If you follow the news you've probably been hearing a lot about the Reno earthquakes. While Reno is not as well known for their seismic activity as California, it actually does have a lot of earthquakes. In fact , Nevada ranks 3rd in the nation(after Alaska and California). While Reno does not usually have big ones, it is common to experience 3.0 or 4.0'ers. Last Friday night, we experienced a 4.9, which was centered in the NW part of Reno. I had felt a small one the day prior to this large one and was also woken up from my sleep the day after. Except for the 4.9 magnitude one on Friday night, neither of the others were really that noticeable.
Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but there are a number of inconsistencies that are baffling scientists. In most cases, a large tremblor is followed by many small aftershocks. But in Reno, there have been hundreds of little ones leading to a large one. Also, the earthquakes are occurring at very shallow depths - only 1-2 miles down. Most earthquakes generally occur many miles beneath the Earths surface. The amount of seismic activity has also increased dramatically. I don't remember the exact numbers, but Reno went from having an unnoticeable amount of "vigorous" earthquakes (those that can be felt), to 500 in one week alone.
Scientists from all over the country are flocking to UNR's Seismological Lab to study this geological phenomenon. They are putting residents on alert, but warn that nobody can predict earthquake activity. In the meantime, schools are having earthquake drills and stores are stocking up disaster supplies. Im hoping that the shakers will subside.
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