4.7 mag Earthquake Hits Arkansas

Map Centered at 35°N, 93°W

This has just been two earthquakes on this day, Feb. 28, 2011 - in the same spot in Arkansas where we have seen an odd swarm. The swarm has been very exact in it's location, with no earthquakes outside a small area. I have mentioned this swarm of earthquakes much in this blog. This morning, a 4.7 happened, and in my opinion, this seems a bit strong for any quake caused by local gas drilling. But that is just my opinion. But because these quakes are not scattered or along a line, I tend to wave off a seismic explaination, unless of course, it's related to the New Madrid rift far to the north. Whatever is going on, the ground does want to do something, and there is obviously a lot of stresses and pressure demanding earth movement of some kind in the area.

More Yellowstone Light Earthquakes

We had a pair of small earthquakes at Yellowstone today, and on this map, the one on the right is centered at one of the two lava domes in the area. There seems to be some steady and light activity in the Yellowstone area, and I am still watching this one.

Watching the rescues and the sadder stories in Christchurch, New Zealand is touching for me. It's a reminder that those of us that live in areas of seismic activity should always be prepared with two weeks of water per person in the household and some non-perishable foods.

This weekend parts of the Los Angeles area may see snow at very low levels, as low as 1000 feet MSL. and perhaps even down to 500 feet. Very unusual for us SoCal folks!

Earthquake Swarm Continues

Arkansas Still Having Odd Earthquake Swarm

The earthquake in Arkansas still continues, and within the hour of this writing, there was yet another small earthquake. These earthquakes are not scattered over a large area at all, but are very pinpointed in a very specific location. You can see that when looking at the map. It is still a mystery on the nature and cause of the these numerous earthquakes, but researchers have not come to an agreement and conclusion. They may not have an agreement on the cause, but there is a controversy still buzzing, where some claim that local drilling for gas is the cause. That will likely be debated for some time.

Emergency People Finder for Christchurch and Other News and Links

IMPORTANT LINK IF YOU NEED TO LOCATE SOMEONE IN AND AROUND CHRISTCHURCH:

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/christchurch_earthquake.html

Other links for the curious:

Here are some interesting links about earthquakes, including a cool map of the earthquakes that have happened in and around Christchurch, New Zealand, even before today's deadly 6.3 mag quake. This map in interesting to watch. Check it out! Make sure you check the box to view the fault that is causing all this shaking. Before the Sept 2010 main quake, this fault was unknown!

http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/

Here is a good article in the LA Times that compares LA's earthquake experiences and that of Christchurch. It explains the passive building codes, and the nearness of the epicenter of the the quake in Christchurch as factors on why it was so deadly. I suggest reading it.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/02/quake-experts-surprised-by-level-of-destruction-in-new-zealand-see-parallels-california-dangers.html

Also here is an App called Tectonic that lets you see recent earthquakes throughout the world with a 3D interactive globe display. It has many options and helps you understand and visualize how quakes happen along tectonic plate boundries.

http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/37201/tectonic

These tools are great to use in the classroom or during homework sessions. It also is helpful for those wanting to monitor earthquakes in a new way.

Looking at the Christchurch earthquake footage on CNN, I am now thinking about what someone should do during an earthquake. I'm sure there will debate among public safety and emergency experts on whether one should run outside their building or should duck and over under heavy strong furniture. In the footage, you see people running and stumbling over rubble, as yet more debris falls from overhead. It's very eye opening footage.

Also, we're having some micro-quakes at the Salton Buttes volcano, my local volcano.

California-Nevada Fault Map centered at 33°N,115°W

California Earthquake Swarm and Christchurch New Zealand Quake

Six hours ago, Christchurch New Zealand experienced a deadly earthquake, with the death toll at this point at about 63. The number is bound to change sadly, for the earthquake happened just hours ago. Many significant buildings are in ruins. This earthquake is considered by the USGS at this time as an aftershock to a previous and much larger earthquake. It seems to me that the buildings collapse might have been due to the fact that they were damaged already - from the stronger previous earthquake.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/world/asia/22zealand.html?src=me

Also, in Northern California Wine Country, there is an intense swarm of micro quakes near Clear Lake. This is listed by the USGS as an active volcano, and so this is something worth thinking about. Perhaps this is geothermal, with lots of heated water moving about. Whatever it is, it's sure alive.

What a day of some earth activity!

California-Nevada Fault Map centered at 39°N,123°W

Earthquake Swarm at in Arkansas Still Not Understood

There has been quite an earthquake swarm in Arkansas, as I have mentioned before. Still, weeks into it, experts still do not understand why these quakes are happening. Some think that there is a possible correlation between some gas drilling in the area and the quakes, but it's not a sure deal. This article states that these quakes are not linked to the New Madrid system, which, as I have mentioned, is a rift that produces very powerful quakes. I'd like to share the ma below, and you'll even see some micro-quakes north of the Arkansas swarm. those to the north east are centered within the New Madrid system, and the pinpointed spot of several earthquakes in arkansas is to the south west. This is a very interesting map, and I also suggest googling New Madrid Earthquake and you'll learning something amazing.

And just now, I just heard about the 6.3 in Christchurch that did so much damage and killed some people. It happened about five hours ago. It's surprising that a mere 6.3 could cause so much damage. I'm seeing the images now.

Here in the Coachella Valley, I'm feeling subtle small earthquakes.

Map Centered at 37°N, 90°W

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26943255/detail.html

Pair of Light Earthqakes at Yellowstone

In just one day, and a day of intense solar flaring and a time when the Sun and the Moon are closest to the Earth, we have been having earthquakes in the usual places, and some no so usual places.

What a day! And here locally, we're having a cold front and rare desert rain, and boy did it come in fast at about three pm. As I type out this blog entry, I'm hearing the sound of rain falling in this dry doggone place. Whew!

Also, here's an article giving one angle to the strange swarm in Arkansas. It mentions the bird and fish die offs!

http://planetsave.com/2011/02/18/arkansas-earthquakes-related-to-hydraulic-fracking/