Silverdale records 25 earthquakes in 12 months
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 16:03 · Archive
The British Geological Survey has recorded 25 earthquakes in Silverdale, Lancashire in the past 12 months, making the North West a UK earthquake hotspot. In September, three earthquakes struck the area within days. Two were felt by the public, on September 21 and 22, with magnitudes of 2.7 and 1.5 respectively. The third, on September 13, had a magnitude of 0.9 and was not felt. All three were recorded at a depth of 3 kilometres.
Residents in surrounding towns including Carnforth, Warton, Morecambe and Bolton-le-Sands reported houses, furniture and household items moving, with some hearing rumbles or witnessing walls and buildings shake. Silverdale also experienced earthquakes in May and June, both with magnitudes over 2, one described as a 'small explosion'.
The BGS said the current seismic activity is likely related to a magnitude 3.2 earthquake that occurred in the same area on 3 December 2025. When an earthquake occurs, it redistributes stress within the surrounding crust, promoting aftershocks on nearby faults. In slowly deforming regions such as the UK, crustal stresses may take a long time to return to normal. Earthquake sequences lasting several months are not uncommon, the BGS noted, citing historical examples from Comrie, Glenalmond and Loch Lyon.
How it is being reported
- Why has one Lancashire town has recorded 25 earthquakes in a year?The North West has been identified as a UK earthquake hotspot, with Silverdale at the centre of recent activity.NW Evening Mail · 13 Oct, 15:11
- Why has one Lancashire town has recorded 25 earthquakes in a year?The North West has been identified as a UK earthquake hotspot, with Silverdale at the centre of recent activity.Westmorland Gazette · 13 Oct, 15:11
In this story: Silverdale · Lancashire · British Geological Survey · Cumbria · North West · Sedbergh
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