4.1 Quake Hits Mount Taylor Area

Above, the blue dot marks where Jamestown is located.

Yesterday morning, while at my desk doing some blogging, I thought I felt a slight shaking sensation. That only lasted seconds before I dismissed it.

Later, I discovered that there was a 4.1 earthquake centered near Mount Taylor which is about 21 miles from Grants. 

Since Grants is about 44 miles from Jamestown, that is likely why the shaker was light. It was non-concerning since it was so light because, after all, I've experienced much worse with the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 being the most intense.

I go to Grants on occasion for doctor appointments or to Loeffler's Guns Etc.

Historically, the Grants area is known for volcanic activity, especially from Mount Taylor. There are lava formations along Interestate 40 just east of Grants.

I guess it was making this ex-Californian feel right at home.

3.8 Tremor Near Grants, New Mexico

USGS map.

Grants, New Mexico is about 35 miles east of Jamestown. It sustained an earthquake last evening.

From KRQE:

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – An earthquake was reported in New Mexico around 7 p.m. It was recorded as a 3.8 magnitude.

According to the US Geological Survey, an earthquake took place near Mount Taylor. A map coordinator showed the location is just over 20 miles northeast of Grants.

I had just gotten home about 45 minutes earlier, but I felt no shaking. 

Above, lava (right) as seen near Grants off Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Grants area has a history of volcanic activity with lava fields to east and south of town (from what I could see from Interstate 40). I guess this means that the faults are still active. 

To read more, go here. 

Grants Interstate 40 Lava

On the way back from Albuquerque yesterday, as I was approaching Grants, I took a couple of quick snapshots of the lava alongside of Interstate 40.

I had mentioned that the area around Grants, New Mexico was once volcanic. Mount Taylor, near Grants, was once an active volcano.

According to Wilipedia:

Mount Taylor is a dormant stratovolcano in northwest New Mexico, northeast of the town of Grants. It is the high point of the San Mateo Mountains and the highest point in the Cibola National Forest. It was named in 1849 for then president Zachary Taylor.

Here's the photos: