Multiple Earthquakes Rattle Nevada Near Historic Nuclear Test Site

A series of small but notable earthquakes struck near a former U.S. nuclear weapons testing site on Thursday morning, sending tremors across parts of Nevada and raising fresh concerns about seismic activity in one of the most geologically dynamic regions of the country.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 3.3 earthquake hit around 9:52 a.m. ET, centered approximately 14 miles northeast of Nellis Air Force Base. Located just outside Las Vegas, Nellis is part of the same protected zone that includes the infamous Area 51, long shrouded in secrecy and conspiracy theories. The initial quake was followed by two smaller aftershocks within minutes.

Though there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage, residents as far away as North Las Vegas reported feeling the ground shake. The quakes struck along the California Wash Fault, a segment of the Basin and Range Province—a vast geological region characterized by frequent faulting and crustal stretching that spans much of the western United States.

Nellis Air Force Base holds a unique place in American history as a site where nuclear weapons were once tested above ground during the 1950s and 1960s. Later, testing was moved underground until being discontinued in 1992. The area remains closely monitored due to its historical significance and geological activity.

Nevada ranks as the third most seismically active state in the U.S., trailing only California and Alaska. While Thursday’s tremors were relatively minor, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing tectonic movement beneath the surface—and the unpredictable nature of seismic events in this part of the country.

As scientists continue to monitor the situation, residents are encouraged to remain aware of emergency procedures and updates from local authorities in the event of further seismic activity.

Source: Daily Mail