Scurry County, Texas – A small earthquake was recorded Tuesday afternoon in West Texas, with seismic activity detected south of the town of Forsan near the Midland area.
According to the Texas Seismological Network (TexNet), the earthquake measured magnitude 3.0 and occurred at approximately 11:39 a.m. CST (17:39 UTC). The quake was located about 11 kilometers (7 miles) south of Forsan, at a depth of roughly 9.7 kilometers, placing it within the shallow range where ground shaking can sometimes be felt.
The epicenter falls within Scurry County, roughly northeast of Midland and west of Abilene. While earthquakes of this magnitude are generally considered minor, residents close to the epicenter may have noticed a brief jolt, vibration, or rumbling sensation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no injuries or property damage had been reported. The event has been reviewed and confirmed by seismologists, and it appears to be an isolated tremor.
West Texas has experienced a noticeable increase in low-magnitude earthquakes over the past decade. Seismologists have previously linked much of the region’s seismic activity to wastewater injection and oil and gas operations, though not every quake is directly attributed to industrial activity.
TexNet and the U.S. Geological Survey continue to monitor seismic activity across the region. Residents who felt the shaking are encouraged to submit a report through official earthquake reporting tools, which helps scientists better understand how earthquakes are experienced on the ground.
While no aftershocks are expected from an event of this size, experts note that small earthquakes serve as reminders that seismic activity, though uncommon historically, is now part of the region’s evolving geological pattern.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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