Oklahoma earthquake measures 4.0, hits near Oklahoma City
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According to the USGS, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Jones City today, approximately 17 miles from Oklahoma City, January 15, 2010 at 9:18:25 a.m. Though earthquakes are considered rare for Oklahoma, todays marks the third in the region this week.

A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, just 4 miles from Jones, Oklahoma on January 14, 2010 at 4:05 a.m. A second earthquake was felt at 9:18 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010 that measured 4.0. The earthquake was quickly followed by a third, at 9:27 a.m. on January 15, 2010 that measured 3.8.

According to the United States Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center, earthquakes are rare but not uncommon east of the Rocky Mountains. Many are familiar with earthquakes throughout the west coast, but the USGS states that they are experienced on the east. The USGS also reports that when earthquakes are felt east of the Rocky Mountains they are often larger and cover a wider area. For instance, a 4.0 magnitude eastern earthquake can be felt as far as 60 miles from its original source or location.

There is another difference between eastern and western earthquakes in the United States. The USGS states that earthquakes in the west can be identified by the fault responsible for the quake. This is not the case with eastern earthquakes. Few earthquakes to the east of the Rocky Mountains can be identified by the fault. There are many faults underneath the region that have yet to be identified, which hinders the process.

There were no reports of injuries or property damage attributed to the Oklahoma earthquake.