THE ALPINE, TEXAS EARTHQUAKE OF 1995

On April 13, 1995 an earthquake occurred between Alpine and Marathon Texas. This Earthquake has been the second largest earthquake that has happened in the area, with a magnitude of 5.6. Immediately after the 1995 earthquake, the Sul Ross Geology Program sent out questionnaires in Alpine and across the region to obtain observations on people’s reactions to the earthquake and any damage observed. After collecting data from all the questionnaires, Carlsbad was rated on the Mercalli Intensity Scale as IV (Light); Kermit: VI (Strong), Guadalupe National Park: IV (Light) to V (Moderate); Alpine: VII (Very Strong); Terlingua: IV (Light) to V (Moderate) and Panther Junction: V (Moderate). Earthquakes in Texas are uncommon, and in West Texas they relate to tectonics associated with the Rio Grande Rift. The two largest earthquakes in Texas were before any extensive oil drilling in the Big Bend. To more closely monitor large and small earthquakes, The Bureau of Economic Geology of the University of Texas is installing a seismic network throughout Texas. A seismic station was installed in January 2017 on Hancock Hill in Alpine, TX and should be available online soon so residents can monitor any increase or change in seismic activity within the region.