Earthquake (magnitude 2.7) Near Fenton Shakes St. Louis this Morning
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake centered about 3 miles SSE of Fenton MO shook parts of St Louis early this morning. The quake had a depth of abuot 12 miles, and rattled the area 6:24 AM.
This quake was not directly related to the recent April 18 magnitude 5.4 earthquake in the Wabash Valley, nor to the New Madrid Seismic Zone. It is associated with a series of smaller NW trending faults including the Eureka-House Springs structure, that have historically had small earthquakes along them. The last earthquakes felt in St Louis from this zone were in 1998 and in 1978.
See the USGS or St. Louis University Earthquake Center for updated information. The quake shook areas recently saturated by flood waters, so the potential for liquefaction of loose and sandy soils needs to be considered.



Tim Kusky is a professor of natural sciences and director of the Center for Environmental Science at St. Louis University. His research and teaching have focused on the fields of plate tectonics and the early history of the Earth, as well as natural hazards and disasters, satellite imagery, mineral and water resources and relationships between people and the natural environment.
Tim,
Is there any connection, scientifically, between this morning’s quake and the Illinois quake of a couple weeks ago? These are the only two quakes I have personally felt, in my whole life! Should we expect more? What do you think the chances are of a big one coming our way, soon?