On Monday, Texas experienced a series of earthquakes in the span of just three hours.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded three tremors in the western part of the state.
The largest of these was a 3.6 magnitude quake that struck about 35 miles south of Whites City, New Mexico.
Two smaller quakes followed, registering magnitudes of 2.7 and 2.8.
These quakes came just a day after a more powerful 5.4 magnitude tremor rocked the same area on Sunday night.
This larger tremor was followed by two smaller aftershocks, each measuring 2.9 in magnitude.
The USGS has warned that additional seismic activity may occur over the next week.
Aftershocks Likely Linked to Previous Tremor
Monday’s seismic activity is believed to be aftershocks from the powerful earthquake that struck on Sunday night.
Texas, well known for its extensive fracking activities, has experienced several tremors in recent years, and experts suggest that these could be linked to fracking practices, particularly wastewater disposal.
Fracking itself is not typically the direct cause of earthquakes, but the disposal of wastewater produced during the process has been known to trigger seismic activity.
A 2022 study from the University of Texas at Austin found that 68 percent of earthquakes above a magnitude of 1.5 in Texas were highly associated with oil and gas production.
How Fracking Could Be Contributing to Earthquakes
Dr. Alexandros Savvaidis, an expert on the subject, explained that increased drilling could lead to more seismic activity in the state.
“Deep injection wells, in particular, are linked to higher-magnitude earthquakes,” Savvaidis stated.
“Shallower injections, however, seem to pose less risk when it comes to major seismic events.”
The 3.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday occurred at the same epicenter as Sunday’s 5.4 magnitude quake.
The smaller tremors were recorded to the northeast, near the New Mexico border.
On Sunday, the earthquake was strong enough to be felt as far as 200 miles from the epicenter, with locals in El Paso sharing videos of the shaking streets.
Thankfully, no fatalities or major damage have been reported, although more than 1,500 people reported feeling the tremor.
Impact of Earthquakes on Local Communities
The earthquakes’ intensity was enough to be felt across a wide area, but Monday’s tremors were less intense, with only a few people reporting their experience.
According to an assessment by Michigan Tech University, quakes of magnitude 2.5 or less typically go unnoticed by most people.
Quakes between magnitudes 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt but rarely cause significant damage.
The seismic activity over the past 24 hours appears to have been concentrated in West Texas, a region where fracking activities are common.
Experts have pointed to the practice of deep injection of oil field wastewater, known as saltwater disposal, as being strongly linked to the increase in earthquakes and their intensity in recent years.
Fracking and Earthquakes: A Growing Concern
Peter Hennings, a research professor at The University of Texas’s Bureau of Economic Geology, highlighted the connection between fracking wastewater disposal and increased seismic activity.
“The practice of deep injection has the strongest tie to both the frequency of earthquakes and the stronger quakes observed in recent years,” Hennings said.
While fracking-induced earthquakes weren’t officially recognized until 2015, scientists from Southern Methodist University discovered a link between fracking and seismic activity much earlier.
A study examining data from November 2013 to January 2014 found 27 earthquakes of magnitude 2 or higher in the Azle area, which is known for fracking activities.
Geophysicist Matthew Hornbach stated that the timing and location of these quakes aligned perfectly with drilling and wastewater injection activities.
Texas Earthquakes in Historical Context
The strongest earthquake ever recorded in Texas occurred on August 16, 1931, when a 6.0 magnitude quake hit Valentine, Jeff Davis County.
This series of tremors shook the area for hours, with some lasting as long as 72 seconds. The tremors were felt as far as 200 miles away, from Taylor near Austin to San Antonio.
More recently, West Texas experienced a 5.0 magnitude earthquake in February 2025, near the border of Culberson and Reeves counties.
The USGS reported that around 950,000 people felt weak to light shaking during that event.
What’s Next?
As Texas continues to experience seismic activity, particularly in regions involved in fracking, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation.
While no major damage has been reported from Monday’s quakes, the potential for future tremors remains high, especially in areas where wastewater disposal is a key part of the oil and gas industry.
