How often do earthquakes happen? Another 2.3-magnitude earthquake shakes Knoxville
According to the United States Geological Study, another 2.3 earthquake shook East Tennessee on July 27. Small earthquake, Tennessee, Mascot had a central base in the east of Knoxville.
According to USGS, the earthquake shook the area at 12:16 on Sunday morning. It had 2.4 kilometers or a very shallow depth of about 1.5 miles below the world surface.
According to USGS scientist Jessica Turner, shallow earthquakes such as the July 27 event are not often felt as common as those who occur under the world surface. Small, shallow earthquakes can be felt in a refined area.
The universal size scale shows that small earthquakes as small as 2.5 can be felt in a community and cause minor damage. Typically, building damage starts at 5.5 magnitude, Earthquake Experts at Michigan Tech University.
Each year, an estimated 500,000 earthquake is 2.5 to 5.4 magnitude.
This is only the fifth earthquake in East Tennessee last month. All events are considered “quite small” because none of the earthquakes were greater than 3.0.
According to Turner, although this may seem like too much seismic activity, the pattern and frequency are normal for the region.
According to USGS data, in 2024, East Tennessee saw seven earthquakes between 29 June and 28 July. All earthquakes were below 2.5 size and were considered small.
How often are earthquakes in Tennessee?
Earthquakes Eastern Tennessee is quite common. Since the beginning of 2025, Eastern Tennessee has more than 35 earthquakes. One of these earthquakes was a large 4.1 magnitude event on May 10th. Five of these events took place in July.
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27 July: Mascot, Tennessee, 2.3 size
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20 July: Athens, Tennessee, 2.4 size
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14 July: Dayton, Tennessee, 2.2 size
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July 9: Greenback, Tennessee, 2.6 size
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July 1: Lone Oak, Tennessee, 2.3 size
There was 177 earthquakes in Tennessee in 2024, According to USGS data. Ten of them were 2.5 size or higher.
What were the most powerful earthquakes in East Tennessee?
These are the 10 most powerful earthquakes to ring East Tennessee since 1900, According to USGS data.
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4.7 Size – Alcoa (1973)
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4.5 SIZI – Greenville (1928)
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4.4 size – Decatur (2018)
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4.2 Size – Vonore (1987)
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4.1 Size – New Tazewell (1956)
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4.1 Size – Luttrell (1913)
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3.8 size – Tazewell (1997)
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3.8 size – Finastle (2020)
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3.7 size – Duckown (1979)
Is it possible to prepare for the earthquake?
Unlike hurricanes or hurricanes, Scientists cannot predict earthquakes. USGS scientists do not know where or when an earthquake could be; They can only predict the possibility of such geological events.
However, this does not mean that you cannot be ready for the possibility of an earthquake.
Before an earthquake took place, make an emergency plan and secure heavy items in your home and objects hanging on the wall, According to Ready.gov. Store heavy or fractable objects on low shelves.
When an earthquake takes place, it is important to fall to the ground, grab a solid object and cover your head according to Ready.gov. If you are outside when an earthquake starts to rush, reach an open space that does not contain buildings, trees, street lamps and electrical lines.
Allison Kiehl reports on the trend and latest news for the Tennessee Connect team. E -Posta: allison.khehl@knoxNews.com
This article initially Knoxville News Sentinel: East Tennessee has 5 earthquakes in July 2025. Is this normal?
