Seismologist: Oklahoma Returning to Normal Levels

A state seismologist says Oklahoma is on track to experience a high number of earthquakes this year but expects the number and intensity to be less than last year as the state returns to normal seismic levels.

Oklahoma Geological Survey seismologist Austin Holland says 300 earthquakes have been recorded in Oklahoma during the first quarter of 2011. Of those, 14 have reached magnitudes where people can feel them.

In 2010, Oklahoma experienced 1,047 earthquakes. Of those, 103 were reported as felt, including a 4.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Norman.

Oklahoma usually has only about 50 earthquakes per year, but Holland says the recent increase is a normal part of seismic activity.

Holland says data linking injection wells to an increase in seismic activity is insufficient.