A 3.0-magnitude earthquake has rattled areas of South Carolina on Thursday, causing noticeable shaking for hundreds of residents. The tremor was detected at 12.17pm ET, striking outside of Lexington and Columbia, two cities with a combined population exceeding 160,000 people.
Epicenter and Geological Context
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Irmo, a town situated near the Brevard Fault Zone and other ancient faults that traverse the southeastern United States. These geological features are remnants of tectonic activity dating back hundreds of millions of years.
Fault Activity and Historical Significance
While these faults are predominantly inactive in modern times, they can occasionally generate small-to-moderate seismic events. This recent tremor serves as a reminder of the region's underlying geological history, which occasionally manifests in such minor earthquakes.
Public Response and Reports
Hundreds of individuals across South Carolina reported feeling the shaking, indicating a widespread awareness of the event. The impact was particularly noted in the vicinity of Lexington and Columbia, where the tremor's effects were most pronounced.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. Authorities and geological agencies continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks or additional seismic activity.
