Scientists eye swarm of Yellowstone quakes

Were the more than 250 tremors a sign of something bigger to come? From MSNBC

Yellowstone is an active volcanic and tectonic area, and small earthquakes happen frequently. But scientists say the spate of small quakes that shook up the area on Monday were unusual.

By Mead Gruver updated 9:25 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 29, 2008

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Yellowstone National Park was jostled by a host of small earthquakes for a third straight day Monday, and scientists watched closely to see whether the more than 250 tremors were a sign of something bigger to come.

Swarms of small earthquakes happen frequently in Yellowstone, but it's very unusual for so many earthquakes to happen over several days, said Robert Smith, a professor of geophysics at the University of Utah.