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The science of South Dakota's weekend earthquake

USGS

This interview originally aired on "In the Moment" on SDPB Radio.

South Dakota gets a few earthquakes a year, and one such quake struck near Wakonda on Sunday night. Like most South Dakota earthquakes, it was a small one.

Tim Cowman, state geologist at the South Dakota Geological Survey, discusses why this area is prone to less intense earthquakes and what causes them.

Hint: One cause has to do with the most recent ice age.

Lori Walsh is the host and senior producer of In the Moment.
Ellen Koester is a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.
Ari Jungemann is a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.