Two small earthquakes were recorded in Arkansas within a period of 5 days, according to information reported through the U.S. Geological Survey.
The first earthquake occurred near Blytheville on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:53 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
The USGS reported the earthquake measured 1.9 magnitude and was centered approximately 1 kilometer west of Blytheville. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 11 kilometers, or about 6.8 miles, beneath the surface.
The magnitude type was listed as MD, or duration magnitude, and the event was later reviewed by a seismologist.
No members of the public submitted reports indicating they felt the Blytheville earthquake.
Five days later, a second small earthquake was recorded near Marked Tree on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The Marked Tree earthquake measured 1.8 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 5 kilometers, or about 3.1 miles, underground.
The two earthquakes occurred in separate Arkansas communities. Blytheville is located in Mississippi County, while Marked Tree is located in Poinsett County.
Blytheville Earthquake Details
The July 13 Blytheville earthquake was recorded with the following information:
Magnitude: 1.9
Location: 1 kilometer west of Blytheville
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Local Time: 1:53 p.m. CDT
UTC Time: 6:53 p.m.
Depth: 11 kilometers
Magnitude Type: MD
USGS Status: Reviewed by a seismologist
Public Reports: 0
Marked Tree Earthquake Details
The second earthquake was recorded near Marked Tree five days after the Blytheville tremor.
Magnitude: 1.8
Location: Near Marked Tree
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Depth: 5 kilometers
Reports of injuries or damage: None
Earthquakes below magnitude 2.5 are commonly too small to be felt by most people, although they are routinely detected by seismic monitoring equipment.
Arkansas Continues to Experience Minor Seismic Activity
Both earthquakes occurred in an area influenced by the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which stretches across portions of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.
The New Madrid region remains one of the most active seismic areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Although small earthquakes occur regularly, they do not necessarily indicate that a larger earthquake is imminent.
Scientists continue to monitor seismic activity throughout Arkansas using data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and other monitoring agencies.
There have been no reports of injuries or property damage associated with either earthquake.
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