Kansas Earthquakes

Exploring the Kansas Earthquake Surge

Kansas generally was considered low risk for felt earthquakes before 2013. But the U.S. Geological Survey reported 17 earthquakes of magnitude 2 or greater in 2013, predominantly in south-central Kansas.

The number jumped to more than 100 in 2014, including a magnitude 4.9 event on November 12 in Sumner County. The Sumner County quake was the most powerful earthquake in Kansas history to be recorded with modern instruments.

In response to this increase, the Kansas Legislature provided primary funding for the Kansas Geological Survey to install and operate a state seismic network to:

• provide enhanced sensitivity for recording lower-magnitude earthquakes across the state;
• pinpoint earthquake depths and epicenters;
• define zones of increased risk;
• guide installation of a permanent KGS statewide network;
• help guide future scientific and regulatory responses to the seismic activity; and
• gather background geologic data in areas with potential earthquake activity.

With additional equipment funded by the Kansas Corporation Commission and stations funded by the Consortium to Study Trends in Seismicity, KGS now operates more than 30 stations across the state. The KGS Seismic Network has produced significant new insights into earthquake activity within the state in Kansas. Data show the number of quakes dropping since the peak in 2015.