Will there be another earthquake today? What are earthquake aftershocks? New York City is located in a relatively stable tectonic region, but it is not immune to earthquakes. The city has experienced several earthquakes in the past, including a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in 2024.
The 2024 earthquake was the largest to hit the New York City area in over 20 years. It was felt in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as in parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. There were no reports of serious injuries or damage.
According to seismic studies from the U.S. Geological Survey, “although strong earthquakes are uncommon in New
York City, moderate magnitude earthquakes are possible. The older, harder bedrock found in the northeast generates high-frequency earthquake motions that can travel great distances before they subside. For example, earthquakes in Virginia in 2011 and Canada In 2013 they were felt in New York City. The 2011 Virginia earthquake, with Moment Magnitude of 5.8, was felt more than 500 miles from its epicenter, making it the most-felt earthquake in modern U.S. history”.
These earthquakes are a reminder that New York City is not immune to earthquakes. While the risk of a major earthquake in the city is relatively low, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake.
What causes an earthquake to occur?
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving, and when they grind against each other, they can cause the ground to shake.
The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale. The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale, so each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in ground motion.
The 2024 New York City earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8. This means that it was about 31 times more powerful than the 2001 earthquake.
ALSO READ. Earthquake in New York and New Jersey today, everything you need to know
The location of an earthquake’s epicenter can also affect its intensity. The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus of the earthquake. The focus is the point where the earthquake actually occurs.
The 2024 New York City earthquake had an epicenter that was located about 10 miles west of Manhattan. This means that the shaking was more intense in the western part of the city than it was in the eastern part of the city.
Earthquakes can also be caused by other factors, such as volcanic eruptions and landslides. However, these are not the most common causes of earthquakes.
How is the intensity of an earthquake measured?
The magnitude of an earthquake is related to the energy released in the form of seismic waves that propagate through the ground. To calculate this energy and determine the magnitude of an earthquake, mathematical calculations are performed based on the records obtained by seismographs from different stations. In these records or seismograms, the maximum amplitude of the waves and the distance of the station from the epicenter are measured. These values are entered into a formula, thus obtaining the magnitude.
How many aftershocks does an earthquake have?
When an earthquake of considerable magnitude occurs, the rocks near the rupture zone are subjected to rearrangement. During this process, a series of earthquakes in this area known as aftershocks are generated, which are of lesser magnitude and can occur minutes, days, and even years after the main event. The number of these aftershocks can vary from a few earthquakes to hundreds of events.
The aftershocks of an earthquake like the one that occurred today in New York and New Jersey are of lower intensity than the original earthquake.
