A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southeastern United States on Saturday morning, rattling homes and waking families across Tennessee and beyond. The quake’s epicenter hit about 12 miles from Greenback, Tennessee. This quaint little town is located approximately 30 miles south of Knoxville. Residents described experiencing the quakes as far away as Atlanta, Georgia. The shaking was felt as far away as Kentucky and North Carolina.
Jason Pack, a nearby resident, told the Local that he knew the walls were shaking. It was the rumbling that was so strong, it ripped his family—and the family dog—out of a deep sleep. He emphasized the importance of earthquake preparedness, stating, “Even though this one was small, it’s a good reminder – if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover and hold on if you’re inside. Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside.”
The epicenter of the March 2023 earthquake fell within the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone, one of the most active seismic zones in the Eastern US. The region does not lack for seismic activity, with a significant 4.7-magnitude quake jolting multiple state residents near Knoxville the first week of November, 1973. Seismic waves from earthquakes tend to spread more efficiently in the eastern United States due to its geology, leading to the widespread sensation of tremors.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) received over 23,000 reports from the public within the first hour following the quake. Meteorologists on the ground at television news stations across the state of Georgia and North Carolina experienced the ground shaking meteors as well. They are responsible for most of these reports.
Gabriela Reilly and her husband, who live in Braselton, Georgia, felt their entire house rattle and shake during the M6.1 earthquake. Ayesha Davis from USGS commented on the phenomenon, stating, “Earthquakes in the east are felt over a much larger distance and by more people.”
Residents should be thankful this past week’s small earthquake was so weak. As is the case with all aftershocks, experts warn that the risk of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week is still about 5%. This kind of knowledge is a wake-up call for everyone, especially those who, like us, already live in earthquake-ready locales.