Oklahoma Earthquake

http://www.okgeosurvey1.gov/media/maps/2010SeismicityMap_Oct15.png



On Wednesday, one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Oklahoma and the surrounding states came as quite a surprise.  The earthquake was estimated at a 4.3magnitude by the United States geological society and happened around 9:06 a.m. near Oklahoma City.  Others argue however, namely research seismologist Austin Holland has claimed that the Oklahoma Geological Survey measured it at 5.1 which would make it one of the strongest on record.  It was said that the quake could be felt some 170 miles away in four other states including Kansas, Texas,  Arkansas and Missouri.  As talked about in class, the risk of such a strong earthquake happening is quite small I would assume so people were not as prepared for such violent shaking where loose items on shelves, etc cause minor damages to windows especially. The quake to hundreds of others by surprise and college campuses and schools were evacuated but no one was injured and no large structural damage was done.  The map above was taken from the Oklahoma Geological website and shows the location of the recent earthquake along with others that have occured to far this year in Oklahoma. 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-10-13-oklahoma-earthquake_N.htm