Northern Nevada was rattled Tuesday morning by two earthquakes measuring 3.7 and 3.2 in magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quakes struck about 30 miles from the town of Valmy, an area that sits on multiple active fault lines including the Central Nevada Seismic Belt, the Fairview Peak-Dixie Valley Fault Scarps, and the Pleasant Valley Fault. The tremors add to an already active week of seismic activity, with 38 quakes reported in the Valmy area in the last seven days. Among them was a 4.8-magnitude quake recorded during a swarm on Saturday afternoon.

Earthquakes in the 3.0 to 5.0 range are often felt by residents but generally cause only minor damage. Still, the frequency of the swarms has drawn attention, particularly because of their proximity to the McDermitt supervolcano, which many fear could pose a far greater threat if awakened. While experts attribute the activity to tectonic movements along the Basin and Range Province’s fault systems, growing speculation online suggests concern that the seismic unrest could be a precursor to something much larger.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.

SOURCE: Daily Mail