Tools

Earthquake Likely Caused by Coal Mining, Experts Say

by KREX News Room
by Associated Press
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Jan 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 6, 2013 at 9:16 PM MDT

PAONIA, Colo. - Scientists believe a small earthquake near Paonia was likely related to coal mining.

The 2.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 12:35 a.m. Thursday. It was centered about four miles east of the Delta County town, which is surrounded by working coal mines, as well as orchards and wineries.

Bruce Presgrave, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, told The Daily Sentinel that it was probably caused by a coal bump or a rock burst.

A coal bump is when a pillar of coal suddenly falls. A rock burst occurs when settling earth bears down on mine walls and causes a sudden release of stored energy and exploding chunks of coal and rock.

Dave Wolny of Colorado Mesa University said small, coal-related quakes are recorded regularly in the area but this is perhaps a bit larger.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather