Seventh Earthquake in a Month Hits Small North Texas Town

July 13, 2009

Another small earthquake – the seventh in about a month – has been reported in the North Texas town of Cleburne.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.0-magnitude quake there on July 10.

Before early June, an earthquake had never hit the town of 22,000 people about 50 miles southwest of Dallas. That’s left some city officials and residents to wonder whether natural gas drilling in the area could be contributing to the tremors.

Two weeks ago, seismographs were placed in the city for about six months, after which researchers will report on the seismic activity to city officials.

So far, the strongest quake in the area has had a magnitude of 2.8.

No damage or injuries have been reported from any of the tremors.