Context:

A preliminary 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tennessee, with its effects felt in Atlanta, Georgia, and western North Carolina. Occurring shortly after 9 a.m. EDT, the earthquake's epicenter was near Greenback, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles south of Knoxville. Residents in nearby states, including Georgia, experienced shaking, with reports of ceiling fans trembling and homes vibrating. The region, part of the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone, frequently experiences seismic activity, including notable tremors in December 2018. These past events included a magnitude 4.4 earthquake felt as far as Atlanta and a 3.0 magnitude tremor near Knoxville, affecting multiple states.

Dive Deeper:

• A 4.1 magnitude earthquake originated near Greenback, Tennessee, about 30 miles south of Knoxville, and was felt in surrounding states such as Georgia and North Carolina. The tremor occurred shortly after 9 a.m. EDT, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

• Residents in Atlanta, Georgia, and western North Carolina reported feeling the earthquake, with some describing shaking homes and vibrating ceiling fans. The tremors were strong enough to be noticed by people engaged in everyday activities.

• The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone is one of the most active areas for earthquakes in the Southeastern United States, encompassing parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. This region frequently experiences seismic activity.

• In December 2018, two significant earthquakes hit the area, including a 4.4 magnitude event centered in Decatur, Tennessee, and a 3.0 magnitude quake near Mascot. These events were felt in several states, including Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

• Residents in Braselton, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, reported experiencing the earthquake's effects while engaging in routine activities, such as making breakfast, highlighting the reach and impact of the seismic event.