Context:

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.1 occurred on Saturday morning, with its epicenter located approximately 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee. The tremor was felt as far as Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, N.C., although only minor damage was reported near the epicenter. The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, where the quake occurred, is known for minor earthquakes but not major tremors. The last significant earthquake in the area was in 2018, with a magnitude of 4.4. Residents shared their experiences on social media, often humorously, as the earthquake caused minimal disruption aside from a few startled pets and overturned chairs.

Dive Deeper:

• The earthquake struck near Greenback, Tennessee, and was felt over a wide area, including Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Reports to the U.S. Geological Survey indicated light shaking, with only minor damage reported and no significant structural impacts.

• The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone is prone to minor earthquakes, but rarely experiences major tremors.

• Seismologists are reviewing data to confirm the earthquake's magnitude, which may be updated from the initial 4.1 reading.

• The last notable earthquake in the region was in 2018, with a magnitude of 4.4, which similarly caused little damage.

• Social media users reacted to the earthquake with humor, posting images and comments about the minimal effects, such as a single overturned chair.

• Descriptions from those near the epicenter likened the sound of the earthquake to an explosion, thunder, or a revving racecar.