Mine collapse triggers earthquake near Burna, Kentucky
A 2.3-magnitude earthquake was triggered by a mine collapse near Burna, Kentucky, on Thursday morning, and was the second such event this year, following a mine collapse in Missouri in March.
BURNA, Ky. -- A mine collapse near Burna, Kentucky, triggered a small seismic event early Thursday morning. The 2.3-magnitude earthquake took place at 1:03 a.m. Central Time, about 2.5 miles south-southwest of town. It measured at a depth of 4.8 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
This isn't the first time a quake has been triggered by a mine collapse this year. A March 15 seismic event initially reported as a 3.5-magnitude earthquake in Platte County, Missouri, was confirmed by the USGS as a mine collapse at the Stamper Mine near Kansas City. The United States Geological Survey revised its initial assessment of the Missouri quake, noting the event occurred at ground level rather than six miles deep as first reported.
While this event was relatively minor, it occurred in one of North America's most seismically significant regions east of the Rocky Mountains. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which spans multiple states, including Kentucky, has a long history of seismic activity dating back to the devastating earthquakes of 1811-1812.
The area typically experiences several small earthquakes annually, most causing no damage. Unlike earthquakes on the West Coast, seismic events in this region can be felt over much greater distances. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake in the eastern United States can sometimes be detected up to 60 miles from its epicenter, while a magnitude 5.5 event may be felt as far as 300 miles away.
No injuries or significant damage have been reported from Thursday's mine collapse.
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