A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck Central Virginia on Tuesday evening, felt primarily north of Richmond and as far as Culpeper and Front Royal. The quake is connected to the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, which previously experienced a significant quake in 2011. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS to aid in monitoring.
On Tuesday evening, Central Virginia experienced a preliminary 2.8-magnitude earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m. with its epicenter located about 1 kilometer north-northeast of Wyndham in Henrico County. Residents primarily north of Richmond reported feeling the tremors, although reports also came in from areas as remote as Culpeper and Front Royal.
The USGS noted that the earthquake was linked to the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, which is the same fault line responsible for the notable 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mineral in August 2011. That earlier quake was felt by millions along the eastern United States and resulted in substantial property damage, although it did not cause any fatalities. As of now, it remains uncertain if the recent tremor caused any injuries and residents are encouraged to report their experiences to assist with monitoring efforts.
Earthquakes in Virginia, particularly within the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, are relatively rare but can still occur, as evidenced by the recent tremor. The seismic history of this area includes significant events, such as the 2011 earthquake, which was among the strongest recorded in this region and demonstrated the potential for damage across a wide geographic area. Understanding local seismic activity can help residents respond appropriately during such events and contribute to comprehensive seismic tracking.
In summary, Central Virginia experienced a 2.8-magnitude earthquake, with tremors felt in several areas, most notably north of Richmond. The event is a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, particularly given its history with significant earthquakes. While the impact of this recent quake appears minimal so far, residents are urged to share their experiences to enhance tracking and understanding of seismic patterns in the region.
Original Source: patch.com
