U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GELOLGICAL SURVEY

Earthquakes in South Carolina and Vicinity 1698–2009

Compiled by Richard L. Dart1, Pradeep Talwani2, and Donald Stevenson2

2010

This map summarizes more than 300 years of South Carolina earthquake history. It is one in a series of 

three similar State earthquake history maps (Tarr and Wheeler, 2006; Dart and Hansen, 2008). The current 

map and the previous two for Virginia and Ohio are accessible at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1017/

and http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1221/. All three State earthquake maps were collaborative efforts 

between the U.S. Geological Survey and respective State agencies. Work on the South Carolina map 

was done in collaboration with the Department of Geological Sciences, University of South Carolina.

As with the two previous maps, the history of South Carolina earthquakes was derived from letters, 

journals, diaries, newspaper accounts, academic journal articles, and, beginning in the early 20th 

century, instrumental recordings (seismograms). All historical (preinstrumental) earthquakes that were 

large enough to be felt have been located based on felt reports. Some of these events caused damage 

to buildings and their contents. The more recent widespread use of seismographs has allowed many 

smaller earthquakes, previously undetected, to be recorded and accurately located. The seismicity map 

(center right) shows historically located and instrumentally recorded earthquakes in and near South 

Carolina.

EARTHQUAKES

 Earthquakes occur as a result of slip on faults, typically many kilometers underground, and most 

earthquakes occur along the boundaries of moving crustal plates. South Carolina is within the North 

American plate. The nearest plate boundary is approximately 2,000 kilometers southeast of South 

Carolina near Puerto Rico, where the North American and Caribbean plates join. Usually it is not 

possible to determine exactly which faults cause earthquakes. Accordingly, the most direct indicators 

of earthquake hazards are the earthquakes themselves, not the faults on which they occur or the motions 

of crustal plates. Although South Carolina has experienced large earthquakes in the past, no known 

seismogenic faults have been mapped at the ground surface within the State.

Before earthquakes were instrumentally recorded, locations were estimated, typically within a few tens 

of kilometers of the actual ground-surface location (epicenter). Even with modern instrumentation, 

however, earthquake locations within the Earth are only approximations, usually within several 

kilometers of their actual subsurface locations (hypocenter). However, in areas where seismic networks 

of closely spaced recording instruments exist, earthquakes can be more accurately located. Despite 

location uncertainties, it is certain that earthquakes have occurred in most parts of South Carolina during 

the last 300 years. Plotted on the large State map (center right) are earthquake epicenter locations.

An earthquake’s magnitude (M) and intensity are measures of its size and the severity of ground shaking 

experienced, respectively. Although earthquake size is characterized by a single number, intensity is 

expressed as a range of values based on varying levels of ground shaking over the affected (felt) 

area. Typically, ground shaking will decrease from a maximum near the earthquake’s epicenter to its 

lowest levels near the edge of the felt area. Intensity values are determined from the Modified Mercalli 

Intensity Scale (far lower right) based on written accounts (letters, journals, and diaries) and published 

records (newspapers and official reports) of the effects of ground shaking on people, buildings, and the 

landscape. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale consists of a range of values from I, barely felt 

or not felt, to XII, total destruction. 

Isoseismal maps show the distribution of intensity values and the general pattern of decreasing intensity 

away from an earthquake’s epicenter. Isoseismal maps also illustrate how different ground conditions 

can affect ground shaking resulting in intensity patterns that may be more irregular than expected. Two 

isoseismal maps for South Carolina earthquakes are shown (far lower right).

An earthquake’s magnitude reflects the total energy released as seismic waves. There are several 

methods to measure earthquake magnitude. The first and most frequently cited is the “Richter scale.” 

The different measuring methods can give slightly different magnitude values for the same earthquake. 

As a result, differences of several tenths of a magnitude may be reported. From intensity values recorded 

at the time of the earthquake or shortly after, the magnitudes of preinstrumental earthquakes can be 

estimated. The earthquake location symbols on the large State map (center right) represent the best 

estimates of location and magnitude for both preinstrumental and instrumental earthquakes. These data 

were compiled from several earthquake catalogs.

EASTERN U.S. EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes are less common east of the Rocky Mountains than in Pacific Coast States, such as 

California. However, because of differences in crustal properties, an Eastern U. S. earthquake of the 

same magnitude as a West Coast earthquake can affect a much larger area. A magnitude 4 Eastern U.S. 

earthquake typically can be felt 100 km (60 mi) from where it occurred where it may cause minor 

damage. A magnitude 5.5 Eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt 500 km (300 mi) from where it 

occurred and sometimes causes damage as far away as 40 km (25 mi).

EARTHQUAKES IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND VICINITY

The largest historic earthquake in South Carolina occurred on August 31, 1886, at 9:51 p.m., local 

time. Referred to as the Charleston earthquake, this seismic event had an estimated maximum intensity 

(MMI) of X, with the first shock lasting 35 to 40 seconds. This initial shock was followed by a strong 

aftershock 8 minutes later and 6 more shocks over the next 24 hours. Most buildings in the city were 

damaged; many were totally destroyed killing an estimated 60 people. The Charleston earthquake was 

felt over a 30-State region, as well as in Cuba, Bermuda, and southeastern Canada. The affected area 

covered more than 5 million km2

 with damage being reported in Columbia, S.C., and in Augusta and 

Savannah, Ga. Additional strong aftershocks occurred on October 22 and November 5, 1886. The first 

of these aftershocks had an intensity VI at Charleston; the second had an intensity of VII at Summerville, 

S.C. (von Hake, 1976). The Charleston earthquake of 1886 is considered to be an intraplate earthquake. 

Other significant intraplate earthquakes have occurred in the Eastern and Central United States; among 

these are the Cape Ann, Mass., earthquake of 1755 and the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812 

(Stover and Coffman, 1993).

Subsequent to the Charleston earthquake of 1886, South Carolina has experienced other notable 

earthquakes. An intensity VI earthquake, centered on the South Carolina-Georgia border near Savannah, 

Ga., was felt on January 23, 1903. A moderate-size earthquake was felt in Charleston, Augusta, and 

Savannah on April 19, 1907, and an intensity VII event near Summerville occurred on June 12, 1912. 

An earthquake on January 1, 1913, in Union County, S.C., had an intensity of VI–VII, and an intensity 

V event in the Summerville area was felt on September 22, 1914. A strong earthquake of intensity V in 

Pickens County, S.C., affected a large area including parts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. 

An intensity IV–V earthquake near Lake Murray, west of Columbia, occurred on July 26, 1945. Minor 

damage was reported in the Charleston area from an intensity VI earthquake on November 19, 1952. 

Other moderately strong events in the Charleston area of intensity V or less occurred on August 3, 

1959, March 12, 1960, July 23, 1960, and October 23, 1967. The March 12, 1960, earthquake was 

located off the South Carolina coast (von Hake, 1976).

Other notable South Carolina earthquakes occurred on October 20, 1958 (intensity V), at Anderson, 

S.C.; October 26, 1959, at Chesterfield, S.C.; April 20, 1964 (intensity V) at Gaston and Jenkinsville, 

S.C.; May 19, 1971 (magnitude 3.4), near Bowman and Orangeburg, S.C.; and July 13, 1971 (intensity 

VI), in the western part of the State. The October 1959 and May 1971 events caused minor damage in 

the epicentral areas of these earthquakes (von Hake, 1976).

Because accurate epicentral coordinates cannot be determined for historical (preinstrumental) 

earthquakes, all preinstrumental earthquakes described as occurring in the Charleston-Summerville 

area of South Carolina are assigned an epicentral location of lat 32°N., long –80°W., a point between 

Charleston and Summerville.

In collaboration with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, the seismic first station, CSC, began operating on January 1, 

1931, at the University of South Carolina (USC), Columbia. Because of increasing urban noise, this three-component logperiod station was closed in September 1973. With funding from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated network monitoring in early 1973 with a reconnaissance field survey of the 1886 

Charleston earthquake meizoseismal region. Following this survey, the first 10 South Carolina Seismic Network (SCSN) 

stations were established in May 1974. In addition, complementary mini-networks were established to study reservoir induced seismicity (RIS) in the vicinity of Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee in 1975 and the Monticello Reservoir in 1977, 

and seismic safety issues at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in 1976. The Lake Keowee and 

Monticello Reservoir mini-networks were eventually incorporated into the SCSN. These two lake mini-networks operated 

until January 2003 and December 2006, respectively. The SRS mini-network continues to operate.

USGS operation of the SCSN provided detailed seismic data allowing for the first comprehensive earthquake studies of the 

State, with particular interest in the Charleston area regional tectonic setting. In conjunction with the USGS operation of 

the SCSN, USC operated the RIS mini-networks. Analysis of these data led to the identification and description of various 

seismic sources within the State. SCSN’s initial recording hub at USC was supplemented in 1977 by a secondary hub at 

Charleston Southern University (CSU) in Summerville. The SCSN began digitally recording incoming analog field data 

in 1987. The number of SCSN stations and their configuration varied over time with a maximum of 32. Due to a lack of 

NRC funding support in 1991, SCSN network operations were assumed by USC. The USGS provided operational support. 

 

In October 1998, the USGS initiated a new phase of cooperative seismic monitoring. Recording operations of both the 

Charleston Southern University and USC facilities were augmented with the installation of “Earthworm” (a PC-based, 

event-triggered and short-term continuous data recording system that utilized the Internet for data sharing). This new phase, 

part of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) for the Central and Southeast U.S. region, allowed data from the 

SCSN to be shared with networks at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) in Memphis, Tenn., and 

the USGS in Golden, Colo. It also gave USC the ability to import data from stations throughout the Southeast, thereby 

enhancing SCSN’s event detection and location capabilities. Identification of quarry-blasting activity, documentation of 

regional and teleseismic events, and locating and analyzing local earthquakes was part of the routine data processing. Improvements in this cooperative effort initiated in June 2004 the Quick Data Distribution System (QDDS), a USGS program 

for distributing earthquake data over the Internet. The SCSN monitored seismicity in coordination with the Cooperative 

Central and Southeast U.S. Integrated Seismic Network until September 30, 2004. 

 

SCSN’s CSU hub was abandoned in 2005, and efforts began to move it to the Dorchester County Emergency Management 

(DCEM) facility, located near CSU. This included installation of new antennas and telephone and radiometry links. In 2007 

the USGS terminated support for analog field stations and began the digital recording reconfiguration of the SCSN.

South Carolina Seismic Network

INTERNET EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION RESOURCES

Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS): http://www.ncedc.org/anss/catalog-search.html. Last accessed 

on September 1, 2009. Information on U.S. earthquakes.

Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI): http://www.ceri.memphis.edu/. Last accessed on 

September 1, 2009. Information on Central U.S. earthquakes.

Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI): http://www.eeri.org/site/. Last accessed on September 1, 

2009. Technical information on earthquakes.

National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER): 

http://folkworm.ceri.memphis.edu/catalogs/html/cat_nceer.html. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. Information on Central U.S. earthquakes.

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP): http://www.nehrp.gov/. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. Information on hazards risk reduction in the United States.

National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC/DNAG/NOAA): 

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/earthqk.shtml. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. Information on geo- physical data products and services.

National Hazards Center, a resource for information concerning science and policy aspects of disasters: 

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. Information on natural hazards.

University of South Carolina, South Carolina Seismic Network: 

http://scsn.seis.sc.edu/html/catalogue.html. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. This page is no longer 

maintained.

U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC), Preliminary Determination of Epicenters (PDE), Significant U.S. Earthquakes (SIGUS; Stover and Coffman, 1993), Significant Earthquakes 

in the U.S. catalog, and Eastern U.S. (EUS): http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/epic/epic_rect.html; and Earthquake 

Hazard Program: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/, call toll-free 1- 888- ASK- USGS. Last accessed on September 

1, 2009. Information on global earthquakes.

U.S. Geological Survey Nations Seismic Hazard Maps Project (NSHM):

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/hazmaps/products_data/48_States/index.php. Last accessed on September 1, 2009. Information on U.S. probabilistics maps and data.

Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory, Southeastern U.S. Earthquake Catalog (SEUS):

http://www.geol.vt.edu/outreach/vtso/. Last accessed on September 1, 2009.

EARTHQUAKE CATALOGS

Various institutions and agencies compile catalogs of earthquake data. Each uses different criteria 

in determining the catalog’s content. The earthquake locations shown on the map above were taken 

from several catalogs. To some extent, these catalogs cover overlapping time periods. An attempt 

has been made to locate and remove duplicate events. In the case of event duplication, the order of 

catalog preference, as listed, was generally applied: 

SIGUS, Significant Earthquakes in the U.S. (Stover and Coffman, 1993), 1568–1989

EUS, Eastern U.S., 1698–1986

SEUS, Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory Southeastern U.S. Earthquake Catalog, 1735–2006

NCEER, National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, 1627–1985

SCSN, South Carolina Seismic Network, 1987–2008

PDE, Preliminary Determination of Epicenters, 1973–2009

ANSS, Advanced National Seismic System, 1964–2009

All the catalogs used may contain mining-related and other types of non-earthquake events. Mining 

events are typically of small magnitude and may not be easily differentiated from small earthquakes 

(Street and others, 2002). An attempt was made to exclude non-earthquake events. 1

 U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 966,

Denver, CO 80225, U.S.A.

2 Department of Geological Sciences, University

of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, U.S.A.

NOTABLE SOUTH CAROLINA AND VICINITY EARTHQUAKES

MAGNITUDE > 4.0

 Yr Mo Day Lat (°N.) Long (°W.) Mag Catalog

 1817 01 08 32.9 -80.0 4.8CM SCSN

 1886 09 01 32.9 -80.0 7.0IM SCSN

 1886 10 22 32.9 -80.0 5.1CM SCSN

 1886 10 22 32.9 -80.0 5.7CM SCSN

 1886 11 05 32.9 -80.0 5.3CM SCSN

 1912 06 12 32.9 -80.0 4.8CM SCSN

 1913 01 01 34.7 -81.7 4.8CM SCSN

 1914 09 22 32.9 -80.0 4.2CM SCSN

 1924 10 20 35.0 -82.6 4.4CM SCSN

 1945 07 26 34.3 -81.4 4.4IM SCSN

 1957 11 24 35.0 -83.5 4.0 EUS

 1959 08 03 33.05 -80.13 4.4FG SCSN

 1959 10 27 34.5 -80.2 4.0CM SCSN

 1960 03 12 33.07 -80.12 4.0FG EUS

 1964 03 13 33.19 -83.31 4.4 EUS

 1972 02 03 33.31 -80.58 4.5NG SCSN

 1974 08 02 33.95 -82.5 4.3NG SCSN

 1974 11 22 32.93 -80.16 4.3NG SCSN

 1979 08 13 33.9 -82.54 4.1DG SCSN

 1980 04 09 34.85 -79.94 5.0 ANSS

 1992 08 21 32.99 -80.16 4.1NV SCSN

 2002 11 11 32.4 -79.94 4.4 ANSS

REFERENCES

Bollinger, G.A., and Stover, C.W., 1976, List of intensities for the Charleston 1886, South Carolina 

earthquake: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76–66, 33 p.

Crone, A.J., and Wheeler, R.L., 2000, Data for Quaternary faults, liquefaction features, and possible 

tectonic features in the Central and Eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountain front: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00–260, 332 p.

Dart, R.L., and Hansen, M.C., 2008, Earthquakes in Ohio and vicinity 1776–2007: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 2008–1221, poster.

Engdahl, E.R., 1988, Seismicity map of North America: The Decade of North American Geology 

(DNAG), Continent-Scale Map–004, scale 1:5,000,000, sheets 1–4.

ESRI, 1993, Digital Chart of the World for use with ARC/INFO, data dictionary: ESRI, Redlands, 

California.

Obermeier, S.F., Weems, R.E., and Jacobson, R.B. 1987, Earthquake-induced liquefaction features in 

the coastal South Carolina region: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 87–504.

Petersen, M.D., Frankel, A.D., Harmsen, S.C., Mueller, C.S., Haller, K.M., Wheeler, R.L., Wesson, 

R.L., Zeng, Yuehua, Boyd, O.S., Perkins, D.M., Luco, Nicolas, Field, E.H., Wills, C.J., and Rukstales, 

K.S., 2008, Documentation for the 2008 Update of the United States National Seismic Hazard Maps: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008–1128, 61p.

Stover, C.W., and Coffman, J.L., 1993, Seismicity of the United States earthquakes, 1568–1989 (Revised): U.S. Geologcal Survey Professional Paper 1527, p. 327–331.

Street, R.L., Bollinger, G.A., and Woolery, Edward, 2002, Blasting and other mining-related activities in Kentucky—A source of earthquake misidentification: Seismological Research Letters, v. 73, p. 

739–750.

Tarr, A.C., and Wheeler, R.L., 2006, Earthquakes in Virginia and vicinity 1774–2004: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 2006–1017, poster. 

von Hake, C.A., 1976, Earthquake history of South Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Information Bulletin, v. 8, no. 6, p. 34–38.

Wheeler, R.C., 2003, Tectonic summaries for web-served earthquake responses, southeastern North 

America: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03–343, 27 p.

Sand blow crater on Ten Mile Hill. The feature resulted from ground shaking associated with the Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake of August 31, 1886. It is Plate 20, U.S. Geological Survey Annual Report 9 

(1887-1888). Image source: USGS Photographic Library, /htmllib/batch05/batch05j/batch05z/hjk00010.jpg. 

Photo by C.C. Jones (September 1886).

Interpretative diagram of a sand blow crater and the liquefaction process (after Obermeier and others, 1987).

Author’s Note

The information presented here was derived from existing sources and 

earlier publications. Specifically, general information on earthquake occurence and seismic hazard came from Tarr and Wheeler, 2006. This 

downloadable report is available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1017/. 

Several additional publications provided detailed information on South 

Carolina earthquake history: (for example Stover and Coffman, 1993; 

Crone and Wheeler, 2000; and Wheeler, 2003).

SEISMIC HAZARD

Some level of seismic hazard from earthquake ground shaking exists in every part of the United States. 

The severity of the ground shaking, however, can vary greatly from place to place. Regional seismic 

hazard maps, like the one shown at right, illustrate this variation. The risk level shown on seismic hazard maps is based on a variety of factors, such as earthquake rate of occurrence, magnitude, extent of 

affected area, strength and pattern of ground shaking, and geologic setting.

Seismic hazard maps are tools for determining acceptable risk. As such, they are critical in helping 

save lives and preserve property by providing information essential in the creation and updating of the 

seismic design provisions of local building codes. Because most buildings and other structures in the 

Central United States were not built to withstand severe ground shaking, damage could be catastrophic 

in the event of a powerful earthquake. The work of seismic hazard scientists and engineers provides 

the groundwork for future urban environments that will be safer if large magnitude earthquakes occur. 

Additional applications of the information derived from these maps include setting insurance rates, 

estimating hillside stability and landslide potential, and estimating assistance funds needed for earthquake education and preparedness.

Seismic hazard maps are an estimation of how the ground in a particular area is likely to respond to 

local and regional earthquakes. They differ from isoseismal maps in that they are probability maps. 

Seismic hazard maps illustrate likely shaking levels, for example, 2-percent probability of what it will 

be over a stated time period (for example, 50 years). 

The seismic energy released during an earthquake radiates in all directions as waves. As the seismic 

waves move upward they are amplified or de-amplified as they travel through the sediment layer near 

the ground surface. Seismic wave amplification or de-amplification can significantly affect the way the 

ground shakes during an earthquake.

An additional factor in determining how the ground will respond during an earthquake is the frequency 

of shaking. As a seismic wave passes a given map location, the ground will vibrate. If ground vibration 

(oscillation) is rapid (short-period motion), the seismic wave’s energy will dissipate quickly and have 

a de-amplifying effect. Conversely, if the ground vibration is slow (long-period motion) the wave’s 

energy will dissipate less rapidly, yielding greater amplification.

A final factor in determining ground response to earthquake shaking is the strength of shaking. If 

ground shaking is particularly violent, sediments may break apart, thus preventing seismic waves from 

continuing to be transmitted through them. This would have the beneficial effect of limiting shaking. 

Such extreme shaking could, however, result in catastrophic ground failure.

The generalized seismic hazard map (right) is a computer generated contour map. It portrays seismic 

hazard calculated by the USGS as bands of color (cooler for less hazard, warmer for greater hazard). 

Shaking level is expressed as percentage of the acceleration of gravity (%g), and seismic hazard values 

are computed for particular time intervals (here, 50 years) and probability of exceedance (here, 2- percent). For example, the hazard value in Macon, Ga., is between 8%g and 10%g. That means a structure 

built on firm rock has 1 in 50 odds (2-percent probability) of undergoing ground shaking of 8–10%g

or higher in the next 50 years. In terms of shaking, the acceleration a person or object experiences is 

proportional to the force applied to it by the passing seismic wave.

SOUTH CAROLINA SEISMIC ZONES

Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone

The Middleton Place-Summerville seismic zone (MPSSZ) is the most active (nonreservoir induced) 

seismic source zone in the Coastal Plain. The largest earthquake in MPSSZ had a magnitude of 3.1 and 

was located at a depth of 10.3 km. The depth of earthquakes in MPSSZ ranged between 3 and 11 km. 

These events are associated with the N.30°W. oriented Sawmill Branch fault, based on their locations. 

Events near Summerville are associated with the N.23°E. trending Woodstock fault. The Ashley River 

fault is a third active fault in the area.

Induced Seismicity

Since its impoundment in 1978, the Monticello Reservoir (center left) has experienced several episodes 

of induced seismic activity. The reservoir serves as the cooling pond for the V.C. Summer Nuclear 

Power Station in Fairfield County, S.C. It is also the headwater for the Fairfield Pumped Storage facility. Seismic events associated with the reservoir typically have been shallow, less than 2.5 km, and of 

small magnitude, less than 2.5.

NEARBY SEISMIC ZONES

Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone (above right) is one of the most active earthquake areas in the 

Southeast United States. A few earthquakes located within this zone have caused property damage. 

The largest recorded earthquake (M4.6) occurred in 2003, near Fort Payne, Ala. (not shown). On average, felt earthquakes occur once a year in this zone. Seismographs, however, have recorded hundreds 

of smaller magnitude, unfelt earthquakes in recent decades. This zone contains many known faults, 

poorly determined at earthquake depths. Therefore, few, if any, earthquakes in the zone can be linked 

to any of these faults, to indicate that they are seismically active. 

Giles County Seismic Zone

Since at least 1828, earthquakes have been reported in the Giles County, Va., seismic zone. The largest 

known damaging earthquake (M5.6) in the zone occurred in 1897. Smaller earthquakes are felt or cause 

light damage approximately once or twice a decade (Tarr and Wheeler, 2006).

LIQUEFACTION FEATURES

As a result of strong ground shaking, liquefaction features often develop in the epicentral areas of large 

earthquakes. These ground-surface features form when buried liquefied sand, under pressure due to the 

shaking, vents upward, often in the form of sand and water geysers, known as sand blows. The resulting sand deposits are typically circular in shape and several meters in diameter. Over time these sand 

deposits can themselves become buried forming buried sand lenses. In regions having long seismic 

histories, paleoseismologists are sometimes able to excavate these buried liquefaction features and date 

the sequential histories of past large earthquakes, thereby determining their approximate recurrence 

intervals.

The zone of South Carolina liquefaction features extends along the Atlantic coast from Wilmington, 

N.C., to Savannah, Ga., approximately 50 km inland. This zone is divided into three adjoining areas 

named the Charleston, Bluffton, and Georgetown liquefaction features. The delineation of this liquefaction zone and its three inclusive areas of liquefaction are based on eyewitness reports of extensive 

liquefaction activity during the Charleston earthquake of 1866; analysis of prehistoric sand craters, 

sand blows, and sand fissures; and the recognition that these features were caused by strong ground 

shaking due to earthquakes. Detailed descriptions of these features can be found in “Quaternary Fault 

and Fold Database of the United States” 

(available at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/qfaults/).

ABBREVIATED MODIFIED MERCALLI 

INTENSITY SCALE

Expressed as Roman numerals, earthquake intensities are not 

instrumentally derived values; they are assigned values based on

descriptive reports of felt shaking and damage.

 I. Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable 

 conditions. 

 II. Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors 

 of buildings. 

 III. Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors, especially on upper 

 floors of buildings. Many people do not recognize it as an 

 earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Vibra- 

 tions similar to the passing of a truck. Duration estimated.

 IV. Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day. At 

 night, some awakened. Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; 

 walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck strik- 

 ing building. Standing motor cars rocked noticeably. 

 V. Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, 

 windows broken. Unstable objects overturned. Pendulum 

 clocks may stop. 

 VI. Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; 

 a few instances of fallen plaster. Damage slight. 

 VII. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construc- 

 tion; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; 

 considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed struc- 

 tures; some chimneys broken. 

VIII. Damage slight in specially designed structures; consider- 

 able damage in ordinary substantial buildings with partial 

 collapse. Damage great in poorly built structures. Fall of 

 chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls. 

 Heavy furniture overturned. 

 IX. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; 

 well-designed frame structures thrown out of plumb. Dam 

 age great in substantial buildings with partial collapse. 

 Buildings shifted off foundations.

 X. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry 

 and frame structures destroyed with foundations. Rails bent. 

 XI. Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges 

 destroyed. Rails bent greatly. 

 XII. Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects 

 thrown into the air.

NOTES ON THE ISOSEISMAL MAPS 

Isoseismal maps illustrate the level of ground shaking that occurred at various locations during a particular earthquake. The distributions of intensity values in South Carolina and vicinity for two earthquakes are shown on the isoseismal maps (right). These events are the September 1, 1886, maximum 

intensity X, magnitude 6.7, Charleston earthquake and the February 3, 1972, maximum intensity V, 

magnitude 4.5, earthquake. 

Contemporary accounts from newspapers of earthquake effects in cities and towns over a broad 

region were the sources of the intensity observations plotted on the isoseismal maps. The intensity 

observations are shown as color-coded circles. Each observation was assigned a Modified Mercalli 

Intensity (MMI) and the results were contoured. The mapped intensity values (integers) correspond 

to the Roman numeral values in the table (above). An observation coded “F” is a location where 

shaking was felt but no MMI value was assigned and “N” if source document indicated that the 

event was not felt. 

Contouring of the assigned intensity values, shown as circles on the maps (right), was computer 

generated using an inverse distance weighted algorithm. The assigned values are from Bollinger 

and Stover (1976) for the 1886 Charleston earthquake and the National Geophysical Data Center 

(NGDC, http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/hazard/int_srch.shtml.) for the 1972 earthquake.

Suggested citation:

Dart, R.L., Talwani, Pradeep, and Stevenson, Donald, 2010, Earthquakes 

in South Carolina and vicinity 1698–2009: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 2010–1059, 1 sheet.

The suggestions and illustrations included in this document are 

intended to improve earthquake awareness and preparedness; 

however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or 

structure. The contributors and sponsors of this publication do not 

assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, or other 

effects of an earthquake.

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive 

purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. 

Government. 

Although this information product, for the most part, is in the 

public domain, it also contains copyrighted materials as noted on 

the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items for other than 

personal use must be secured from the copyright owner.

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey Information Services

Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225

1-888-ASK-USGS

A PDF of this report is available at:

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1059

Prepared in cooperation with the

University of South Carolina and

the Department of Geological

Sciences

OPEN-FILE REPORT 2010-1059

Seismic hazard is expressed as

peak ground acceleration (PGA)

on firm rock, in percent g, expected

to be exceeded in a 50-year period

with a probability of 2 percent

86° 84° 82° 80° 78°

32°

34°

36°

38°

32°

34°

36°

38°

86° 84° 82° 80° 78°

Regional Seismic Hazard

SCALE 1:3,500,000

Geographic Projection

0 12.5 25 0 75 100 125

0 12.5 25 50 75 100 125

Kilometers

Miles

Data from Petersen and others, 2008

Base from U.S. Geological Survey National Elevation Dataset

 National Hydrologic Database, and Digital Chart of the World

 (ESRI, 1993)

Geographic projection, Datum: D North American 1983

EXPLANATION

%g (2%/50yrs)

120-160

80-120

60-80

50-60

40-50

30-40

20-30

18-20

16-18

14-16

12-14

10-12

8-10

6-8

4-6

2-4

0-2

ATLANTIC OCEAN

CHARLESTON

SAVANNAH

MACON

AUGUSTA

ATLANTA

GREENVILLE

CHATTANOOGA

KNOXVILLE

LOUISVILLE

LEXINGTON

CINCINNATI

ROANOKE

WINSTON-SALEM GREENSBORO

DURHAM

RALEIGH

FAYETTEVILLE

CHARLOTTE

COLUMBIA

SPARTANBURG

INDIANA

OHIO

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

GEORGIA

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA

WEST

VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

GILES COUNTY

SEISMIC ZONE

EASTERN TENNESSEE

SEISMIC ZONE

MIDDLETON PLACESUMMERVILLE

SEISMIC ZONE

CHARLESTON

MACON

AUGUSTA

GREENVILLE

CHARLOTTE

FAYETTEVILLE

COLUMBIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Distribution of intensity for the February 3, 1972, South Carolina, maximum intensity V, magnitude 4.5 earthquake

81°W

81°W

78°W

33°N 33°N

SCALE 1:3,000,000

Kilometers

Miles

0

0

15

15

30

30

60

60

90

90

120

120

150

150

Base from U.S. Geological Survey

 National Elevation Dataset, National

 Hydrologic Database, and Digital

 Chart of the World (ESRI, 1993)

Albers equal-area conic projection,

 standard parallels 29°30’00” and

 39°30’00”, central meridian -81°

 0’00”, latitude of origin 0°0’00”

CHARLESTON

MACON

AUGUSTA

GREENVILLE

CHARLOTTE

FAYETTEVILLE

COLUMBIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Distribution of intensity for the September 1, 1886, Charleston, South Carolina, maximum intensity X, magnitude 6.7 earthquake

81°W

81°W

78°W

33°N 33°N

SCALE 1:3,000,000

Kilometers

Miles

0

0

15

15

30

30

60

60

90

90

120

120

150

150

Base from U.S. Geological Survey

 National Elevation Dataset, National

 Hydrologic Database, and Digital

 Chart of the World (ESRI, 1993)

Albers equal-area conic projection,

 standard parallels 29°30’00” and

 39°30’00”, central meridian -81°

 0’00”, latitude of origin 0°0’00”

Isoseismal Maps

ATLANTIC OCEAN

EXPLANATION

Main shock

Urbanized area

MMI observations

Generalized MMI

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

AIKEN

HORRY

BURKE

BERKELEY

YORK

LEE

COLLETON

JASPER

CHARLESTON

ROBESON

UNION

MOORE

LAURENS

BEAUFORT

BLADEN

SUMTER

ORANGEBURG

OCONEE

LAURENS

FLORENCE

LEE

UNION

KERSHAW

ANSON

RICHLAND

BULLOCH

SCREVEN

EMANUEL

GEORGETOWN

COLUMBUS

FAIRFIELD

HOKE

DODGE

ANDERSON

GREENVILLE

WILKES

BRYAN

CHESTER

LEXINGTON

CHATHAM

HARNETT

WILLIAMSBURG

PICKENS

NEWBERRY

MARION

SALUDA

CHESTERFIELD

SPARTANBURG

TELFAIR

CLARENDON

HAMPTON

JACKSON

DILLON

MACON

BARNWELL

GREENE

ELBERT

STANLY

ABBEVILLE

JEFFERSON

SWAIN

WASHINGTON

CUMBERLAND

LIBERTY

LANCASTER

EDGEFIELD

RABUN

HANCOCK

TATTNALL

HART

POLK

JENKINS

TOOMBS

DORCHESTER

GASTON

MARLBORO

RICHMOND

DARLINGTON

RUTHERFORD

BAMBERG

EFFINGHAM

WILKINSON

CLEVELAND

CALHOUN

ROWAN

CHEROKEE

SAMPSON

MECKLENBURG

PUTNAM

HAYWOOD

ALLENDALE

GREENWOOD

LINCOLN

BUNCOMBE

CABARRUS

WARREN

MONTGOMERY

OGLETHORPE

WHEELER

TWIGGS

LONG

JOHNSON

APPLING

MCCORMICK

HENDERSON

MADISON

BALDWIN

COLUMBIA

RICHMOND

SCOTLAND

LINCOLN

EVANS

WILCOX

JOHNSTON

FRANKLIN

MCDUFFIE

CANDLER

TRANSYLVANIA

RANDOLPH

JEFF DAVIS

BLECKLEY

BANKS

MORGAN

TREUTLEN

CATAWBA CHATHAM

STEPHENS

JONES

BEN HILL

WAKE

OCONEE

TALIAFERRO

MCDOWELL

CLARKE

BURKE

IREDELL

MONTGOMERY

BRUNSWICK

JACKSON

GLASCOCK

PULASKI

HABERSHAM

DAVIDSON

COFFEE WAYNE

SEVIER

IRWIN

CLAY

PICKENS

HOKE

Iva

Rex

Ila

York

Ward

Troy

Ruby

Peak

Olar

Mayo

Lane

Irmo

Elko Cope

Clio

Wade

Waco

Vass

Troy

Star

Earl

Dunn

Kite

Ivey

Hull

Vance

Utica

Union

Ulmer

Tatum

Starr

Saxon

Salem

Perry North

Modoc

McBee

Lyman

Luray

Loris

Lodge

Latta

Lamar

Kline

Irwin

Inman

Hilda

Greer

Govan

Gantt

Elgin

Cayce

Aynor

Arial

Aiken

Tryon

Sylva

Orrum

JAARS

Erwin

Elrod

Coats

Clyde

Casar

Badin

Wrens

Tiger

Rhine

Rentz

Rayle

Nunez

Milan

McRae

Lyons

Evans

Comer

Canon

Camak

Avera

Alamo

Summit

Smyrna

Smoaks

Shiloh

Sharon

Seneca

Scotia

Santee

Salley

Quinby

Pelzer

Pelion

Parker

Oswego

Olanta

Norway

Norris

Neeses

Marion

Lugoff

Lowrys

Ladson

Judson

Joanna

Hodges

Gaston

Furman

Estill

Edisto

Easley

Dunean

Duncan

Dillon

Coward

Conway

Clover

Cheraw

Chapin

Camden

Burton

Bowman

Belton

Waxhaw

Wagram

Shelby

Saluda

Rosman

Raemon

Norman

Morven

Maxton

Marvin

Maiden

Lowell Locust Linden

Landis

Hamlet

Grover

Godwin

Gibson

Falcon

Etowah

Dublin

Denton

Dallas

Canton

Candor

Bostic Biscoe

Benson

Angier

Wadley

Uvalda

Toccoa

Siloam

Sardis

Rincon

Portal

Pooler

Oliver

Oconee

Midway

Maxeys

Martin

Helena

Harlem

Guyton

Gumlog

Graham

Gordon

Girard

Dudley Dublin

Dexter

Bowman

Blythe

Baxley

Bartow

Avalon

Alston

Adrian

Windsor

Wagener

Trenton Swansea Stuckey

Sellers

Roebuck

Rembert

Ravenel

Pomaria

Patrick

Pacolet

Oakland

Nichols

Newport

Mullins

Monetta

Meggett

Mauldin

Manning

Liberty

Lesslie

Landrum

Kershaw

Jackson

Hanahan

Hampton

Gilbert

Gifford

Gaffney

Fairfax

Elloree

Donalds

Denmark

Dalzell

Cowpens

Cordova

Clinton

Clemson

Chesnee

Central

Cameron

Buffalo

Brunson

Bradley

Bonneau

Bethune

Bamberg

Awendaw

Andrews

Woodfin

Wingate

Webster

Stedman

Stanley

Shannon

Rowland

Robbins

Rennert

Raynham

Raeford

Polkton

Parkton

Oakboro Norwood

Hoffman

Foxfire

Ellerbe

Cameron

Butters

Brevard

Bowmore

Belwood

Belmont

Vidette

Vidalia

Tignall

Royston

Pulaski

Norwood

Madison

Lavonia

Eastman

Dillard

Dearing

Collins

Colbert

Cochran Chester

Carlton

Cadwell

Yemassee

Woodruff

Woodford

Williams

Whitmire

Waterloo

Tega Cay

Sycamore

Socastee

Snelling

Six Mile

Scranton

Ridgeway

Richburg

Red Hill

Red Bank

Pinewood

Piedmont

Paxville

Pamplico

Pageland

Mulberry

Lockhart

Lakewood Johnston

Florence

Ehrhardt

Eastover

Due West

Coronaca

Columbia

Carlisle

Bluffton

Blenheim

Beaufort

Barnwell

Westport

Tar Heel

Spindale

Seagrove

Roseboro

Rockwell

Rockfish

Prospect

Pope AFB

Pembroke

Old Fort

Matthews

Marietta

McFarlan

McDonald

Lawndale

Gastonia

Franklin

Fletcher

Fairview

Fairmont

Eastover

Davidson

Clarkton

Cashiers

Carthage

Calabash

Broadway

Boardman

Aberdeen

Tennille

Soperton

Scotland Savannah

Register

Pembroke

Oak Park

Montrose

Midville

Manassas

McIntyre Hiltonia

Higgston

Harrison

Glenwood

Garfield

Deepstep

Danville

Commerce

Cobbtown

Chauncey

Woodfield

Williston

Wedgewood

Summerton

Stateburg

Rockville

Rock Hill

Riverview

Ridgeland

Reidville

Privateer

Princeton

Pendleton

Oak Grove

Northlake

Lynchburg

Lexington

Lancaster

Lake View

Lake City

Kingstree

Jefferson

Jamestown

Hollywood

Hemingway

Greenwood

Fort Mill

Fort Lawn

Cokesbury

Bucksport

Brookdale

Belvedere

Allendale

Abbeville

White Oak

Wadesboro

Swannanoa

Stanfield

Stallings

Salemburg

St. Pauls

Richfield

Polkville

Pineville

Pinehurst

Pinebluff

Peachland

Mint Hill

Lumberton

Light Oak

Lattimore

Lake Park

Lake Lure

Kingstown

Highlands

Flat Rock

Ellenboro

Dillsboro

Cullowhee

Cramerton

Cornelius

Charlotte

Chadbourn

Brunswick

Asheville

Albemarle

Woodville

Twin City

Toomsboro

Tarrytown

Stillmore

Stapleton

Newington

Keysville

Hephzibah

Gumbranch

Grovetown

Edge Hill

Davisboro

Allentown

Abbeville

Willington

Walterboro

Turbeville

Springdale

Seven Oaks

St. George

Rowesville

Ridgeville

Prosperity

Port Royal

Pine Ridge

Parksville

Orangeburg

Mayesville

McConnells

Livingston

Laurel Bay

Lake Wylie

Jonesville

India Hook

Honea Path

Holly Hill

Hartsville

Gray Court

Georgetown

Five Forks

Eutawville

Dentsville

Darlington

Cross Hill

Clearwater

Cherryvale

Charleston

Campobello

Burnettown

Blythewood

Blackville

Blacksburg

Antreville

Whiteville

White Lake

Weddington

Unionville

Taylortown

Tabor City

Rockingham

Plain View

New London

Mooresboro

Marshville

Lowesville Lillington

Lilesville

Laurinburg

Kannapolis

Hope Mills

Harrisburg

Fort Bragg

Fair Bluff

Enochville

Dundarrach

Bladenboro

Bent Creek

Autryville

Ansonville

Washington

Vernonburg

Summertown

Statesboro

Rocky Ford

Reidsville

Reed Creek

Mount Airy

Montgomery

Louisville

Hinesville

Hazlehurst

Glennville

Georgetown

Allenhurst

Williamston

West Pelzer

Westminster

Watts Mills

Ware Shoals

Summerville

Springfield

Shell Point

St. Stephen

St. Andrews

Reevesville

Powderville

Plum Branch

Inman Mills

Harleyville

Hardeeville

Great Falls

Goose Creek

Garden City

Forestbrook

Folly Beach

Eureka Mill

Clarks Hill

Branchville

Bishopville

West Canton

Valley Hill

Silver City

Seven Lakes

Royal Pines

Red Springs

Mount Holly

High Shoals

Forest City

Five Points

China Grove

Cerro Gordo

Bryson City

Avery Creek

Winterville

Union Point

Thunderbolt

Santa Claus

Riddleville

Lumber City

Garden City

Bowersville

Valley Falls

Timmonsville

South Sumter

Society Hill

Simpsonville

Silverstreet

Ridge Spring

New Ellenton

Myrtle Beach

Mount Carmel

Lowndesville

Little River

Lincolnville

Johnsonville

Greeleyville

Golden Grove

Fountain Inn

Edisto Beach

Cottageville

Chesterfield

Proctorville

Mount Gilead

Indian Trail

Huntersville

Chimney Rock

Wrightsville

White Plains

Watkinsville

Tybee Island

Jacksonville

Bloomingdale

Arnoldsville

Promised Land

Parris Island

North Augusta

Mount Croghan

Moncks Corner

Kiawah Island

Isle of Palms

Homeland Park

Hickory Grove

Heath Springs

Cane Savannah

Calhoun Falls

Rutherfordton

Mountain Home

Maggie Valley

Lumber Bridge

Walthourville

Richmond Hill

Mountain City

Travelers Rest

Surfside Beach

Southern Shops

South Congaree

Pawleys Island

Murrells Inlet

McClellanville

Lake Secession

Atlantic Beach

Spiveys Corner South Gastonia

Southern Pines

Sherrills Ford

Mount Pleasant

Kings Mountain

Granite Quarry

Ashley Heights

Tallulah Falls

Port Wentworth

Winnsboro Mills

Slater-Marietta

Seabrook Island

Murphys Estates

Little Mountain

Central Pacolet

Boiling Springs

Vann Crossroads

East Rockingham

East Laurinburg

Carolina Shores

Boiling Springs

Barker Ten Mile

Skidaway Island

North Hartsville

North Charleston

Whispering Pines

Franklin Springs

Wilkinson Heights

Sullivan's Island

Briarcliffe Acres

Patterson Springs

Wilmington Island

Hilton Head Island

Batesburg-Leesville

Lake Murray of Richland

Augusta-Richmond County

79°W

79°W

80°W

80°W

81°W

81°W

82°W

82°W

83°W

83°W

35°N 35°N

34°N 34°N

33°N 33°N

32°N 32°N

COLUMBIA

ATLANTIC OCEAN

SOUTH CAROLINA

GEORGIA

Earthquakes labeled by date; 

magnitudes > 3.5, are listed 

in the table (below, center).

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA

CHARLOTTE

FAYETTEVILLE

CHARLESTON

GREENVILLE

AUGUSTA

SAVANNAH

SPARTANBURG

ATHENS

GASTONIA

SUMTER

FLORENCE

KANNAPOLIS

MILLEDGEVILLE

ORANGEBURG

ANDERSON

ASHEVILLE

AIKEN

1924 1957

1960

1913

1964

1974

1979

1959

1974

1980

2002

1886

1914

1912

1817

1959

1974

MR07

MR01 MR10

MR05 JSC

MR02

COW

DRC

TWB

HBF

WAS

RGR

MGS

CSU/CSB

SVS

1972

1945

1992

EXPLANATION

Epicenters

Magnitudes

< 3.0

3.0–3.9

4.0–4.9

5.0–5.9

6.9–7.0

—Station name

Seismic network station

COW

Liquefaction zone

SALUDA—County name

Urbanized area

Summit—Town name

Base from U.S. Geological Survey National Elevation Dataset,

 National Hydologic Database, and Digital Chart of the World

 (ESRI, 1993)

Albers equal-area conic projection, standard parallels 30 ̊30 ́00 ̋

 and 35 ̊30 ́00 ̋, central merdian -81 ̊00 ́00 ̋, latitude of origin

 0 ̊00 ́00 ̋

SCALE 1:1,000,000

Albers Conic Equal-Area Projection

0

0 12.5 25 50 75 100 125

MILES

12.5 25 50 75 100 125

KILOMETERS

Monticello

Reservoir