Tennessee Earthquake Shakes Up Southeast: Expert Explains Why It Was Felt So Widely

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck Eastern Tennessee on Saturday morning, surprising residents across several states. The quake's tremors were felt as far as Georgia and North Carolina, prompting widespread reports and social media discussions. "Did we just have an earthquake?" one Tennessee family exclaimed in home security footage capturing their reaction to the shaking. Seismologist Dr. Zhigang Peng explained that the region's geological composition allows seismic waves to travel farther than in areas like the West Coast, resulting in a wider area experiencing the effects. Dr. Peng also noted that while the region isn't as seismically active as California, magnitude 3 or 4 earthquakes occur every few years. The event highlights the importance of preparedness and the ongoing scientific efforts to understand and predict seismic activity in the Eastern U.S.