NYC Earthquake: NJ Was the Epicenter – NBC New York

minor Earthquake Shakes New York and new jersey

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake rattled parts of New York and New Jersey late Saturday night, prompting a flurry of reports and social media reactions. The U.S. geological Survey pinpointed the epicenter near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

The tremor, while noticeable, was considerably weaker than a larger earthquake that impacted the region last year. In 2024, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake centered near Tewksbury, New Jersey, caused more widespread concern. Experts note that a 4.8 magnitude quake is nearly 20 times stronger than Saturday’s event.

Did you know? – The Richter scale,commonly used to measure earthquake magnitude,is based on a logarithmic scale. This means each whole number jump represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of seismic waves.

Understanding Earthquake Magnitude

The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in amplitude.Thus, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake is ten times stronger than a magnitude 3.0. Beyond magnitude, the depth of the epicenter plays a crucial role in the intensity of shaking and potential for damage. The Tewksbury quake’s epicenter was closer to the surface, contributing to more pronounced effects.

Earthquakes in the Northeast: A Common Occurrence?

While often imperceptible, earthquakes are not uncommon in the Northeastern United States. An active fault line, known as the Ramapo Fault, runs through New Jersey. In July, at least five small earthquakes were recorded near Randolph, New Jersey, with the largest registering a magnitude 2.0 on July 22.

Pro tip: – If an earthquake occurs, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on to a sturdy piece of furniture until the shaking stops.

Reactions to the Tremor

The earthquake elicited a range of responses from residents.One individual in Brooklyn described the event as “a very brief tremor, just a slight swaying for a moment.” Social media platforms quickly became a hub for sharing experiences, with even the official account of the Empire state Building posting on X, stating: “I AM FINE.”

Despite the widespread feeling of the tremor, authorities reported minimal impact. New York City Emergency Management confirmed there were no immediate reports of major damage. A 3.0 magnitude earthquake is generally not expected to cause structural harm, though such events are relatively rare in the Northeast.

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The recent seismic activity serves as a reminder of the geological forces at play beneath the surface, even in regions not traditionally associated with frequent earthquakes.

Reader question: – Have you ever experienced an earthquake? What was your immediate reaction, and did you know what to do? Share your thoughts!

news Report additions (Answering Why, Who, What, and How it ended):

What: A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Hasbrouck Heights,New Jersey,late Saturday night.
Who: The earthquake affected residents of parts of New York and New Jersey.The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the event, and local emergency management agencies monitored for damage. Residents and even the Empire State Building’s social media account reported feeling the tremor.
why: The earthquake occurred due to geological activity along fault lines in the Northeastern United States,specifically near the Ramapo Fault. While the exact cause of this specific event is still under investigation, the region is known for infrequent but present seismic activity.
How it ended: The earthquake was a single event that lasted only a short period. There were no aftershocks reported. Authorities confirmed no major damage or injuries, and the situation returned to normal with no ongoing threat. the event concluded with a widespread feeling of relief and a renewed awareness of seismic activity in the region.