Mon Feb 23 05:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Healdsburg Rattled by Pair of Earthquakes Near Geysers
The Story:
A pair of earthquakes struck near Healdsburg, California, on Saturday morning. The first, a magnitude 4.1 quake, occurred at 9:22 a.m. approximately 4 miles northwest of the Geysers geothermal field at a depth of about 0.5 miles. Just a minute later, at 9:23 a.m., a magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck about 3 miles northwest of the Geysers at a depth of about 2 miles. Initial reports indicate that there was no immediate reports of damage.
Key Points:
- A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Healdsburg at 9:22 a.m.
- The epicenter was located approximately 4 miles northwest of the Geysers geothermal field.
- The earthquake’s depth was about 0.5 miles.
- A 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 9:23 a.m.
- The second epicenter was located approximately 3 miles northwest of the Geysers geothermal field.
- The second earthquake’s depth was about 2 miles.
- No immediate reports of damage were available.
Critical Analysis:
The proximity of the earthquakes to the Geysers geothermal field, a major geothermal power production site, raises the possibility of induced seismicity. Geothermal operations, which involve injecting water into the earth to generate steam, have been known to trigger earthquakes in some areas. The timing and location of these quakes warrant further investigation into a potential link to the Geysers’ operations.
Key Takeaways:
- The earthquakes, while moderate in magnitude, highlight the seismic activity in the Geysers region.
- The proximity to the Geysers geothermal field suggests a possible link between geothermal operations and seismic events.
- Further investigation is needed to determine if the earthquakes were naturally occurring or induced by human activity.
- Monitoring of seismic activity near geothermal plants is crucial for public safety and infrastructure integrity.
- The lack of immediate damage reports is positive, but ongoing assessment is important.
First Piper 