Aftershocks Continue In Eastern Arizona

By Alexandra Olgin
Published: Friday, July 11, 2014 - 3:34pm
(Photo Courtesy of the United States Geological Service)
On June 29, 2014 a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Arizona.
(Image courtesy of Arizona Geological Survey)
Main shocks and aftershocks near Duncan, Ariz.

Aftershocks have continued to rattle southeastern Arizona since the 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck two weeks ago.

Sarah Gordon lives and works in Duncan, Ariz. right near the New Mexico border. Duncan is nearly 20 miles from the epicenter of the June 29 earthquake. She said in the nearly 30 years she has lived there she’s never felt this much seismic activity.

“We are not used to anything like this happening," Gordon said. "Of course, everyone is going to be scared and worried about it. And it seems like they are getting closer and closer to our side than the New Mexico side now."

She said since the quake, she has felt aftershocks every day. A recent news release from the Arizona Geological Survey said people should prepare for ongoing M3.0 to M4.0 earthquakes in southeastern Arizona in the next few weeks to months.

“The recent Duncan earthquake occurred because Earth’s crust in southern Arizona and northern Sonora is gradually extending in an east-west direction,” said John Spencer, senior geologist at AZGS.

The United States Geological Service reports four shocks Friday. The most significant was at a magnitude of 3.6.