Arkansas Has 10 Earthquakes in 9 Days!
Based on a report from the Springfield News-Leader and the Arkansas Geological Survey, the Natural State experienced a "swarm" of earthquakes near Harrison less than a week ago. 10 earthquakes, ranging anywhere from 1.5 to 3.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale. Some were too weak to be felt, while others were strong enough to rattle plates and spill drinks. The mystery that surrounds these quakes isn't in the strength however, it's in the frequency.
Some scientists believe that swarms of earthquakes are harbingers of a greater calamity. For decades, geologists have watched for signs of these swarms around the San Andreas fault as they try to predict "the big one" - an earthquake so big it pushes a huge chunk of California into the Pacific ocean. Other geologists see them as a sign that points to violent and explosive volcanic eruptions. My point is: Good things never come in swarms.
Be assured, the best of the best are putting technology and human ingenuity on the case. The Arkansas Geological Survey will be installing seismometers around the quake zone. This will help them determine exactly where, when, how, etc. The more data collected, the quicker this little mystery gets solved.
Scientists already have a suspect, Bull Shoals Lake. The lake crosses a portion of the Missouri-Arkansas border, and has risen a whopping 42 feet since the first of March due to spring rains. That's a lot of extra weight on the ground in an area that's already geologically active. Experts say that if this is found to be the cause, the quakes don't necessarily herald a more devastating event. They will, however, continue for the foreseeable future.