This article discusses the potential for an earthquake in Colorado Springs this Christmas, recalling a past event from 1994. Experts from the US Geological Survey provide insights into the state’s seismic activity, emphasizing its rarity and the presence of minor faults. The report encourages residents to be aware of non-earthquake sources of shaking and to report any unusual occurrences.
Despite predictions of limited chances for a White Christmas in Colorado Springs this year, the occurrence of an earthquake during the festive season is not unprecedented. On December 25, 1994, residents experienced a 4.0 magnitude earthquake which was felt from the north end of Colorado Springs to Castle Rock. While there was some reported damage, it was not severe, as indicated by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismologist William Yeck, who noted, “A 4.0 is pretty small. People would feel it… but it is not a very large earthquake in the grand scheme of things.”
The USGS monitors seismic activity across the United States, detecting an average of 50 earthquakes daily, amounting to approximately 20,000 annually. Yeck remarked on the comparative rarity of such activity in Colorado, particularly significant earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or greater which are considered destructive and are extremely rare in the state. The largest recorded earthquake in Colorado occurred in 1882, while a notable event in southern Colorado was a magnitude 5.3 quake near Trinidad in 2011.
Yeck elaborated on Colorado’s geological structure, stating, “In Colorado, we are not at a tectonic plate boundary. There are faults literally everywhere, because a fault is really just a crack in the Earth’s crust, but we do not have the kind of geology that would host a lot of earthquake activity.” The Colorado Geological Survey indicates there are thousands of faults throughout the state, with about 90 deemed potentially active. Yeck highlighted some significant faults in southern Colorado, including the Sangre de Cristo fault and the Cheraw fault near La Junta.
Residents who might feel shaking should be aware that such sensations could arise from other sources, such as sonic booms. Yeck advised, “If you do feel like you have felt shaking, report it to us at usgs.gov, and we will look into it.”
In summary, while a seismic event on Christmas in Colorado Springs is unlikely, it remains within the realm of possibility given the state’s geological activity. The historical context and expert insights paint a clearer picture of the rarity and potential impact of earthquakes in the area.
Earthquakes in Colorado are relatively uncommon when compared to states like California, Hawaii, and Alaska. The U.S. Geological Survey reveals that the state experiences seismic events infrequently, particularly large destructive earthquakes that register a magnitude of 6.0 or above. Knowledge of Colorado’s geological characteristics provides context for understanding the risk and occurrence of earthquakes in this region, with the state being devoid of tectonic plate boundaries and characterized by numerous small faults, most of which are inactive or minimally active. Historical records from the 19th century offer insight into the largest quakes in the state, establishing a foundation for understanding modern seismic activity.
In conclusion, while the likelihood of experiencing an earthquake in Colorado Springs this Christmas is low, historical evidence indicates that seismic events, albeit of minor magnitude, have occurred during this holiday in the past. The unique geological properties of Colorado contribute to the rarity of significant earthquakes, yet vigilance remains essential for residents. Experts encourage reporting any unusual ground shaking to the USGS for further analysis.
Original Source: gazette.com
