Texas Seismic Swarm: Multiple Quakes Rattle Northern Texas Within 24 Hours
Texas Hit by Series of Earthquakes Tied to Oil and Gas Activity
A 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck West Texas near Mentone early Thursday, marking one of over 10 minor tremors recorded in the area within 24 hours. While no injuries or damage were reported, the event highlights growing concerns about seismic activity linked to oil and gas operations.
Recent Activity
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) detected the 3.3 magnitude quake at 9:01 a.m. ET, following a 2.3 magnitude tremor two hours prior. These quakes are part of a pattern: Texas has seen 406 earthquakes in the past 30 days, with 79 occurring in the last week alone. Most registered below magnitude 2.5, but the 3.3 tremor was strong enough to be felt locally.
Human-Caused Quakes
Experts attribute the uptick in seismic events to induced seismicity—earthquakes triggered by human activities like wastewater injection from oil and gas drilling. Texas, responsible for 42% of U.S. crude oil production, relies heavily on fracking. This process involves injecting water, chemicals, and sand underground to extract fuel, but the disposal of wastewater into deep wells increases underground pressure, lubricating fault lines and causing slippage.
A 2022 University of Texas study found 68% of state earthquakes above magnitude 1.5 were “highly associated” with fossil fuel operations. “Deep injection wells are linked to higher-magnitude quakes,” said Dr. Alexandros Savvaidis, a seismology expert.
Historical Context
Texas’s strongest recorded earthquake was a 6.0 magnitude event in 1931, affecting areas from San Antonio to near Austin. More recently, a 5.0 magnitude quake shook West Texas in February 2025, felt by 950,000 residents.
Image suggestion: Map showing recent earthquake clusters in West Texas (credit: USGS)
Image suggestion: Graphic explaining wastewater injection and fault activation
Looking Ahead
As oil production expands, experts warn of rising quake risks. Regulatory measures to limit wastewater injection depths could mitigate hazards, but the balance between energy demands and geological safety remains contentious. Texans, especially in oil-rich regions, may need to adapt to more frequent tremors in the years ahead.
Posted 15:42 BST, 18 April 2025 | Updated with latest USGS data
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