Mine Collapse, Not Earthquake, Shook Tuscaloosa County

0:00Here's more Birmingham news from March 21st. The US Geological Survey confirmed that a shake felt in Tuscaloosa County on Friday was actually a mine collapse, not an earthquake. It measured magnitude 2.2, a minor event that most folks wouldn't notice. Experts reviewed the seismic data and found patterns matching underground mining activity. Tuscaloosa County has a deep history of coal operations below ground. No injuries came from the collapse, and authorities say it caused no major issues. People in the area likely felt little to nothing. Earlier this year, a real 2.3 magnitude quake hit Winston County. Alabama falls in the Southern Appalachian seismic zone, which runs along the mountains in Sparks occasional tremors. The state's biggest recorded shaker was magnitude 5.1 in northern Shelby County back in 1916. Distinguishing these events keeps everyone informed and safe.