Residents in central Oklahoma felt the ground shake early Sunday morning when a magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred near Sparks.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck around 3:17 a.m. local time on Sunday, roughly 8 kilometers southeast of Sparks, at a shallow depth of 2.3 kilometers. Tremors were recorded in Shawnee, Norman, and Oklahoma City, but no serious damage or injuries were confirmed.
The Oklahoma Geological Survey said more than 100 people reported experiencing the shaking, with the majority describing it as a brief but notable shock. Residents in Stillwater and Tulsa reported minor tremors.
While magnitude 3.7 earthquakes are often considered mild, their shallow depth makes them more noticeable. Scientists extensively study Oklahoma’s seismic activity because the state has a history of increased earthquake frequency due to wastewater injection from oil and gas operations.
Authorities warn residents to review basic earthquake safety precautions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” because even moderate quakes can cause structural damage in older structures or induce rockfalls in rural regions.
There have been no aftershocks detected as of Sunday morning, but geologists will continue to watch the area for seismic activity.
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