Earthquake Risk in Tennessee
Tennessee's western region lies within the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Memphis faces significant seismic risk due to soft Mississippi River sediments that amplify ground shaking.
The largest earthquake recorded in Tennessee was a magnitude 4.4 12 km NNE of Decatur, Tennessee on December 12, 2018. Tennessee has 16 notable earthquakes on record since 2004, with the most recent being a M4.1 on May 10, 2025.
Notable Earthquakes
16
Recorded in or near Tennessee (since 2004)
Largest Earthquake
M4.4
12 km NNE of Decatur, Tennessee (Dec 2018)
Most Recent
M4.1
May 10, 2025
Notable Earthquakes
Significant earthquakes recorded in or near this state.
| Magnitude | Location | Depth | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.4 | 12 km NNE of Decatur, Tennessee | 7.9 km | Dec 12, 2018 |
| M4.2 | 5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas | 10.0 km | May 1, 2005 |
| M4.1 | 21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee | 25.4 km | May 10, 2025 |
| M4.1 | 3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas | 15.5 km | Feb 10, 2005 |
| M4.0 | 12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee | 15.0 km | Jun 2, 2005 |
| M3.8 | 6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee | 7.5 km | May 16, 2024 |
| M3.8 | 6 km NE of Etowah, Arkansas | 11.2 km | Dec 27, 2023 |
| M3.8 | 2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee | 34.8 km | Jan 20, 2020 |
| M3.7 | 2 km E of Steele, Missouri | 10.0 km | Nov 3, 2024 |
| M3.7 | 3 km ESE of Hot Springs, North Carolina | 7.9 km | Aug 25, 2005 |
| M3.7 | 12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee | 14.2 km | Apr 24, 2019 |
| M3.6 | 6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas | 16.6 km | Oct 15, 2017 |
| M3.6 | 4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri | 9.4 km | Jan 16, 2018 |
| M3.6 | 1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri | 10.4 km | Apr 2, 2015 |
| M3.5 | 9 km W of Henning, Tennessee | 12.7 km | Aug 25, 2015 |
| M3.5 | 10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee | 1.2 km | Jun 19, 2007 |
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