Monday, November 21, 2011

Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and Thanksgiving???

This fall has flown by, which makes me happy. That means spring will be here before we know it. Of course Ma Nature was a little bit confused as to when the spring storm season is. Of course most people know, there is a small two week time frame for severe weather in the fall. It seems to float around between October and November. I normally don't pay much attention to it, except for lightning opportunities. Maybe I should start though as tornadoes have occurred this season and last. November 2011 in Oklahoma has been one to remember. The two most notable days: Saturday November 5th the state was rocked with a 5.6 magnitude earthquake. Then November 7th, south west Oklahoma experienced a long track cyclic super cell that spawned 8-9 tornadoes (one being rated an EF-4) over roughly a track of 100 miles! Later that same evening a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck. Earthquakes and Tornadoes on the same day...Only in Oklahoma! I'm sure the west coast inhabitants got a good laugh from us southerners. I do have to say in our defense that the ground is softer here. So a small quake can feel bigger. That's my story and I'm sticking to it lol. Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Oklahoma. They are never felt most of the time. Some are from the New Madrid Fault and others are from the Meers Fault. What I find confusing are the epicenters of the recent Oklahoma earthquakes. They are nowhere near either fault, as all have been centered just east of Oklahoma City. Some people say it could be from a technique called Fracking. Oil companies use the technique to make sure they are getting all oil and gas from a well. Fracking very well could be the cause, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea. I would think something like that would be more of a localized event. Not something that spreads over 100 miles. Either way earthquakes are crazy. I'd rather have tornadoes because I can see them. Below is a photo from a recent Light Painting session, it kind a fits the crazy Oklahoma November.