A 4.1-Magnitude Earthquake Hit Oklahoma City On Saturday, One Of Several

(CTN News) – Following a slightly stronger Oklahoma earthquake the night before and a series of smaller earthquakes, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook central Oklahoma early Saturday morning.

There was an earthquake just after 5:30 a.m. (local time) just 19 miles north of Oklahoma City, near the Northeast Edmond Gas and Oil Field. Approximately 4.1 miles deep, the earthquake was one of several clustered together Friday and Saturday, according to the United States Geographic Survey.

In a statement, the Oklahoma Geological Survey reported that strong shaking had been reported in Oklahoma City and the immediate vicinity on Saturday morning.

The area has recorded about 18 earthquakes in a 12-hour period, according to state seismologist Jake Walter. According to Walter, the earthquakes occur along a fault that has been identified by researchers.

In recent years, earthquakes have increased in the area. As a result of human activities, including fracking, the rate of increase has increased.

While seismic activity peaked in 2015-16 – caused by wastewater disposal used in oil and natural gas production that was pumped deep below fracking areas – smaller earthquakes are continuing to occur. However, wastewater disposal does not appear to have taken place in the area in recent years.

“It’s somewhat mysterious why earthquakes are suddenly very powerful and widely felt.”

Social media users reported feeling earthquakes, according to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network.

During the night of Friday, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake caused Saturday’s earthquake. A 2.7-magnitude earthquake was also recorded in the area by the USGS on Saturday morning.

A USGS report released on Saturday revised the magnitude of the Saturday morning earthquake from 4.4 to 4.1, and that of the Friday night earthquake from 4.4 to 4.3.

During possible aftershocks, residents are advised to secure valuables that may shake and to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method.

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