Earthquake history of Nebraska

Abstract

Nebraska is in a region of moderate seismicity occasionally punctuated by rather strong earthquakes. Most of the State is seismic risk zone 1, with a small part in the southeast corner in risk zone 2. the first significant earthquake felt in Nebraska occurred in 1867, the year that statehood was achieved. the tremor occurred on April 24, 1867, and was apparently centered near Lawrence, Kansas. It affected an area estimated at 780,000 km 2 including much of Nebraska. Since 1867, at least seven earthquakes of intensity V or greater have originated within Nebraska's boundaries. Several strong earthquakes centered in neighboring States have also been felt over limited portions of Nebraska. None of these caused damage.