Seismic activity in the United States: Earthquakes recorded in the last 24 hours

The coast of the United States once again showed significant geological activity, with a total of nine earthquakes reported within U.S. territory and its territories over the past 24 hours, according to official data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). These seismic events are part of the 27 earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 2.5 recorded in North America and the Caribbean during the same period, demonstrating the constant dynamics of the Earth’s crust in the region.

Alaska: Epicenter of seismic activity in the United States

Alaska ranked as the region with the highest concentration of earthquakes in the United States during this monitoring period. The USGS recorded multiple seismic events distributed across different areas of the territory:

Near the coordinates close to Akhiok, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred at 11:52 UTC (02:52 AM in Anchorage). Further northwest, near Happy Valley, another tremor of magnitude 2.6 shook the region at 11:44 UTC. In the east-central part of the state, 40 kilometers east of Pedro Bay, an event of magnitude 3.0 was recorded at 02:07 UTC on the same day.

The sequence of earthquakes in Alaska continued with epicenters north of Yakutat, where two earthquakes of magnitudes 3.7 and 3.5 occurred at 22:59 and 18:37 UTC, respectively. In the Sand Point region, activity was particularly intense with two movements of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.3. Finally, 194 kilometers southeast of Akutan, an event of magnitude 3.1 was detected at 02:02 UTC.

This concentration of earthquakes in Alaska reflects its location in the Aleutian subduction zone, one of the most seismically active points on the North American continent.

Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico: Larger earthquakes in the interior

Although less frequent than in Alaska, other regions experienced significant movements. The most impactful event was a magnitude 4.2 earthquake recorded 8 kilometers northeast of Black Eagle in Montana, at 19:41 UTC on January 29, making it the strongest quake in the analyzed period.

In Colorado, two movements were reported: one of magnitude 2.8 located 29 kilometers south of Weston at 11:06 UTC, and another of 2.5 degrees 32 kilometers southwest of Segundo, occurring at the same time. These events reflect normal activity in areas with moderate tectonic stress.

New Mexico recorded a substantial earthquake of magnitude 3.9 located 32 kilometers north of Cimarron at 07:20 UTC, representing one of the most powerful movements outside Alaska and Montana.

The Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana also experienced activity, with a magnitude 2.7 quake at 00:46 UTC.

Activity in Texas, Oregon, and Puerto Rico

Texas experienced three seismic events in its oil and gas producing zones. A magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred 12 kilometers west of Stanton at 07:25 UTC, while two additional movements of magnitudes 2.5 and 2.6 were recorded near Toyah and Pearsall, respectively.

In Oregon, the USGS reported a magnitude 3.5 earthquake 259 kilometers southwest of Pistol River, located in the Juan de Fuca Plate zone, another seismically active region of the country.

Puerto Rico, situated at the tectonic plate boundary, showed two events: one of 3.1 degrees 5 kilometers east-southeast of Maricao at 07:53 UTC, and another of 3.3 degrees 133 kilometers northeast of Vieques at 16:41 UTC.

The San Andreas Fault: Seismic threat in California

The San Andreas Fault represents the most significant seismic risk in the United States, extending approximately 1,300 kilometers across California. This fault zone marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, generating constant seismic activity that keeps scientists in a state of perpetual alert.

The most concerning feature of this region is the potential occurrence of the “Big One,” a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake that experts warn could happen in the indefinite future. Such an event would cause widespread devastation, especially in densely populated areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Historical records document large-magnitude earthquakes in the region: the 1906 San Francisco earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.8, while the Fort Tejon earthquake in 1857 was even more powerful at 7.9. These events, though separated in time, demonstrate that California is subject to cycles of major seismic movements.

Prevention and response measures for earthquakes

Considering the earthquakes recorded in the United States and the potential risk concentrated along the San Andreas Fault, authorities continuously conduct drills and review safety protocols. These initiatives include public awareness campaigns about essential preventive actions: what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Constant monitoring by the USGS through its “Latest Earthquakes” interactive map system allows the public to stay informed about seismic activity in real time, enabling quick and efficient responses to any seismic event.