At a Glance
- Over 4,200 earthquakes recorded in Texas since 1900
- Strongest quake: magnitude 5.8 on Aug. 16, 1931 near Valentine
- 85% of all magnitude-2.5+ quakes occurred since 2020
- Why it matters: These tremors highlight the growing impact of human activities like fracking and dam construction on the state’s seismic activity
Texas may not be known for earthquakes, but the U.S. Geological Survey has logged more than 4,200 tremors in the state since 1900. While most are minor, a 5.8-magnitude quake in 1931 still stands as the strongest recorded. Recent data shows a surge in seismic events, largely tied to industrial practices.
Historical Context
Since 1900, the USGS has reported 89 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater and 10 of magnitude 5 or greater. The majority of these quakes are small, but the 1931 event remains the most powerful on record.
The 1931 Valentine Quake
The magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck around 5:40 a.m. on Aug. 16, 1931, centered about 7.5 mi southwest of Valentine in Presidio County. Damage was severe in Valentine, with all non-wood-frame buildings heavily damaged and all brick chimneys toppled or damaged. The schoolhouse, composed of concrete blocks and bricks, required complete rebuilding.
USGS Impact Summary
> The most severe damage was reported at Valentine, where all buildings except wood-frame houses were damaged severely and all brick chimneys toppled or were damaged.
> The schoolhouse, which consisted of one section of concrete blocks and another section of bricks, was damaged so badly that it had to be rebuilt. Small cracks formed in the schoolhouse yard.
> Some walls collapsed in adobe buildings, and ceilings and partitions were damaged in wood-frame structures.
> Some concrete and brick walls were cracked severely. One low wall, reinforced with concrete, was broken and thrown down. Tombstones in a local cemetery were rotated. Damage to property was reported from widely scattered points in Brewster, Jeff Davis, Culberson, and Presidio Counties.
Where Quakes Occur
Earthquakes have been recorded in almost every part of Texas, but clusters appear especially in West Texas, where the state’s most fault zones and fracking activity intersect.
| Magnitude | Count |
|---|---|
| 2.5+ | 4,200+ |
| 4+ | 89 |
| 5+ | 10 |
Induced Seismicity
The USGS attributes many recent tremors to human activity, including fracking, mining, and dam construction. In the south-central United States, a significant number of recent earthquakes are thought to be caused by humans. 85% of all magnitude-2.5+ quakes in Texas have occurred since the start of 2020.
Key Takeaways
- Texas has logged over 4,200 earthquakes since 1900, most of which are minor.
- The strongest recorded quake was a magnitude 5.8 event in 1931 near Valentine.
- Human activities such as fracking and dam building are linked to a surge in seismic activity, with 85% of recent quakes occurring since 2020.
These facts underscore the importance of monitoring seismic activity in Texas as industrial practices continue to evolve.
