No shock that aftershocks continue after powerful earthquake hit Columbia area

Two more earthquakes were confirmed in the Columbia area Tuesday, as seismic activity continued following a powerful earthquake early Monday morning.

In less than 36 hours, seven earthquakes have been recorded in the Midlands, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

The most recent earthquakes, or aftershocks, were reported at 1:24 p.m. (2.3 magnitude) and 3:09 p.m. (2.8 magnitude), the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The seven recent earthquakes means 28 have been detected in the Palmetto State since the start of 2022, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. All but four of the quakes have been in the Midlands.

It was expected that the tremors would occur Tuesday, and aftershocks could continue for some time, after a 3.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Elgin at 1:32 a.m. Monday.

“We can expect aftershocks in the days and weeks following the larger earthquake early Monday morning,” the S.C. Emergency Management Division said. “Aftershock intensity varies, but they tend to be of lesser magnitude than the initial earthquake and decrease in frequency over time.”

The first four aftershocks recorded after Monday’s initial earthquake were confirmed at magnitudes of 1.6, 1.78, 2.1 and 2.9, according to the USGS. All seven of the quakes happened near Elgin.

In all, 31 earthquakes have hit the Columbia area since a 3.3 magnitude quake was recorded on Dec. 27, 2021, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

No major damage or injuries have been reported from any of the recent quakes.

Earthquakes that register 2.5 magnitude or less often go unnoticed and are usually only recorded by a seismograph, according to Michigan Technological University. Any quake less than 5.5 magnitude is not likely to cause significant damage, the school said.

It is typical for South Carolina to have between six and 10 earthquakes a year, the S.C. Geological Survey previously reported. There have been 56 earthquakes in South Carolina since Jan. 18, 2021, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

An explanation for the recent outburst has eluded scientists.

Digging and blasting at mines, water seeping through the ground from lakes, or other changes in weight or pressure underground could all contribute to seismic activity, The State previously reported, but no one has settled on the single cause for the Midlands’ shaking.

Reported earthquakes in SC in 2021-22

This story was originally published May 11, 2022 at 7:40 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription