A magnitude 2 earthquake shook the area near Dover-Foxcroft early Sunday morning, striking at a depth of approximately 6 miles. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor occurred around 2:52 a.m., roughly 4.3 miles east-northeast of the Piscataquis County seat.
Maine has experienced significant seismic activity over the years, with more than 150 recorded earthquakes since 1997. The most formidable quake in recent history took place on October 16, 2012, when a magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattled East Waterboro. Interestingly, Maine has also felt the effects of much larger earthquakes originating from locations as distant as Plattsburgh, New York, and Quebec City.
The geographic distribution of recorded earthquakes in Maine shows a tendency to cluster around specific areas, including Passamaquoddy Bay, the Dover-Foxcroft-Milo region, and parts of southwestern Maine. Notably, earthquakes have even been reported as far north as the St. John Valley.
Seismic clusters have been observed throughout Maine’s history, with recent instances including a series of quakes off York Harbor between January 27 and February 2, 2024, where three quakes ranged in magnitude from 2 to 3.8. Another cluster occurred near Jonesboro from August 11 to September 1, 2022, with around nine earthquakes recorded, varying from magnitude 1.7 to 3. In a prior seismic event, six earthquakes were documented east of Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island between September 22 and December 29, 2006, with the strongest measuring a magnitude of 4.2.
As geological studies continue to enhance our understanding of seismic activity in the region, residents remain informed and vigilant, fostering a spirit of resilience in the face of tectonic forces that shape Maine’s landscape. The data not only help in preparedness but also underscore the intricate geological history of this beautiful state.