Article Image

IPFS News Link • Natural Disasters

Nearly 100 earthquakes swarm Yellowstone in 24 hours. Here's what experts are saying

• https://www.idahostatesman.com BY KATIE CAMERO

Although the area is one of the most seismically active regions in the U.S., the cluster of quakes "is on the large side in terms of number and magnitude, but nowhere near the largest," Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, told McClatchy News in an email.

"Yellowstone has had swarms that include many hundreds of earthquakes in a day," Poland said. "For example, there was a 3-month-long swarm that occurred in June-September 2017 with 2,400 located earthquakes and maximum [magnitude] 4.4."

The recent cluster of quakes didn't pass 3.0 magnitude. The biggest temblor was recorded at 2.8 magnitude, while the weakest was measured at 0.1 magnitude. It's when earthquakes reach magnitudes between 2.5 and 5.4 that activity is usually felt, with minor resulting damage.


Free Talk Live