The Event
According to the USGS, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck northeast Nevada at 9:16 AM EST (6:16 AM Local). The earthquake, originally classified as a magnitude 6.2 earthquake, had a depth of approximately 4.2 miles and occurred approximately 6 miles ESE of Wells, Nevada. Because of the depth and the distribution of aftershocks, the responsible fault could not be determined and instead is attributed to a series of faults west of Wells Peak. The earthquake was felt far and wide. The intensity of the earthquake felt at each location varies and is measure on the Modified Mercalli Intensity rating system. This system rats the severity based on damage and human reaction on a scale ranging from I, which is not felt under even the most favorable circumstances, up to a XII, which is total destruction. Wells, Nevada was the hardest hit and they rated a VI; which is felt by all, frightened some, and slight damage. They were not the only one to feel this quake however. Reno, the capital, also felt this quake but they only rated at a II, which is felt by only a few people. Some 180 miles away, the earthquake intensity rated at a II in Salt Lake City, Utah. The earthquake was even reported to be felt as far as Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona as a I on the Mercalli Intensity scale. The attached map is from the USGS and displays the area over which the earthquake was felt according to the Mercalli Intensity rating. Wells is located in the northeast corner of Nevada, inside of the yellow colored region on the map.
Magnitude 6.0 – Nevada. (2008, February 21). Retrieved March 24, 2008, from USGS: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2008/us2008nsa9/#summary
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