Geologic evidence for recurrent moderate to large earthquakes near Charleston, South Carolina

Stephen F. Obermeier; Gregory Gohn; Robert E. Weems; R. L. Gelinas; Meyer Rubin

doi:10.1126/science.227.4685.408

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Geologic evidence for recurrent moderate to large earthquakes near Charleston, South Carolina

Stephen F. Obermeier·Gregory Gohn·Robert E. Weems·R. L. Gelinas·Meyer Rubin

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Abstract

Multiple generations of earthquake-induced sand blows in Quaternary sediments and soils near Charleston, South Carolina, are evidence of recurrent moderate to large earthquakes in that area. The large 1886 earthquake, the only historic earthquake known to have produced sand blows at Charleston, probably caused the youngest observed blows. Older (late Quaternary) sand blows in the Charleston area indicate at least two prehistoric earthquakes with shaking severities comparable to the 1886 event.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 32.64023784340705° to 33.05374758564791° latitude; -80.23766840980811° to -79.68626154183539° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Stephen F. Obermeier, Gregory Gohn, Robert E. Weems, R. L. Gelinas, Meyer Rubin. 1985. Geologic evidence for recurrent moderate to large earthquakes near Charleston, South Carolina. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.227.4685.408

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