Recent earthquakes in Arkansas
Arkansas faces earthquake hazard chiefly from the New Madrid Seismic Zone in its northeast, part of the fault system that produced the great 1811-1812 earthquakes. Central Arkansas also experienced induced earthquakes around 2010-2011 linked to wastewater injection. The state combines a genuine natural intraplate hazard with a history of human-triggered activity. In the past 24 hours, Arkansas has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Arkansas get earthquakes?
Yes. Northeastern Arkansas lies within the New Madrid Seismic Zone and records frequent small earthquakes. Central Arkansas separately experienced a swarm of induced earthquakes around 2010-2011 tied to wastewater disposal wells.
What was the Guy-Greenbrier earthquake swarm?
In 2010-2011, a swarm of earthquakes near Guy and Greenbrier in central Arkansas, including a magnitude 4.7 event, was linked to the underground injection of wastewater. Regulators halted nearby injection, and the activity subsided.
Is Arkansas at risk from the New Madrid zone?
Yes. The northeastern corner of Arkansas sits within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which produced magnitude 7 to 7.5 earthquakes in 1811-1812. A future large earthquake there would strongly affect the region.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.