An earthquake centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, with a magnitude of 4.8, shook the East Coast on Friday, causing weak rumblings felt as far away as Baltimore and the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. Despite the scare, there have been no reports of life-threatening injuries or major damage.
The Richter scale, once widely used to measure earthquakes, has been replaced by more advanced methods. Seismometers are now used to record ground motion, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 or higher, indicating the size and potential damage of an earthquake.
While earthquakes on the East Coast are relatively uncommon compared to the West Coast, they do occur. The last significant quake in the region was in 2011 near Mineral, Virginia, with a magnitude of 5.8, causing widespread tremors from Georgia to Maine and even southeastern Canada.
The difference between East and West Coast earthquakes lies in the geological processes that trigger them. East Coast quakes are caused by the slow compression of hard, brittle rock underground, leading to broader and harder-to-predict tremors that affect a larger area.
Experts advise staying safe during earthquakes by being prepared for aftershocks and following emergency messaging from local officials. It is recommended to secure furniture, drop to the ground during shaking, seek shelter under a table, and protect your head and neck until the shaking stops.
As the East Coast continues to experience seismic activity, it is essential for residents to stay informed and prepared for any future earthquakes.