Irmo, South Carolina, February 18, 2026
A minor seismic event measuring 1.8 on the Moment Magnitude Scale was registered near Irmo, South Carolina, on Monday evening. This microearthquake was unlikely to have been felt by residents, as such small earthquakes are generally recorded by sensitive seismic instruments and rarely cause damage. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the event, adding that South Carolina records between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, with only 2 to 5 typically felt by the populace each year.
Irmo, South Carolina – A minor seismic event registered as a 1.8 magnitude earthquake occurred near Irmo, South Carolina, on Monday evening, according to reports from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This small tremor, a type often referred to as a microearthquake, was unlikely to have been widely felt by residents and no damage or injuries have been reported.
Understanding the Tremor
An earthquake of 1.8 magnitude falls into the category of events typically recorded by sensitive seismic instruments but is generally not felt by people. These types of small earthquakes, known as microearthquakes, are quite common globally. For context, thousands of earthquakes measuring 2.0 magnitude or less happen daily across the world.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the federal agency responsible for monitoring and reporting earthquake activity across the Nationwide, confirmed the event. The USGS operates an extensive network of seismic sensors, part of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS), which continuously monitors seismic activity and provides real-time data. The agency’s Earthquake Hazards Program works to improve hazard identification, risk assessment, and understanding of earthquake occurrences and their consequences.
Seismic Activity in South Carolina
While often not associated with frequent seismic activity, South Carolina does experience earthquakes, and it is considered one of the more seismically active states east of the Mississippi River. On average, the state records between 10 to 20 earthquakes annually. Of these, only about 2 to 5 earthquakes are typically felt by residents each year. Most of these events are minor, generally registering below magnitude 3.0, and rarely cause significant damage.
The state’s seismic history is notably marked by the 1886 Charleston earthquake, which had a moment magnitude of 7.3. This historic event remains the largest and most powerful seismic occurrence in the southeastern United States, causing widespread devastation. Historically, about 70% of earthquakes in South Carolina occur in the Coastal Plain, with specific clusters identified around areas such as Ravenel-Adams Run-Hollywood, Middleton-Place-Summerville, and Bowman. Seismological understanding suggests that regions that have experienced earthquakes in the past are prone to future seismic activity.
The Moment Magnitude Scale
Earthquakes are measured using scales that quantify the energy released. The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is the current standard used by seismological authorities globally, including the USGS, for reporting earthquake sizes, especially for larger events. This scale was developed to provide a more accurate representation of an earthquake’s total energy release compared to older scales like the Richter scale, particularly for significant seismic events.
The Moment Magnitude Scale is a logarithmic scale. This means that each whole number increase on the scale signifies a substantial increase in the energy released by the earthquake—specifically, approximately 32 times more energy than the preceding whole number. The calculation of moment magnitude considers various factors related to the earthquake’s source, such as the area of the fault that ruptured and the amount of slip that occurred along that fault. While other scales may be used for very small quakes, the Moment Magnitude Scale is considered authoritative for events typically measuring above 3.5 magnitude.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the magnitude of the earthquake near Irmo, South Carolina?
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Irmo, South Carolina.
When did the earthquake near Irmo, South Carolina, occur?
The earthquake near Irmo, South Carolina, occurred on Monday evening.
Was the earthquake near Irmo, South Carolina, felt by residents?
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake is generally not felt by people, but it is recorded by local seismographs. Therefore, it was unlikely to have been widely felt.
What is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and what is its role?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the federal agency responsible for recording and reporting earthquake activity Nationwide. It monitors seismic activity, assesses earthquake impacts and hazards, and conducts research to improve hazard identification, risk assessment, and understanding of earthquake occurrences and their effects.
How common are earthquakes in South Carolina?
South Carolina records approximately 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, with 2 to 5 of these typically felt by people each year.
What is the Moment Magnitude Scale?
The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is the standard scale used by seismological authorities like the USGS for reporting earthquake sizes. It provides a more accurate measure of an earthquake’s total energy released, especially for larger events. Each whole number increase on this logarithmic scale represents approximately 32 times more energy released.
Key Features of the Irmo Earthquake and Local Seismic Activity
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake Location | Near Irmo, South Carolina | Local |
| Earthquake Magnitude | 1.8 on the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) | Local |
| Date of Occurrence | Monday evening | Local |
| Impact/Effects | Generally not felt by people; no reported damage or injuries | Local |
| Reporting Agency | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | Nationwide |
| Earthquake Classification | Microearthquake | Global |
| Annual Earthquakes in SC | 10 to 20 recorded annually | State-level |
| Felt Earthquakes in SC | 2 to 5 felt annually | State-level |
| Dominant SC Seismic Zone | Coastal Plain (Ravenel-Adams Run-Hollywood, Middleton-Place-Summerville, Bowman) | State-level |
| Largest Historical SC Earthquake | 1886 Charleston earthquake (Mw 7.3) | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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