Over the last three months, New Jersey has experienced an unusual surge in seismic activity, with more than 200 earthquakes recorded.
This is highly unusual as the state is not typically known for such geological disturbances.
A Recent Tremor
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 2.2-magnitude earthquake early Wednesday morning at around 1:44 am ET.
This quake followed several others, including a significant tremor in April, signaling a period of heightened seismic activity in the region.
Continuing Aftershocks
The recent 2.2-magnitude event is part of a series of aftershocks following the 4.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 5, affecting New York City’s skyline and beyond.
These aftershocks are a natural occurrence as the rocks underground adjust post a significant seismic event.
Public Reactions on Social Media
A New Jersey resident described their experience on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating, “Felt another earthquake at 1:45 am in New Jersey. Heard an explosion tsunami approaching the house, followed by my house rattling for 30 seconds.”
This firsthand account reflects the tangible impact of the quakes on local residents.
Perception of Earthquakes
While many tremors have been recorded, not all are felt by the residents.
According to Michigan Tech University, earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or less are typically imperceptible to people, although they occur with some frequency.
Potential for Damage
Earthquakes ranging from 2.5 to 5.4 in magnitude, while usually felt, generally do not cause significant damage.
However, those measuring between 5.5 and 6.0 can result in structural damage to buildings and other infrastructure.
Frequency of Aftershocks
The USGS notes that aftershocks “typically become less frequent with time, although they can continue for days, week, months or even years for a very large mainshock.”
This indicates a long-term impact that could affect the area intermittently for an extended period.
Historical Context
New York Governor Kathy Hochul remarked on the April 5th earthquake, saying it was “one of the largest on the East Coast to occur in the last century.”
The statement puts the recent seismic events in a broader historical perspective, highlighting their significance.
Widespread Impact
The tremors were not confined to New Jersey; reports came in from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and even near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.
This demonstrates the extensive reach of the April quake, which lasted around 20 seconds.
Captured Moments
Dramatic moments during the quakes have been captured and shared on social media.
These include videos from residential areas and local businesses like Boonton Coffee, where customers were seen fleeing as the establishment shook.
A Premonition Caught on Camera
A video from a New Jersey home captures a poignant moment.
It shows a dog suddenly sitting up, sensing danger just seconds before the room begins to shake violently and belongings topple over.
Understanding the Ramapo Fault
The epicenter in Tewksbury is located on the Ramapo Fault, a significant geological feature over 400 million years old stretching through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Kenneth Miller, a professor at Rutgers University, explains, “[The system] reactivated 200 million years ago, causing about four miles of movement,” highlighting the potential for future seismic activity in the area.
