A magnitude 3.0 earthquake rattled areas of New Jersey and New York late Saturday night, with the epicenter located near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This recent tremor drew comparisons to a more powerful earthquake last year, which registered at a magnitude of 4.8 and was centered near Tewksbury, New Jersey—a quake over sixty times stronger than Saturday’s event.
Understanding the magnitude difference is crucial. The Richter scale operates on a logarithmic basis; thus, a magnitude increase implies a significant escalation in strength: a 4.0 is ten times stronger than a 3.0, and a 5.0 is 100 times stronger than a 3.0. The Tewksbury earthquake not only had a higher magnitude but was also shallower, which tends to result in more pronounced shaking and potential damage.
Despite the Northeast’s reputation for being less earthquake-prone, tremors do occur. New Jersey is home to the Ramapo Fault, a seismic feature that has been responsible for minor quakes, including five small tremors recorded last month near Randolph, with the largest at a magnitude of 2.0.
The impact of Saturday’s earthquake was mild. One Brooklyn resident described the experience as a brief tremor with only slight swaying. Social media activity surged as individuals reported feeling the quake, and even the official account of the Empire State Building humorously confirmed its safety by stating: “I AM FINE.” New York City Emergency Management reported no significant impacts or damages from the quake.
While a magnitude 3.0 earthquake typically doesn’t cause damage, seismologists note such tremors are relatively rare in this region, underscoring the importance of awareness and preparedness for potential seismic activity. Overall, this event serves as a reminder that even minor earthquakes can stir excitement and curiosity among local residents.