Seismic Swarm S20220117.1: Analysis of Activity Near Beatty, Nevada

A seismic swarm designated S20220117.1 was recorded 44 km east-southeast of Beatty, Nevada. The sequence began at 18:32 on 16 January 2022 and concluded at 09:19 on 19 January 2022, spanning 62 hours and 46 minutes. During this interval, 49 earthquakes were registered, with magnitudes ranging from -0.4 to 0.9 and focal depths predominantly between 6 and 7 km.

The temporal distribution showed peak activity on 17 January, including events at 01:38, 05:07, and a cluster between 06:04 and 06:54. Later events on 18 and 19 January were fewer and smaller. Most events clustered at shallow crustal depths consistent with regional faulting patterns.

Southwestern Nevada lies within the Basin and Range Province, characterized by extensional tectonics and normal faulting. The area experiences distributed deformation linked to the Walker Lane shear zone and proximity to the Sierra Nevada frontal fault system. This setting produces frequent small-magnitude earthquake sequences, often occurring as swarms rather than mainshock-aftershock sequences.

Historical records indicate 42 swarms in the region since 1 January 2000. Annual counts include five in 2000, seven in 2002, and additional episodes in 2008 (six) and 2016 (four). These recurrent swarms reflect ongoing crustal extension and fluid migration along pre-existing faults.

The 2022 swarm exhibited typical characteristics of regional activity: low magnitudes, shallow depths, and short duration. Such events contribute to understanding strain accumulation in the central Nevada seismic belt and adjacent zones.

References

US Geological Survey Earthquake Catalog Nevada Seismological Laboratory Regional Reports Basin and Range Province Tectonic Summaries (USGS Professional Papers)