Greenwood County, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, S.C. experienced a cluster of at least seven small earthquakes early on Saturday morning. With magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3, residents reported feeling the tremors, but thankfully, no injuries or significant damage occurred. Seismologists suggest the seismic activity may be linked to a minor fault line reactivation, part of the region’s geological history. The area has a history of earthquakes, with South Carolina generally recording between six to ten quakes annually.
Greenwood County, S.C. reported a cluster of at least seven small earthquakes on Saturday morning, August 24, 2025. The quakes, which occurred between 12:17 a.m. and 3:59 a.m., recorded magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage have been reported as a result of this seismic activity.
The largest of these earthquakes had a magnitude of 2.9 at 12:17 a.m. and a magnitude of 3 at 12:23 a.m. Over 200 individuals reported feeling these tremors by 10:30 a.m., with the shaking strong enough to potentially move furniture and rattle unsecured items in local homes. This recent cluster follows a week in which ten earthquakes were recorded in the area, including smaller quakes with magnitudes of 2.2, 1.7, and 2.0 on earlier days of the week.
Experts believe these earthquakes may represent a minor reactivation of a fault line related to the geological history of the Appalachian Mountains. Dan Frost, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, contextualized these events as part of an ancient shear zone where the earth’s tectonic plates shifted millions of years ago. Such geological reactivation could potentially be influenced by factors like changes in water volume in the nearby Saluda River.
The area of Greenwood County has a history of seismic activity. Prior to this weekend’s events, the Coronaca area saw nine earthquakes recorded over six days in October 2024. On average, South Carolina experiences between six and ten earthquakes annually. The strongest earthquake recorded in the state to date occurred in Charleston in 1886, reaching a magnitude of 7.3.
Residents are reminded of the significance of these minor earthquakes, as they serve as a indication of the area’s geological past, which features various fault lines and seismic zones.
Key Takeaways
- Cluster of small earthquakes detected in Greenwood County, S.C., early on August 24, 2025.
- Earthquake magnitudes ranged from 1.5 to 3, with the strongest at 3.
- No injuries or significant damage reported.
- Seismic activity linked to minor fault line reactivation.
- History includes previous earthquakes in the region and an average of six to ten annual quakes in South Carolina.
FAQ Section
What magnitudes were recorded for the earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The recorded earthquakes had magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3, with the largest being 3.
When did the earthquakes occur?
The earthquakes were detected between 12:17 a.m. and 3:59 a.m. on August 24, 2025.
Were there any injuries or damage reported?
No injuries or significant damage have been reported as a result of the earthquake activity.
How frequently do earthquakes occur in South Carolina?
South Carolina typically experiences between six and ten earthquakes per year.
What caused the recent seismic activity?
The earthquakes are likely linked to the reactivation of a fault line associated with the geological history of the Appalachian Mountains.
Chart of Recent Earthquake Activity
| Date | Time (EDT) | Magnitude | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 24, 2025 | 12:17 a.m. | 2.9 | Greenwood County |
| August 24, 2025 | 12:23 a.m. | 3.0 | Greenwood County |
| August 21, 2025 | Varied | 2.0 | Greenwood County |
| August 20, 2025 | Varied | 1.7 | Greenwood County |
| August 19, 2025 | Varied | 2.2 | Greenwood County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood County, South Carolina Shaken by Early Morning Earthquakes
Recent Earthquake Series Hits Greenwood County
Greenwood County Detects Minor Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Small Earthquakes
Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WYFF News 4
- Google Search: Earthquake in South Carolina
- WXII 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WSPA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seismology
- ABC News 4
- Google News: South Carolina earthquakes
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
