Seismic activity on the east coast

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unusual seismic activity on the east coast of the U.S., particularly before the significant earthquake on August 23rd, which registered a magnitude of 5.9. Participants express curiosity about any recorded seismic events leading up to this earthquake, noting that such occurrences are rare in this region. Historical context is provided, highlighting Virginia's last major earthquake in 1897, which had a magnitude of 5.8, and subsequent smaller tremors. The conversation emphasizes the need for more accessible information regarding east coast seismic activity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of seismic activity and earthquake measurement scales, specifically the Richter scale.
  • Familiarity with geological history and earthquake frequency in the eastern United States.
  • Knowledge of resources for tracking seismic events, such as the USGS earthquake database.
  • Basic comprehension of the implications of earthquakes on infrastructure and safety.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the USGS earthquake database for historical seismic activity in the eastern U.S.
  • Study geological factors contributing to rare earthquakes in the mid-Atlantic region.
  • Explore the impact of the August 23rd earthquake on local infrastructure and community response.
  • Investigate the historical context of Virginia's seismic events and their geological significance.
USEFUL FOR

Seismologists, geologists, emergency management professionals, and residents of the eastern U.S. interested in understanding seismic risks and historical earthquake data.

shenue
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I have been searching online trying to find information about any unusual/unexpected seismic activity on the east coast of U.S. before the earthquake struck on August 23rd. So far, I've not been able to find any articles about that subject. Has anyone seen any information on that topic? Earthquakes in that area are very rare, and I believe the August 23rd earthquake set a record, for that area, with a magnitute of 5.9. Because I live in a mid-atlantic state, and I felt last week's earthquake fairly strongly, I'm curious to know if any unusual activity had been recorded either days or weeks, etc., before the earthquake.
My thanks, in advance, to anyone who can enlighten me.
 
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This site has a wealth of information about recent and past earthquakes around the world.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.html

You can see from this map:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/us_damage_eq.php

that while the earthquakes are much less common on the east coast than in the west, they do happen.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Here you go.

The history of earthquakes in Virginia.

http://www.virginiaplaces.org/geology/quake.html

The last "big one" in Virginia (about a 5.8 on the Richter scale) was on May 31, 1897, in Pearisburg, the county seat of Giles County. The judge in the courthouse adjourned a trial, jumped over the railing, and fled outside with everyone else as the courthouse rattled, brick walls cracked, and chimneys fell over. It was Virginia's most powerful recorded earthquake - but our recorded memory extend back only a few centuries, and the geologic history of the state extends back hundreds of millions of years. In 1959, Giles County was shaken again by a 3.8 temblor. More recently, windows were broken in a Veterans Day, 1975 earthquake in Blacksburg.

and here

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/?region=Virginia

You might like this also.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/megaqk_facts_fantasy.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you both so much for the links ! I appreciate the responses.
 

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