LITTLE ROCK — A preliminary 4.7-magnitude earthquake centered in central Arkansas was felt throughout the state, but there were no immediate reports of any damage.
The latest earthquake was centered near Greenbrier , where much of the seismic activity has occurred in the past six months. The shaking was felt far and wide this time, though, as dozens of residents took to Facebook to query, "Did you feel it?"
If it is confirmed as a 4.7, the temblor would be the strongest of hundreds of earthquakes in Faulkner County since September. Reports are often downgraded as the U.S. Geological Survey analyzes more data.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage. Dispatchers in Greenbrier said the shaking lasted about two seconds there and caused a small crack in one police officer's wall and knocked another officer's television over.
There were numerous calls to 911 from people who felt the quake but didn't have any damage.
The shaking occurred just after 11 p.m. and was followed by another earthquake, preliminarily listed as a 3.8-magnitude rattler, about 15 minutes later.
More than 2,300 people reported feeling the 4.7 quake on the survey's website , including some residents as far north as southern Missouri and others as far south as Camden.
Geologists are working to determine if the activity - dubbed the Guy Swarm - is caused by pressurized liquid injected into the ground by natural gas drillers or if it is a natural occurrence.
The U.S. Geological Survey also recorded other earthquakes last week that weren't felt by residents.
Scientists recorded at least 10 quakes Friday, beginning with one registering 2.4 in magnitude at 1:10 a.m.
A larger quake with a magnitude of 3.1 rumbled 2 miles northeast of Greenbrier at 2:49 a.m., then one registering 3.5 was reported at 3:49 a.m.
Another temblor was recorded at 10:17 a.m. and registered 2.3.
This article was originally published February 27, 2011 at 11:35 p.m.
Updated February 27, 2011 at 11:56 p.m.
