Courtesy of Organ Mountain News
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
More residents are noticing earthquakes in the Las Cruces area. Experts say fracking activity in the Permian Basin may be to blame.
USGS Magnitude 2.5+ Earthquakes, Past Month (Map courtesy of USGS)
LAS CRUCES – Although southern New Mexico isn’t traditionally known for seismic activity, residents in and around Las Cruces have increasingly reported small earthquakes in recent years — many of them tied to oil and gas operations just across the Texas border.
On May 3, an earthquake measuring 5.4 struck near Whites City, near Carlsbad, briefly shaking parts of Doña Ana County. It was one of several recent quakes felt in the region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, most of these tremors are classified as “induced seismicity” — small earthquakes triggered by human activity, such as wastewater injection linked to oil and gas drilling in the Permian Basin, one of the most productive energy regions in the country.
“Fracking itself doesn’t typically cause felt earthquakes,” the USGS explains, “but the disposal of wastewater deep underground often does.”
The Permian Basin sits just southeast of Las Cruces and spans parts of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. In recent years, the number of magnitude 2.5+ earthquakes in the area has increased sharply — especially near Carlsbad, Hobbs and Pecos, Texas.
What to know if you feel an earthquake
- Report it: Use USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” tool to share what you experienced.
- Expect aftershocks: Even small quakes can have follow-up tremors.
- Stay safe: Drop, cover and hold on if shaking occurs — especially indoors.
Although Las Cruces is not considered high risk for major earthquakes, experts continue to monitor seismic activity closely. If trends continue, small quakes could become more common across southern New Mexico.
Track earthquakes near Las Cruces in real time
The U.S. Geological Survey maintains an interactive map showing recent earthquake activity across southern New Mexico and West Texas. Explore magnitudes, locations and timing — updated in real time.
Recent Earthquake Activity Near Las Cruces
While Las Cruces itself hasn’t experienced significant seismic events in the past year, nearby areas have felt the effects of regional tectonic activity:
- May 3, 2025: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred approximately 57 km south of Whites City, New Mexico. This tremor was felt over 150 miles away, including in Las Cruces and El Paso.
- December 1, 2022: A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near Socorro, New Mexico.
- August 5, 2021: A magnitude 3.5 quake was recorded near Lordsburg, New Mexico.
- October 9, 2020: A magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred near Vado, New Mexico.
These events highlight the dynamic nature of the region’s geology, influenced by both natural tectonic movements and human activities such as fracking in the Permian Basin.
The full article can be seen at: https://www.organmountainnews.com/why-southern-new-mexico-is-feeling-more-earthquakes-and-whats-causing-them/
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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