Quake Rattles Portions of North Central Oklahoma

An earthquake has rattled part of north central Oklahoma.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 3.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 12:32 p.m. Sunday about five miles northwest of Yale in Payne County. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of less than six miles.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Geologists say damage is not likely in earthquakes below magnitude 4.0 and that earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 are the smallest that can be felt by humans.

The number of magnitude 3.0 or greater earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma, from a few dozen in 2012 to more than 900 last year.

Scientists link the increase to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production and state regulators have asked producers to reduce wastewater disposal volumes.

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