Magnitude 3 and 4 earthquakes shake Indian SpringsResidents of Indian Springs area likely noticed some ground shaking on Tuesday evening

RENO, Nevada — The Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL) has identified and located a magnitude 4.39 earthquake that occurred at 8:06 p.m. PDT on August 13. The epicenter was about nine kilometers or 4.7 miles northwest of Indian Springs, just off Highway 95 about halfway between Las Vegas and Beatty. A magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred only six minutes later, about three kilometers, or 1.5 miles south of the magnitude 4.39 earthquake. The area continues to be active with small magnitude earthquakes, and the NSL is keeping a close eye on the seismicity.

Residents of Las Vegas and Pahrump reported feeling light shaking. If you felt the earthquake, the US Geological Survey encourages you to fill out a survey form on their website. Results of these surveys are used to help understand the susceptibility of different areas to seismic shaking.

The NSL records about 20 magnitude 4 earthquakes in Nevada every year, although many occur in sparsely populated areas. These earthquakes are caused by the small increments of movement as Nevada’s mountains grow due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Always remember, if a large earthquake occurs, the best way to stay safe is to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Nevadans are invited to prepare their home and community for future earthquakes by participating in the Great Nevada ShakeOut. Registration is available at the Great ShakeOut website.

About the College of Science

The College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno provides high-quality education to a diverse body of students and encourages all members of the community to live a life of discovery. The College offers 75 degree paths, and many of the academic programs are interdisciplinary in nature, providing students with a well-rounded education. Professors in the College frequently earn statewide teaching excellence awards and are pioneers in their respective fields, with access to high-powered scientific facilities and resources to perform research on all seven continents. The Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering became part of the College of Science in 2004 and houses three public service units: the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, the Nevada State Climate Office and the state geological survey, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. The College also encompasses three public museums that offer research and community engagement opportunities: the iconic Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum. For more information about the College of Science, visit unr.edu/science.