Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon. However, the Southerneastern part of the United States has been having more earthquakes than usual. Moreover, the fact that this region sits on the tectonic plate and not around on the edge where earthquakes usually occur makes it even more strange. Geologists believe they have figured why this is happening. They believe that the bottom of the North American tectonic plate is shedding or peeling off. This was what most likely led to the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2011 that shook the capital of the United States damaging the Washington monument and the Episcopal National cathedral.
Now before you freak out and think the continent is going to sink like in the movie "2012," do not worry. This is a natural phenomenon and how the Earth repairs herself. What happens is that older rocks break off and are pulled down by gravity. They are replaced by a younger layer of viscous rock material in the asthenosphere. The buoyancy of the viscous rock material will float up and stick to the crust creating a younger and stronger layer. God's creation is amazing right!? This is so awesome!
Source:
http://www.livescience.com/54695-chunks-of-earth-mantle-are-peeling-off.html?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialtwitterls&cmpid=social_ls_514645
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