Earthquake is a term used to describe both sudden slip on a fault and the resulting ground shaking and radiated seismic energy caused by the slip, or by volcanic or magmatic activity, or other sudden stress changes in the earth (USGS).
In the Upstate Region, there have been 70 earthquakes. There have only been 4 earthquakes over 2 on the Richter scale since 1986. None have caused any significant damage and were not noticed by residents.
The probability of earthquakes is very low. There have been only three epicenters in the region, over many years. Since 1698, there have only been two major earthquakes originating from the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone.
Download the complete Earthquake guide as a pdf in English.