Geologist warn tremor a reminder big earthquake is in Montanta’s future

December 3, 2011 – MONTANA – A small earthquake was reported in central Montana on Thursday evening, located not too far from Neihart. Initial reports indicate that it was a magnitude 3.0 and it was centered about 24 miles east-southeast of Neihart. The quake occurred at 5:37 p.m. at a reported depth of 3.3 miles; there were no reports of damage or injuries associated with this small quake. Montana is no stranger to seismic activity, but the majority of it occurs in southwest and western Montana. According to Michael Stickney, director of the Earthquake Studies Office at the Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology in Butte, four to five small earthquakes happen in the Treasure State every day, but most can’t be felt. Stickney said, “There is a seismic belt, known as the Intermountain Seismic Belt, which passes through the western one third of the state. Small earthquakes are very common within this zone, which runs more or less from Yellowstone Park up to about Flathead Lake.” While most quakes occur west of the Continental Divide, central and eastern Montana has seen very minor quakes in the past. Allan Rabbitt, from the National Ski Patrol’s Northern Division, says that while it’s rare, a strong earthquake could trigger an avalanche on Montana’s mountains. However, snow enthusiasts in the central part of the state shouldn’t be concerned, since it’s uncommon for large tremors in that area. A large quake hasn’t rocked Big Sky Country in over 25 years, but geologists are confident it’ll happen again. Stickney said, “Although we cannot predict the timing of earthquakes, we know that of the 45 or so potentially active faults in western Montana, that at some point in the future, earthquakes will occur along those faults.” Right now, Stickney says there’s no evidence suggesting a large, devastating earthquake is in the state’s near future, but he adds the next big one could happen without any warning. –KRTV

Oklahoma rattled by more tremors: According to the U.S. Geological Survey, two small earthquakes have hit central Oklahoma. The Associated Press reports that both of the tremors were centered in Lincoln County, Okla., and hit between 10:42 and 11:05 last night. The first was recorded as a 2.7 magnitude earthquake. According to geologists, quakes between 2.5 and 3.0 magnitudes are the smallest that humans are able to feel. Striking about six miles west northwest of the town of Prague, the latter quake was a 2.3 magnitude recording with an epicenter was five miles southeast of Sparks. No injuries were reported. –All Media 

 Virginia hit by tremor: A Virginia earthquake today was felt in neighboring Kentucky. The Virginia earthquake today Saturday, December 03, 2011 struck before sunrise. No reports of injuries have been detailed by local news. Shortly after 6 am local time, Virginia experienced a 3.1 magnitude quake today. The quake, however, had virtually no depth, USGS reports to news. The quake struck roughly three miles below the earth’s surface. The quake was felt in Virginia and sections of Kentucky. The quake was centered eight miles from Raven and Richlands, Virginia, USGS reports to news. The quake was also ten miles northwest of Cedar Bluff. Pikeville, Kentucky was only forty miles east of the quake, and Winston Salem, North Carolina was centered roughly one hundred north west, UGS indicates to news. –Lalate News