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Weather IQ: What to know about earthquakes in the Carolinas

Learn the importance of earthquake safety and how history could repeat itself in the Carolinas.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s earthquake preparedness week in South Carolina.  

An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground, caused by sudden movements under the Earth’s surface.  

A South Carolina Geologist Scott Howard says there is a single reason why the Carolinas should take earthquakes seriously.  

“Charleston 1886," Scott Howard said. "Literally, that’s the reason why. It’s possible. It’s possible even in what’s called a quiet seismically area for a huge earthquake to occur.” 

Tectonic plates are always in motion.  

Howard explains, over time, friction builds up in fault zones, once a section of the crust breaks, pent-up pressure releases as a seismic wave.  

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Credit: WCNC
Strike-slip fault

“Eventually, you get to the point when material-rock can’t take it anymore. And as a result, fails," Howard said. "Whether that’s along pre-existing fault plane, which is typically the case, or it creates a new fault plane."

Some quakes are caused by humans. They're known as induced quakes and could be the result of tunnel construction and fracking projects.  

“If you’re squeezing these rocks anyway, and there’s fluid there," Howard explained. "And the more you deform those rocks and squeeze them, the tighter the rocks get, but the fluid doesn’t change... that’s what causes those earthquakes."

On average, South Carolina experiences 10-20 earthquakes per year according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  

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“Here on the east coast, we have no plate contacts, in other words, we’re within a plate," Howard said. "These are referred to as intraplate earthquakes – occurring within a plate. The causes of them are not so straightforward."  

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team on their YouTube channel, Weather IQ. 🎥  

Nearly 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur on the edges of the Pacific Ocean, known as the Ring of Fire.  

Earthquake safety tips: 

  • DROP
  • COVER
  • HOLD ON

Take cover under a desk, table or bed and stay away from glass, windows, and furniture that could fall over.  

Participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill “Great Southeast Shake Out”

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