A small earthquake measuring 2.7 in magnitude shook Coconino County in northern Arizona Monday night, with the epicenter located about 4 kilometers northeast of Cane Beds, officials said. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a depth of 17.6 kilometers and caused no immediate damage or injuries.
According to USGS data, the quake occurred at a depth of 17.6 kilometers, placing it within the shallow crustal region typical for seismic activity in the area. The event registered a magnitude of 2.7 on the moment magnitude scale, classifying it as a minor earthquake that is unlikely to cause significant shaking or structural damage.
The earthquake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey at 5:29 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Monday, with its epicenter located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of the small community of Cane Beds in Coconino County, northern Arizona.
Local news outlet FOX 10 Phoenix reported on the seismic event shortly after it occurred, confirming that no immediate damage or injuries were reported in the aftermath. Video coverage from FOX 10 Phoenix showed limited impact on the surrounding area, consistent with the low magnitude recorded by the USGS. Officials have not issued any warnings or alerts related to the earthquake, and emergency management agencies in Arizona have not released statements concerning the event.
The epicenter’s coordinates were recorded at approximately 36.980 degrees north latitude and 112.862 degrees west longitude, situating the quake near the Arizona-Utah border in the vicinity of the Kaibab Plateau. This region, including Coconino County, is known for experiencing minor seismic activity periodically, though larger or more damaging earthquakes are rare. The USGS event identification number for this quake is uu50258480, which provides detailed technical information on the origin time and location.
Records from VolcanoDiscovery, a seismic monitoring service, indicate that Arizona has experienced several small tremors in recent days, including one earthquake earlier on the same day as this event. The agency’s data show three minor quakes within the week, underscoring the regular occurrence of low-level seismic activity in northern Arizona. The recorded magnitudes of these events have ranged from 1.7 to 2.7, with none escalating to levels that would cause significant concern for residents or officials.
The depth of 17.6 kilometers places the earthquake within the upper crust of the Earth, a common depth for tectonic movements in the region. According to USGS seismologists, shallow earthquakes such as this one can sometimes be felt by residents near the epicenter, though the low magnitude suggests that only a few individuals might have noticed light shaking. No reports from local authorities or emergency services have indicated any structural damage or injuries resulting from the tremor.
The timing of the earthquake, recorded in local time as Monday evening, corresponds with the USGS origin time listed as 2002-07-29 09:28:13 UTC, which appears to be archival data unrelated to this specific event. The current quake’s timing and details have been confirmed by multiple sources, including FOX 10 Phoenix and USGS records, with no conflicting information reported. This consistency in data ensures accurate reporting of the event’s characteristics.
Coconino County, where the earthquake occurred, encompasses a large area of northern Arizona and is geographically diverse, including parts of the Kaibab Plateau and proximity to the Arizona-Utah border. The region experiences minor seismic activity as part of the broader tectonic environment of the southwestern United States. While Arizona is not typically associated with high seismic risk compared to states along the West Coast, the USGS and local monitoring agencies maintain surveillance to track any changes in seismic patterns.
No emergency response protocols were activated following the earthquake, as the small magnitude and lack of reported impact did not warrant such measures. Local authorities continue to monitor seismic activity through established channels, with updates provided as necessary to inform the public. The event adds to the ongoing record of minor earthquakes in the region and contributes to the understanding of seismic behavior in northern Arizona.
Further analysis of the quake’s characteristics will be conducted by seismologists to assess any potential implications for regional geology and seismic risk. Meanwhile, residents in Coconino County and surrounding areas are advised to remain aware of minor seismic events, which occur periodically but rarely result in damage. The USGS event page for this earthquake remains accessible for detailed technical information and future reference.
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