Mag 2.7 earthquake in Cornwall, 19 Nov 2023

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

On November 19, 2023, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck Cornwall, with its epicenter located in the Mounts Bay area near Penzance. Residents from St Just to Redruth reported feeling tremors, although the earthquake is considered minor. Earthquakes of this magnitude are common in Britain, with hundreds occurring annually, and the largest recorded earthquake was a 6.1 magnitude event in 1931 near Dogger Bank. This discussion highlights the frequency of seismic activity in Britain, particularly along the western side of the island.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of earthquake magnitude scales, specifically the Richter scale.
  • Familiarity with seismic activity patterns in the UK.
  • Knowledge of geographical locations in Cornwall, particularly Penzance and surrounding areas.
  • Awareness of historical earthquake events in Britain.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the geological factors contributing to earthquakes in the UK.
  • Explore the historical context of significant earthquakes in Britain.
  • Investigate the impact of minor earthquakes on local communities.
  • Learn about earthquake preparedness and safety measures in residential areas.
USEFUL FOR

Geologists, seismologists, residents of earthquake-prone areas, and anyone interested in understanding seismic activity in the UK.

Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2025 Award
Messages
22,498
Reaction score
7,421

Cornwall shaken by 2.7 magnitude earthquake​

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c724le759lro

That's not a significant earthquake, unless one's house is near the epicenter.
Its epicentre was in the Mounts Bay area, near Penzance in west Cornwall, with people woken up by a loud bang from St Just in the west of the county to Redruth about 20 miles (32km) north-east from the point of origin.
Residents in Helston, Penzance and Camborne reported feeling the tremors. Some of my ancestors were from that area, and I still have relatives there.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/20...quake-felt-like-a-juggernaut-hitting-a-house/
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/extent-cornwall-earthquake-locals-compare-8917761

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/worl...ke-a-juggernaut-had-hit-the-house/ar-AA1kc1ZU

On June 28, the village of Tean in Staffordshire was hit by a 3.3-magnitude earthquake, causing windows and doors to rattle in the surrounding area.

Earthquakes of this nature are not uncommon in Britain (the island including England, Scotland and Wales). In fact, hundreds of earthquakes shake Britain every single year.
I think most earthquakes are less the Mag 2, and they don't register for most folks.

Tean, Staffordshire (near Stoke-on-Trent) is about 300 miles (480 km) from Penzance, Cornwall.

The largest recorded earthquake in Britain so far took place in 1931 near Dogger Bank, 97km off the east coast of England. This earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale and caused damage to buildings along the east coast.
https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/08/why-...-time-in-britain-but-not-in-ireland-19088853/
Most earthquakes in Britain are concentrated within a north-to-south band on the west side of the island. Neighbouring Ireland, however, is almost completely free from seismic activity – a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for hundreds of years.
The luck of the Irish. :oldbiggrin:
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
580
Replies
1
Views
707
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K