Small Earthquake Strikes South Of Sea-Tac

DES MOINES, WA - A small earthquake struck underneath Des Moines early Monday morning, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. The magnitude 2.1 quake struck just after 1 a.m. and was centered below a residential neighborhood along 212th Street, according to preliminary measurements, which are subject to change. And although a magnitude 2.1 is likely too small for anyone to have felt, the earthquake comes at a time of increased seismic activity in the Puget Sound area.

There is a swarm of small quakes happening underneath the waters near Bremerton. More than 40 quakes have been recorded in an area between Enetai and Ford Ward on Bainbridge Island over the past several weeks. Most of the quakes, however, are extremely small, around a magnitude 1. Several of the quakes have been in excess of magnitude 3, however, which is strong enough to feel.

No damage or injuries have been reported as a result of the Bremerton earthquake swarm, and seismologists aren't sure what's causing the activity. The swarm is taking place within the Seattle fault zone, but the quakes are much deeper than the fault lines.

Also last week, a magnitude 3.4 hit off of Whidbey Island, which was strong enough to be felt around the region. One teacher in Shoreline reported that her entire classroom shook.

There have also been minor quakes - all within the magnitude 1 range - in Bonney Lake, Federal Way, and Tacoma recently.

Image via Pacific Northwest Seismic Network