Earthquake Felt Across Florida in 2006

On September 10, 2006, a strong earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico was felt across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

The quake struck at 10:56 AM EDT, about 250 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Florida. Early estimates placed it at magnitude 6.0, but later analysis confirmed it at 5.8.

No damage or injuries were reported, but many residents across the region felt the shaking.

Why This Earthquake Was Unusual

Most earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries. This event did not.

It formed deep beneath the Gulf of Mexico as a midplate earthquake. Scientists believe internal stress within the Earth’s crust caused it.

This type of activity is rare in the eastern Gulf region.

Recent Earthquake Activity in the Gulf of Mexico

This was the largest earthquake recorded in the eastern Gulf of Mexico in over 30 years.

A smaller magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred in the same area earlier in 2006.

Was There a Tsunami Risk?

Earthquakes of this size and location rarely generate tsunamis.

No tsunami was produced by this event.

Official Earthquake Data

Region: Gulf of Mexico

Coordinates: 26.339°N, 86.568°W

Magnitude: 5.8 Mw

Depth: 10 km

Date: September 10, 2006

Time: 10:56 AM EDT

Distance: ~250 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Florida