From BC’s Weston Observatory.More from the USGS
Earthquake roundup:
Globe story: Quake sets the Northeast aquiver
In Boston, the quake caused downtown buildings, including the Prudential tower, to sway and sent a shiver of confusion and alarm through the city. Several buildings were evacuated and inspected for damage, and a surge of worried phone calls overwhelmed wireless networks.
For a region unaccustomed to quakes, the rumblings, while brief, left a tangible sense of unease that lingered long after any danger had passed.
More from the Globe: In region, small temblors common, larger ones rare
It was the East Coast’s most powerful earthquake in 67 years. Because of the solidity of
the earth’s crust on the eastern seaboard – unlike California, where there are networks of active faults – earthquakes tend to be felt over longer distances here, according to Thomas Herring, a geophysics professor at MIT.
Geophysicists said the earthquake was unusually strong for the area, but not unprecedented. In 1897, an earthquake estimated at 5.9 magnitude shook Giles County, Va., according to the US Geological Survey. Eight years ago, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded in that state.
Seismogram of quake recorded on the Amesbury Middle School seismograph:
Recent comments on this blog
Science events this week: Talking heads, Rachel Carson and monogomy
Guest Post: Science is about passion. Find yours.
HIV Research: How the Berlin Patient led to the Boston patients