A rash of earthquakes affecting two small American cities in the past week have baffled geologists - though locals are blaming gas companies.

The north-central Arkansas cities of Greenbrier and Guy have been affected by more than 30 earthquakes since Sunday ranging in magnitude from 1.8 to 3.8.

Geologists are still trying to discover the exact cause of the recent seismic activity but have identified two possibilities.

Geohazards supervisor for the Arkansas Geological Survey Scott Ausbrooks, said: 'The quakes are part of what is now called the Guy earthquake swarm - a series of mild earthquakes that have been occurring periodically since 2009. [ DAILY MAIL UK ]