A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of York Harbor, Maine, on Monday morning, registering a noticeable impact across much of coastal New England, including Boston University. The quake, which occurred at 10:22 AM, was detected six miles from the epicenter and approximately 26 miles from the Seabrook, New Hampshire, nuclear power plant. While the event caused some surprise among students and staff, most seemed to take it in stride, with some reporting their experiences on social media.
BU’s emergency management director, Rene Fielding, noted that although some individuals felt the tremor, there were no reports of injuries or distress on campus. “I have not received any calls, nor has BU Police—I checked with dispatch,” Fielding affirmed.
The US Geological Survey indicates that while New England does not frequently experience significant earthquakes, small ones do happen from time to time. The region’s historical records include a notable 6.5 magnitude quake in 1638 and a 5.8 magnitude quake off Massachusetts’ Cape Ann in 1755. The last major earthquake in the region was in 1940, when a 5.6 magnitude quake struck New Hampshire.
Rachel Abercrombie, a BU research professor specializing in Earth and environmental sciences, explained that earthquakes in New England result from the gradual buildup of stress along geological faults. She clarifies that while the causes of smaller quakes in this region are aligned with those of the more destructive quakes found along major plate boundaries, New England experiences fewer larger shocks due to its location.
Discussing the potential for future seismic activity, Abercrombie stated, “Yes, we are going to keep having a magnitude 4 or 5 earthquake every decade or two in the New England area.” She reassured that the seismic risk is managed through building codes, particularly for critical structures like nuclear power plants.
With ongoing adjustments in national seismic hazard maps, there is now an estimated 5 to 25 percent chance of experiencing a slightly damaging earthquake in the next century. Although the chances may seem unsettling, experts like Abercrombie highlight that such events are relatively infrequent in the region.
Interestingly, she remarked on the potential impact of climate change on seismic activity, noting that the added weight of rising sea levels could influence the stresses on geological faults.
As unforeseen tremors serve as a reminder of the Earth’s dynamic nature, Boston’s community remains vigilant but reassured by the preparedness measures in place and the scientific expertise surrounding earthquake occurrences in this part of the country.
In conclusion, while earthquakes may not be a common occurrence in New England, this recent event underscores the importance of preparedness and the need for public awareness of natural events, thereby fostering a strong community response and resilience in the face of seismic uncertainties.