OT: Earthquakes in Alabama
Wednesday's quake is likely an aftershock from the larger one the day before, Ebersole said. "It is unusual to see two quakes so close in time and space in Alabama," she said.
There's no evidence to suggest that the two quakes, along with a 2.2 magnitude quake that struck Feb. 18, are a prelude to a major damaging quake, Ebersole said.
Alabama has random earthquakes, most of which people do not feel, Ebersole said. Last year the state had 13, and four have hit so far this year -- the three near Centreville and one in St. Clair County in March.
The strongest earthquake ever reported in Alabama , a moderate 5.1 magnitude quake centered in Irondale in 1916, did not cause major damage, she said.
"It does not mean there could never be (a major) one," Ebersole said. "As far as predicting 'the big one,' scientists have not technologically advanced to that point yet."
The area of north Perry County near the Bibb County line has had a history of earthquakes, Ebersole said. One in 1987 registered magnitude 2.7 at seismic stations, and one in 2000 measured magnitude 2.4.
If you want to read more....http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/04/geologist_two_earthquakes_in_a.html
