Earthquakes in Nevada

Earthquakes occur all over the world and most of them are too small to be felt by the average person. We all know California is a 'hot spot' for earthquakes; we see them on the news occasionally. When an earthquake hits an area that is not accustomed to earthquakes it can cause quite a stir, it the quake's aftermath.
Reno, Nevada is the 3rd most active earthquake zone in the United States(O'key.CNN). As recently as February 2008, an earthquake with a 6.0 richter scale rating hit the Reno area, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's information, wich comes out of Golden, Colorado(foxnews.com). This recent earthquake was felt by many residents and while some are used to the California-style quakes, others are quite concerned.

Severe damage was recorded after the February '08 earthquake in Nevada. It was not as severe as some in California, but when an area that is not accustomed to earthquakes is hit with one it can be more problematic for people. According to Fox News, several old historic buildings partially collasped, water mains ruptured, brick facades fell from buildings, cars were damaged, and many structure foundations were damaged. Some earthquake damage goes unseen, such as when a foundation is slightly damaged but shows no physical signs of damage. Later, if another 6.0 earthquake were to occur, it could be severely damaging to the already weakened structure.(quake.gov) As stated by CNN.com, "The USGS told CNN that reports from residents suggest that about 2 million residents felt the quake.". CNN.com also wrote, " Gov. Jim Gibbons toured the area and cited just three minor injuries.

"I think we were just blessed that Mother Nature struck when it did ... rather than some time later on when the people would be out and about and the sidewalks might have had more people on them when these structures came down," he told The Associated Press."
To see real-time earthquake data you can go to: http://www.quake.usgs.gov/recent/index

This site is fully interactive and one can check anywhere in the country to find out where earthquakes hit and how serious they were.
With natural events such as these, we must always remember that we are not the ones in charge. The Planet will, in the end, have the final say. The Earth systems the geologically affect the planet are happening all of the time and we often forget that such things can happen.
It is important for all us of to remember that Mother Nature is the ruler on this planet and in the end, she will do what she wants.