GERMANTON, Ill. — Did you feel it? A small earthquake shook an area of Illinois about 40 miles east of St. Louis. At 6:55 p.m. a 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 0.62 miles north-northeast of Germantown, Illinois. The quake took place at a depth of approximately 14.7 miles.
Despite its small size, it serves as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic events, including those within the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The US Geological Survey (USGS), along with the New Madrid Seismic Network, are asking residents to report their experiences to aid scientific research.
The Midwest is not typically known for its seismic activity compared to the more volatile west coast of the United States. However, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which extends into parts of Illinois, reminds us that the earth beneath can stir with little warning.
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