The Possibility of Christmas Earthquakes in Colorado Springs: A Historical Perspective

Coloradans should be aware that while a White Christmas is unlikely this year, seismic activity could occur, as it has happened before, notably a 4.0 magnitude earthquake on December 25, 1994. The USGS states that, while earthquakes in Colorado are rare, they can happen, and citizens should report any shaking they feel.

This Christmas may not promise a blanket of snow for Colorado Springs, as meteorological forecasts suggest low chances of a White Christmas. Nevertheless, residents should remain alert, as a seismic encounter is not entirely implausible; history tells us that such has occurred previously in the area. On December 25, 1994, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake reverberated through the northern section of the city, generating tremors felt as far as Castle Rock. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), while this earthquake caused minor damage, it was not significantly severe for the region’s standards.

William Yeck, a seismologist with the USGS, remarked, “A 4.0 is pretty small. People would feel it – and it would have been pretty surprising in Colorado – but it’s not a very large earthquake in the grand scheme of things.” The USGS tallies about 50 earthquakes daily across the United States, amounting to approximately 20,000 annually. In comparison, earthquake occurrences in Colorado are infrequent, especially when juxtaposed with states such as California, Hawaii, and Alaska.

The state, lacking a tectonic plate boundary, experiences limited seismic activity, with larger earthquakes, defined as those exceeding 6.0 in magnitude, being particularly rare. Records indicate the most substantial earthquake in Colorado’s history took place in 1882, near Fort Collins, while a more recent event—a 5.3 magnitude quake—occurred near Trinidad in 2011.

Yeck elaborated, “There are faults in Colorado — there are faults literally everywhere, because a fault is really just a crack in the Earth’s crust — but we don’t have the kind of geology that would host a lot of earthquake activity.” The Colorado Geological Survey lists thousands of faults across the state, though only about 90 are estimated to be potentially active. In southern Colorado, notable faults include the Sangre de Cristo fault and the Cheraw fault near La Junta.

If citizens experience ground shaking or notice unusual movements of their Christmas decorations, they should consider the possibility of an earthquake. However, it is essential to remember that occurrences such as sonic booms could also elicit similar sensations. Yeck advised, “If you do feel like you’ve felt shaking, report it to us at usgs.gov, and we’ll look into it.”

Colorado Springs’ historical encounters with earthquakes, particularly during Christmas, raise interest among residents as they celebrate the holiday season. With this year’s forecast indicating a low likelihood of a snowy Christmas, it is pertinent to consider the potential for seismic activities that have been recorded in the past. This overview aims to shed light on the geological landscape of Colorado Springs and its earthquake history, particularly focusing on notable past events and expert insights into the region’s seismic behavior.

In conclusion, while Colorado Springs may experience a lack of snowfall this holiday season, the possibility of feeling a tremor is not entirely out of the question. The history of minor seismic events, such as the significant 4.0 magnitude earthquake on Christmas in 1994, serves as a reminder of the region’s geological activity. Residents should stay informed about vibrations that might occur and report any unusual sensations to the USGS for evaluation.

Original Source: gazette.com