Texas Shaken by Intense Quake Swarm: Largest Nears Magnitude 4

• EXPLORE FURTHER: Large American metropolis shaken by an earthquake experienced by numerous individuals

Texas experienced multiple earthquakes Within three hours on Monday afternoon.

The U.S. Geological Survey detected three seismic events in the western region of the state; the most significant had a magnitude of 3.6 and occurred approximately 35 miles south of Whites City. New Mexico .

Two lesser earthquakes, situated to the northeast of the biggest one, had magnitudes of 2.7 and 2.8 respectively.

The earthquake swarm also hit the area one day following the USGS report. identified a strong 5.4 intensity quake In the same vicinity on Sunday evening.

This was succeeded by two lesser aftershocks of 2.9 magnitude each; however, the USGS cautioned that additional ones might occur over the next week.

Monday's seismic activity was likely aftershocks from the powerful quake that hit the night before.

Texas is known for its extensive use of fracking , which is carried out by blasting large quantities of water, chemicals, and sand into rock formations to crack them open and release the fuels trapped inside.

Fracking is not usually the direct cause of an earthquake, but the process of disposing wastewater produced through fracking that can trigger tremors.

A 2022 study by the University of Texas at Austin concluded that 68 percent of Texas quakes above magnitude 1.5 were 'highly associated' with oil and gas production.

Dr Alexandros Savvaidis recently explained how more drilling could end up leading to more seismic activity in the state.

'Deep injection wells, in particular, are linked to higher-magnitude earthquakes,' Dr Savvaidis told KMID.

While superficial injections appear to pose lesser risks regarding significant seismic activities.

The 3.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday occurred at the same location as Sunday's intense 5.4 magnitude seismic activity.

Smaller earthquakes occurred in the northeastern region, near the border with New Mexico.

The earthquake on Sunday could be sensed from as far as 200 miles away from where it struck.

Residents of El Paso posted clips online showing their streets vibrating due to the earthquake.

So far, no casualties or structural damages have been reported due to the seismic activity; however, over 1,500 individuals have noted experiencing its effects.

A mere few individuals reported experiencing the earthquakes on Monday.

A study conducted by Michigan Tech University indicated that earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.5 or lower generally go unnoticed by most individuals.

Those ranging from 2.5 to 5.4 are usually noticed but typically result in only slight harm.

Seismic events recorded over the past 24 hours have all occurred in West Texas, suggesting they may have been induced by hydraulic fracturing activities.

"The most significant connection to the rise in earthquake frequency and intensity in recent years is attributed to the process of injecting produced water from oil fields deep into underground formations, often referred to as saltwater disposal," stated Peter Hennings, a research professor at The University of Texas's Bureau of Economic Geology.

It wasn't until 2015 that researchers first discovered the link between the state's earthquakes and fracking.

Researchers from the Southern Methodist University examined data spanning 84 days, from November 2013 to January 2014, and identified 27 quakes of magnitude 2 or higher near Azle, an area known for fracking activities.

Matthew Hornbach, a geophysicist from Southern Methodist University, stated that the occurrence and positioning of these earthquakes align more closely with drilling and injection activities rather than any alternative explanations.

'It seems quite clear that the conclusion indicates these earthquakes were indeed triggered,' remarked USGS seismologist Susan Hough, who was not involved with the research team.

'In this case, there are nearly too many pieces of evidence pointing directly to guilt.'

The most powerful earthquake documented in Texas was a 6.0 magnitude tremor that struck Valentine in Jeff Davis County on August 16, 1931.

Reports indicated that vibrations were felt as far east as Taylor, which is situated just north of Austin, and as far south as San Antonio.

An alarming seven tremors shook the area that day, some lasting as long as 72 seconds. The series of quakes started early morning and continued to the early afternoon.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck West Texas earlier this February, close to the boundary between Culberson and Reeves counties.

The USGS indicated that approximately 950,000 individuals experienced mild tremors.

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