According to experts with the US Geological Survey, the latest swarm began on February 8 in a region roughly eight miles northeast of West Yellowstone, Montana ‐ and, it’s increased dramatically in the days since.
But for now, scientists say there’s no reason to worry.
While the earthquakes are likely caused by a combination of processes beneath the surface, the current activity is said to be ’relatively weak,’ and the alert level at the supervolcano remains at ’normal.’
According to the USGS, the new swarm is occurring in about the same location as the Maple Creek swarm last summer, which brought roughly 2,400 earthquakes in a four-month span.
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations picked up the first quakes just over a week ago, counting more than 200 as of February 18.
But, the experts say there are likely many more that have gone undetected.
’The present swarm started on February 8, with a few events occurring per day,’ according to USGS.
’On February 15, seismicity rates and magnitudes increased markedly. As of the night of February 18, the largest earthquake in the swarm is M2.9, and none of the events have been felt. All are occurring about 8 km (5 mi) beneath the surface.’