weeks or even months, but they are usually less intense.
Seismologists at the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research have created a “Did You Feel It” map where you can send earthquake reports. Visit:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/dyfi/
