An earthquake struck near Morton, WA, at approximately 7:52 a.m. on Wednesday, reported by USGS at a depth of 2.2 miles. Initial magnitude estimates ranged from 1.2 to 2.3. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences via the USGS website as the story develops.
An earthquake occurred near Morton, Washington, early Wednesday morning, according to reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event took place at approximately 7:52 a.m. to the north of Mount St. Helens and just west of Spirit Lake, at a depth of roughly 2.2 miles. The earthquake was initially reported to have a magnitude of 2.3; however, some sources also mentioned it as a 1.2 magnitude event.
As developments unfold, FOX 13 Seattle has reached out to USGS for confirmation regarding the accurate magnitude of the tremor but had not received a response prior to the publication of this report. Individuals who experienced the quake are encouraged to report their observations via the USGS website. This story remains under active investigation, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Earthquakes are natural phenomena caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. The Pacific Northwest, particularly areas like Morton, Washington, is seismically active due to its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Mount St. Helens, known for its volatile volcanic activity, is also a significant geological feature in the region, contributing to the complexity of local seismic activity. Understanding and reporting such events contribute to broader efforts in earthquake preparedness and risk assessment in the area.
In summary, an earthquake measuring between 1.2 to 2.3 in magnitude struck near Morton, Washington, this morning. The USGS reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 2.2 miles, underscoring the seismic activity characteristic of the region surrounding Mount St. Helens. Residents are encouraged to document their experiences to assist in ongoing monitoring efforts as authorities seek to confirm the earthquake’s details.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
