Last week one of the largest recorded earthquakes took place in Texas and it looks like folks want answers.

July 26, 2024 The Fifth Largest Recorded Earthquake in Texas History

Last week an earthquake originated in the town of Hermleigh, Texas. The earthquake has officially been named a 5.1 magnitude earthquake. Which according to WFAA in Dallas puts it in the top five all time. The largest recorded earthquake in Texas history took place August 16, 1931 near Fort Davis. It came in with a 6.5 magnitude.

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Texas Railroad Commission Investigating Recent Earthquake Activity

By the name, you would assume the Texas Railroad Commission is in charge of monitoring Texas railroads. They actually are the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liquefied petroleum gas industry, and surface coal and uranium mining. Since the area where the earthquake originated from is near oil and gas operations, the Texas Railroad Commission is seeing if this has anything to do with the earthquakes.

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Salt Water Triggers Earthquakes?

According to the Texas Railroad Commission, when pumping in the ground natural salt water comes out of the ground. This water is then injected back into the ground, which has been known to trigger earthquakes. Nowadays, companies are not supposed to inject the salt water back into the ground, but instead put it in a disposal well.

Texas Railroad Commission On Their Investigation

“RRC inspectors are out inspecting saltwater disposal wells within two and a half miles of the cluster of earthquakes this week and the RRC will evaluate next steps that can be taken to mitigate earthquakes. We’ll continue to take measures necessary to protect the environment and residents in the area.”

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We will wait and see if anything comes from this investigation.

Can You Pronounce ALL These Texas Towns Correctly?

Texas is home to 970 cities, 228 towns, and 23 villages if you can believe it. Some of them are harder to pronounce than others and even some Texans that have lived here their whole lives may be doing some of these wrong. So let's make sure you don't look like an idiot on your next road trip through our great state.

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Texas Counties With the Most High School Dropouts

This is based on the percentage of the population over the age of 25 without their high school diploma. If you would like to see where your Texas county ranks on the list. You can check that out here. Below are the top ten highest percentages in Texas.

Gallery Credit: Stryker

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