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This Week, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. There were no injuries or major damage, according to CNN, but the big quake wasn't the only one to strike that day— several small shocks were felt as well.Since the area isn't known for a history of regular quake activity, many think fracking is to blame. Whatever the case, earthquakes in the United States don't always stick to known fault lines.
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1 / 8 Virginia
In 2011, a massive 5.8 magnitude quake struck near Mineral, Virginia. The quake reached far across the area, shaking many major urban centers in the north east and New England. The most notable damage was done to the Washington Monument, which had to close for significant repairs.
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2 / 8 California (But Not Where You Think)
California is home to the San Andreas Fault and fairly regular seismic activity, but recent fracking developments in states less quake-prone has caused problems for many. Then again, the big fault line is near the Monterey Shale formation where gas and oil extraction uses hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is booming. Experts and residents worry the drilling activity will worsen current seismic conditions.
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3 / 8 Colorado
Back in May, a 3.4 magnitude quake struck Greeley, Colorado. The likely culprit? You guessed it—fracking. As many fracking proponents ridicule claims against their practice for a lack of scientific evidence, many researchers have begun investigations to determine whether or not a connection actually exists.
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4 / 8 Oklahoma
Wednesday's quake wasn't the first fracking-related adventure for the state. In 2013, a 3.8 magnitude rattled windows, cracked walls and shook furniture.
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5 / 8 Kansas
The same quake struck nearby Kansas as well, where minimal damage occurred and no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, fracking practices continue.
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6 / 8 Texas
Around the same time, several small earthquakes rattled the area around Reno, Texas, just northwest of Dallas. Like its neighbors to the north, this part of Texas is rife with fracking operations.
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7 / 8 Alaska
Despite the importance of fracking and how it is allegedly causing seismic activity in nontraditional areas, earthquakes continue to occur in the normal areas. Sometimes, these known fault lines "inspire" nearby activity in otherwise quake-less areas. On November 4, 2002, one of the most powerful earthquakes in the United States struck rural Alaska. The 7.9 magnitude quake shattered oil pipelines and split roads.
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