Earthquake!!!

A total of 9 earthquakes ranging from Richter 1.6 to 3.6 hit the greater Dallas area on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  The first earthquake, a magnitude 2.3, hit around 7:37 a.m. Tuesday and was centered near the former site of Texas Stadium - the demolished prior home of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Yup.  Earthquakes.  In Dallas.  

While the initial reaction is one of shock (shake?), after the novelty wears off we're all left wondering "Why is this happening?"

The first, obvious answer is Plate Tectonics.  That's the theory that the continents we all know and love used to look like this:

While I'm sure all of that togetherness would make the hippies happy, Geology is really a rather boring subject, so let's visit some of the more exotic theories about the quakes.


From the lifetime of the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras in the 5th century BCE to the 14th century CE, earthquakes were usually attributed to "air (vapors) in the cavities of the Earth."  Thales of Miletus, who lived from 625–547 (BCE) was the only documented person who believed that earthquakes were caused by tension between the earth and water. Other theories existed, including the Greek philosopher Anaxamines' (585–526 BCE) beliefs that short incline episodes of dryness and wetness caused seismic activity. The Greek philosopher Democritus (460–371 BCE) blamed water in general for earthquakes. Pliny the Elder called earthquakes "underground thunderstorms." [source]


Maybe it was supernatural.  Based on the site of the first quake, Texas Stadium, perhaps someone is coming to collect Jerry Jones' soul from that deal he made 25 years ago.  Let's consult our expert panelist:

And then there's fracking.  Ah yes, fracking.  I have a little trouble with this one.  Not because of the science supporting the pro-fracking or con-fracking sides, but because it sounds like a Yosemite Sam curse word.  Saturday morning cartoons aside, maybe we are screwing around with the ground a bit too much and Mother Nature is warning us to back off.  I have another little piece of evidence about fracking that I collected last weekend that I'd like to share with everyone:

Frack away, baby!  Frack until you're sore.

   
EARTHQUAKE



1       oz       Gin

1       oz       Bourbon

3/4    oz       Absinthe

Add all 3 ingredients to a martini shaker 1/2 full of ice
Shake vigorously
Strain into a chilled cocktail (martini) glass

 "Rackin', frackin', carn-sarn rabbit!"