Small earthquake shakes Magna

MAGNA — About 12:05 a.m. Monday, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations recorded a 2.3-magnitude earthquake with an epicenter about one mile north of Magna.

U. seismologist Relu Burlacu said his offices received between five and 10 calls from people who felt some "mild movement" for about three to five seconds. The quake registered at seismograph stations at least 80 miles away from the epicenter.

Burlacu described the Magna area as "very active" in terms of the frequency of 2.0 to 3.0-magnitude temblors that occur throughout the year.

"Obviously it's a minor event," Burlacu said about Monday's quake. "However, several people felt it — so, there is some interest."

Burlacu said this latest event should be a reminder to people that they should make appropriate preparations for what many scientists say will be a much larger quake that may someday hit the Wasatch Front.

For more information on earthquake risks in Utah or links to how you can prepare for one, visit the Web site, seis.utah.edu/lqthreat/threat.shtml.