3.8-Magnitude earthquake felt across Central Illinois early tuesday

Central Illinois felt a small earthquake early Tuesday morning, briefly shaking residents across the area but causing no reported damage.

“A small earthquake was recorded in downstate Illinois on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey confirmed. The 3.8 magnitude quake was reported at about 1:27 a.m. near Ohlman, Illinois, USGS stated.”

Where the Tremor Was Felt

The tremor was experienced not only in Springfield but also across the state line in St. Louis, Missouri. Residents reported vibrations in neighboring towns, and authorities said the quake happened within the Illinois basin – Ozark dome region.

“The shake was felt in Springfield and in St. Louis, Missouri according to reports to USGS.”

Seismic History of the Region

The USGS cites that “moderate earthquakes strike the region every 10 to 20 years, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once or twice a year.” The largest documented earthquake in southern Illinois estimated magnitude 5.4 in 1968 and resulted in damage in the area.

Details of the Quake

The US Geological Survey primarily reported the magnitude as 3.5, focused near Ohlman, south of Springfield, around 1:30 a.m. The magnitude was then updated to 3.8, with the epicenter almost 2.5 miles northwest of Ohlman, in southern Christian County, and an intensity of almost 5.5 miles.

Why Eastern U.S. Quakes Are Felt Widely

“Earthquakes in the central and eastern U.S., although less frequent than in the western U.S., are typically felt over a much broader region. East of the Rockies, an earthquake can be felt over an area as much as ten times larger than a similar magnitude earthquake on the west coast. A magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 100 km (60 mi) from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 500 km (300 mi) from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 40 km (25 mi),” according to the USGS.

No Injuries or Damage Reported

Officials confirmed that, as of early Tuesday, there were no injuries or property damage reported because of the tremor.

FAQs:

Q1. What caused the Illinois earthquake?
The quake happened within the Illinois Basin–Ozark Dome area, a historically seismic zone. Shallow underground activity made the earthquake more noticeable to people.

Q2. How strong was the earthquake?
It was estimated 3.8 in magnitude.Primarily, the USGS reported it as 3.5 before updating the reading.