Another Earthquake Rattles Gardendale, Texas
Gardendale, Texas, was shaken up on Thursday afternoon, November 14, as a 3.8 Magnitude earthquake rocked the small town located about 40 miles south of San Antonio. The tremor, reported just before 1 p.m., sent a shockwave felt miles away, with responses flooding into the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website as residents shared their experiences of the event.
Shaken but Not Stirred
The quake originated near Pleasanton, another tiny Texas town, but its effects were felt as far away as Corpus Christi, nearly 100 miles from the epicenter. Folks in San Antonio, about 50 miles away, also reported feeling the ground shake beneath them. For those living in the Atascosa and Wilson counties, the impact was tangible—dishes rattled, walls creaked, and windows shook. Some even noticed hanging objects swaying from side to side, creating quite a scene!
The USGS has created an impact map, showcasing the areas most affected. Residents from Campbellton to Falls City reported similar sensations, akin to a large truck driving past. While earthquakes are a rare phenomenon in South Texas, they are becoming increasingly common. You could say that Gardendale is getting used to the occasional rumble!
The Rising Trend of Earthquakes
This isn’t just a one-off event; several smaller earthquakes ranging from 1.3 Magnitude to 2.8 Magnitude have occurred in the area throughout November. The most recent quake, however, is notable for being the largest felt by the community in quite some time. Just back in February, another series of quakes hit South Texas, with one reaching a whopping 4.7 Magnitude. Although that level of seismic activity might not compete with the notorious California quakes, its increasing frequency is definitely a cause for local concern.
What’s Causing All This?
So, what’s behind these tremors? While some residents are quick to blame the oil and gas industry, specifically fracking, officials will take their time analyzing the data. An expert from the USGS, Justin Rubinstein, pointed out that the earthquake rate in the broader Eagle Ford Shale region has significantly increased since 2018, and the size of these quakes is not getting smaller either.
For instance, February alone saw a shocking twelve earthquakes along a nearly 50-mile span from Falls City to San Antonio. Although these tremors may not seem terrifying, the frequency is alarming! It seems evident that seismic activity is on the rise in South Texas, and early indications suggest that human activity, including the fracking process, might play a role.
Staying Informed and Safe
It’s important to be informed. Fracking can intentionally induce small earthquakes. However, the situation may require the attention of local authorities. According to Andrew Keese from the Railroad Commission, if cooperation with the oil industry fails to mitigate this growing concern, they won’t hesitate to take action. While we wait for further investigations, residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for any unexpected jolts.
Community Spirit
Despite the trembling ground, the spirit of Gardendale and surrounding towns remains strong. Neighbors are coming together to share stories and support each other during these unpredictable times. As this community experiences these growing tremors, they’re realizing the importance of looking out for one another and being prepared for whatever might come their way.
In the meantime, if you felt the earth shake or just want to share your story, head on over to the USGS website and let them know! Stay safe, Gardendale, and remember that a little shake doesn’t have to ruin your day.
