A 2.9 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio early Sunday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, which struck just south of Hicksville, Ohio, was felt across several counties and regions, leaving locals wondering about the source and extent of the quake.
The Earthquake’s Epicenter and Timing
The earthquake occurred at around 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, with its epicenter located approximately half a mile south-southeast of Hicksville, Ohio. While the event was moderate in magnitude, it was enough to be noticed by many in the surrounding areas.
The USGS classifies this as a “2.9 mb_L” earthquake. The “mb_L” measurement is used for smaller seismic events in the central or eastern United States, where the quakes are often recorded by short-period instruments detecting surface waves.
Where Was the Earthquake Felt?
Despite the quake’s relatively small size, reports indicated that the tremor was felt far beyond the epicenter. Residents in cities as far as Angola, Ligonier, and Bluffton in Indiana, as well as Bryan and Lima in Ohio, reported feeling the shaking. Even Sturgis, Michigan, saw minor tremors. The widespread nature of the quake’s impact highlights how seismic events, even those on the smaller end of the scale, can still be noticeable over a significant area.
Local authorities and the USGS did not report any major damage or injuries following the quake, but such events still raise questions about seismic activity in the region, which is not typically associated with frequent earthquakes.
What Does a 2.9 Magnitude Earthquake Mean?
A magnitude of 2.9 is considered relatively small on the Richter scale, which measures the size of earthquakes. For comparison, quakes under 3.0 generally do not cause damage, though they can be felt by people in the area. Earthquakes of this size are usually categorized as “micro” or “minor” quakes.
Even so, when these tremors hit populated areas, they can be startling. Buildings may shake slightly, and objects on shelves or tables may shift. In this case, the earthquake’s timing in the early morning likely contributed to a sense of surprise for those who felt it.
A Reminder of Seismic Activity in the Midwest
While earthquakes are more common on the west coast, the Midwest and eastern United States are not immune to seismic activity. In fact, this region has experienced occasional earthquakes over the years, including the 5.4 magnitude 1937 tremor near Anna, Ohio. The region’s infrastructure is generally not built with seismic activity in mind, which can leave residents particularly vulnerable during even small quakes.
In this instance, while damage was minimal, the earthquake serves as a reminder that the Midwest is not entirely exempt from natural seismic events. With the last few years seeing an uptick in small tremors in areas like southern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, it’s worth considering the implications of these events, even if they don’t cause significant harm.
