The science behind the earthquake

by Andrew Sweeney (aesweeney@wsbt.com)

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Earthquake

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Illinois on Friday, April 18, 2008. The epicenter of the quake was approximately 350 miles from South Bend, in an area known as the Illinois Basin - Ozark Dome Region. (WSBT image)

By WSBT Weather

Story Created: Apr 18, 2008 at 2:43 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2008 at 4:32 PM EST

The earthquake that struck southern Illinois Friday morning had a magnitude of 5.2 which rivals the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the region.

The center of the quake was approximately 350 miles from South Bend. It is not unusual for an earthquake of that magnitude to be felt that far away.

The quake occurred in an area known as the Illinois Basin - Ozark Dome Region. That is one of the most common areas for earthquakes in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The epicenter was located in that region.

Earthquakes are caused when the earth shifts. The hypocenter is where the seismic activity originated. In this case it was 7.2 miles below the surface. The point on the surface directly above the hypocenter is known as the epicenter.

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