Tennessee might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about earthquakes, but it’s more active than you might expect.
In the past 365 days, Tennessee has experienced 290 earthquakes. Some of these are minor, while others are more noticeable, especially in areas near the New Madrid seismic zone.
Seismic activity in Tennessee includes quakes of various magnitudes.
Notably, the strongest recorded earthquake in the region was a magnitude 4.7 in Maryville back in 1973.
Scientists believe that magnitude 5.0 to 6.0 earthquakes could occur every 200-300 years, which means the state is certainly not immune to significant shake-ups.
Residents and visitors often wonder about the safety and frequency of earthquakes in Tennessee.
With a track record of seismic events and the potential for future activity, it’s important to stay informed and prepared.
For up-to-date information, visitors can check platforms like Earthquake Track or Earthquake List, which provide real-time updates and detailed reports.
Seismic History and Zones in Tennessee
Tennessee experiences a variety of seismic activities, primarily due to two main seismic zones. These occurrences have historical significance and impact different regions across the state due to their geographical locations.
Historical Earthquakes and Impact
Tennessee has a notable history of earthquakes.
Significant events include the New Madrid earthquakes in the early 19th century which impacted Memphis.
These included a series of violent shocks that were felt over a large area, causing considerable damage in the region.
More recently, Tennessee has experienced smaller but frequent earthquakes.
For instance, a 2.6 magnitude quake occurred in Manchester in June 2019, shortly before the Bonnaroo Festival.
The state regularly records minor tremors, which keep the residents alert.
Seismic Zones Identifying Earthquake Risk
The two main seismic zones affecting Tennessee are the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ).
The New Madrid zone impacts West Tennessee, particularly Memphis. This area prepares for stronger earthquakes due to its proximity to a major fault line.
In contrast, the ETSZ stretches from northeastern Alabama to southwestern Virginia, covering East Tennessee.
This zone is one of the most active in the eastern USA and sees frequent small quakes. Though the tremors are generally minor, the region’s seismic activity is closely monitored.
Middle Tennessee experiences fewer seismic events as it lies between these two zones.
However, the entire state remains prepared due to the unpredictable nature of earthquakes.