Another Earthquake Rocks Dorchester County: Could Charleston Be at Risk?
The ground beneath Summerville has shaken once again, marking the fifth earthquake in Dorchester County since the beginning of February. Just after 3:50 a.m., residents near the intersection of Ashley River and Dogwood Ridge Roads felt a minor tremor, measured at 1.8 magnitude and roughly three miles underground. While small, this latest quake adds to a growing cluster of seismic activity that has residents and experts paying closer attention to the region.
South Carolina may not sit on the edge of a tectonic plate like California, but earthquakes here are far from unheard of. Most quakes occur within the North American plate itself, triggered by stresses far from the plate’s boundaries or by ancient faults reactivating after centuries of dormancy. The Summerville area is no stranger to this, lying near the so-called Summerville Fault, a geologic feature possibly linked to the infamous 1886 Charleston earthquake—the strongest quake ever recorded on the Eastern Seaboard. That historic tremor, at magnitude 7.6, destroyed much of Charleston’s brick buildings, killed dozens and was felt across millions of square miles.
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Even smaller earthquakes today can carry hidden risks, especially in areas built on filled tidal wetlands. Much of Charleston’s development sits on soft, sandy soil prone to liquefaction. This is a phenomenon where strong shaking causes the ground to behave like a liquid, weakening foundations and allowing structures to sink. Experts point out that while current tremors are minor, a stronger quake—say magnitude 5 or 6—could trigger localized subsidence, worsening flooding in the city’s lowest areas. Similar effects were seen in New Zealand after the Christchurch quakes a decade ago, when liquefied soil had to be removed, inadvertently lowering the ground and increasing flood risks.
Modern construction is more resilient, but historic buildings still carry vulnerabilities. Over a century after the 1886 disaster, some older walls and foundations remain structurally compromised, hidden beneath layers of plaster and paint. Even moderate shaking could reactivate weaknesses, causing damage in structures that have long appeared sound.
State officials stress that predicting when or where the next major quake will strike is impossible. Clusters of smaller quakes don’t necessarily relieve stress along a fault or reduce the chance of a larger event. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, sign up for seismic alerts and understand the particular risks associated with their neighborhoods. For Charleston and its surrounding communities, being aware of the ground beneath your feet isn’t just academic—it’s a practical safety measure.
Stay with us for continuous updates as geologists monitor the Lowcountry’s shifting earth and remain alert to seismic activity that could have lasting consequences for South Carolina’s historic coast.
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