Oklahoma Earthquake Magnitude Downgraded from 4.4 to 4.1

March 2, 2010

The magnitude of an earthquake felt in Oklahoma over the weekend has been downgraded but it remains the strongest quake to hit the state in 12 years.

The U.S. Geological Survey originally said the earthquake on Feb. 27 was of magnitude 4.4, which would have tied it for the second-strongest quake in Oklahoma history. But now the agency says the quake was of magnitude 4.1.

Even with the reduced magnitude, the earthquake was Oklahoma’s strongest temblor since a 1998 temblor near Lawton. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake shook the Jones area on Jan. 15.

The agency says the earthquake hit about three miles east of Sparks, between Chandler and Meeker. No serious damage or injuries were reported as a result of the temblor, which was felt as far away as Tulsa.

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com