Science

Why Was Virginia’s Earthquake Felt All The Way in Canada?

Today’s 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia. So why are there reports of tremors being felt as far away as Canada, North Carolina, Georgia and Michigan? According to the U.S. Geological Survey (via Live Science), it’s because the East Coast experiences quakes differently than the West Coast, where they are more common:

“The crust is different in the east than in the west,” USGS earthquake geologist David Schwartz told LiveScience. “It’s older and colder and denser, and as a result, seismic waves travel much farther in the east than in the west.” Additionally, said Andy Frassetto of the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, the sediments along the east coast can make quakes feel stronger. “The sediments of the coastal plain along the eastern seaboard can trap waves as they propagate and produce a minor amplification of the shaking,” Frassetto told LiveScience.

NPR has more specifics on the east-west comparison:

California is a tectonically active area. The state is situated along the San Andreas Fault, where the North American and Pacific tectonic plates meet.

Virginia sits about smack in the middle of the North American plate, where “intra-plate seismicity” — that is, seismic activity within a plate itself, rather than at a plate boundary — causes the occasional earthquake.

According to USGS, earthquakes that take place to the east of the Rocky Mountains are felt over 10 times a longer distance than those to the west. Virginia is classified at “moderate” risk for earthquakes.

USA Today reported seismologist Karen Fischer of Brown University as saying that earthquakes of this magnitude are unusual but not unheard of:

Virginia is not on an active earthquake fault and is roughly in the middle of the North American continental crustal plate, she says. But it has residual fault scars left over from 200 million to 300 million years ago, when it was an earthquake zone, at the time when the Atlantic Ocean rifted apart from Europe.

. . .

“We are just seeing pressure build up and release on those scars,” Fischer says. “There is a lot of debate on exactly what is going on down there and exactly how quakes this big happen in this kind of crustal zone.”

Virginia Earthquake Felt from Canada to Georgia

This graphic created by USA Today shows the range an epicenter of Tuesday's earthquake. (USA Today Research)

According to USGS, there have been about 200 earthquakes in Virginia since 1977. Tuesday afternoon’s earthquake ties for the largest with the largest quake ever experienced on 1897 at 5.8 magnitude.

Comments (77)

1 2
  • Proud American in Buffalo
    Posted on August 24, 2011 at 12:07am

    Did it occur to anyone else that the mountian ranges in the eastern half of the US are much less signifigant than thoes on the West coast. lower mountains means the energy from a quake is greater.

    Report Post » Proud American in Buffalo  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 1:49am

      Also take into account that most fault lines find their way into other fault lines and the seismic activity travels through them until the end, or until it runs out of energy… it hit Canada remember.

      According to http://www.americanparchment.com, the NY metro was built through hundreds of small fault lines all being attacked through natural crevices as well as the metro itself, I would hate to see this earthquake start somewhere near the NY Metro.

      Report Post »  
    • Cgeezy
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 5:13am

      Has much more to do with the fact that the eastern seaboard is comprised of primarily 1 plate. There are several segmented plates and faults in the California region which helps absorb the energy.

      Report Post »  
    • Seabee79
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:46pm

      The rason the quake was felt so far away has really nothing to do with fault lines, but everything to do with the make up of rock.
      On the eastcoast the rock is much harder allowing the shock to travel longer distances.

      Where as on the west coast the rock is softer, and the quakes don’t
      travel as far.

      Report Post » Seabee79  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:54pm

    It is the Shaking up of Washington for the Shaking down of America

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • BlazingPatriot
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 12:13am

      I’m wondering whether Obama will now appoint a Quake czar.

      Too bad it didn’t crack the debt ceiling!

      Report Post » BlazingPatriot  
    • WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 4:09pm

      “Why Was Virginia’s Earthquake Felt All The Way in Canada?”

      Why? Because DC WAS NUKED. And thanks, Ripley, for saving America.

      Here is the historic communications:

      RIPLEY: I say we take off and nuke the site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.
      BURKE: Hold on a second. This installation has a substantial dollar value attached to it.
      RIPLEY: They can bill me.
      BURKE: Okay, I know this is an emotional moment for all of us. I know that. But let’s not make snap judgments, please. This is clearly an important species we‘re dealing with and I don’t think that you or I, or anybody, has the right to arbitrarily exterminate them.
      RIPLEY: Wrong.
      VASQUEZ: Yeah, watch us.
      HUDSON: Maybe you haven’t been keeping up on current events, but we just got our asses kicked, pal!
      BURKE: Look. I’m not blind to what is going on, but I cannot authorize that kind of action. I’m sorry.
      RIPLEY: Well, I believe that Corporal Hicks has authority here.
      BURKE: Corporal Hicks has …?
      RIPLEY: This operation is under military jurisdiction and Hicks is next in the chain of command. Am I right, Corporal?
      HICKS: Yeah … yeah, that’s right. I say we take off and nuke the site from orbit. [looks at Ripley] It’s the only way to be sure.
      - from ALIENS (… Illegal Aliens … right up to the White House)

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges  
  • Sluke
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:08pm

    Breaking news: Obama interrupts his Martha’s Vineyard golfing to announce that the Washington DC earthquake occurred on an obscure fault line that runs under the White House and is known as “Bush’s Fault.”

    Report Post »  
  • DoctorElwinRansom
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:04pm

    OBAMA: “In the last few months, the economy has already had to absorb an earthquake in Japan, the economic headwinds coming from Europe, the Arab Spring and the [rise] in oil prices — all of which have been very challenging for the recovery. But these are things we couldn’t control.”

    Now Obama has another event to put on his list.

    Report Post » DoctorElwinRansom  
  • Whostolemypig
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:03pm

    It wasn’t an earthquake. The founding fathers were just rolling over in their graves.

    Report Post »  
  • OverFiend
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:02pm

    Nothing to worry about that was just the goverment testin their Earthquake Weapon. Pay no attenion.

    Report Post » OverFiend  
  • DHD
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:56pm

    Liberals have said the cause of the earthquake was “Bush’s Fault.”

    BTW….it was felt in Atlanta as well.

    Report Post »  
    • doubtingthomas
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:07pm

      You are, of course, correct. Now, Obama can add Virginia quake to his list of disasters that have prevented him from single handly saving the country! I’m sure someone, probably Olberman or Matthews, will soon emerge with credible proof that Bush and Rove were seen sneaking into the Luray Caverns last weekend with explosives to trigger the quake!

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:55pm

    The Virginia earthquake was felt in Canada because Canada is boring and they needed something to liven up their little country.

    Report Post »  
    • WASTEDROCKRANGER
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:35pm

      That wasn’t the earthquake the cannuks felt… it was the Ice Road Truckers running over the Trailer Park Boys.

      Maybe they felt it more because of floppy heads?

      Report Post »  
  • YellowFin
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:53pm

    What I want to know is; Is the Washington Monument leaning or not?

    Report Post » YellowFin  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:53pm

    So how long before the climate nuts blame this on “Global Warming…” Ummm, I mean “Global Climate Change…” oh wait, no now its “Global Earth Shivering…”

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
  • Cheetosareus
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:50pm

    “Tuesday afternoon’s earthquake ties for the largest with the largest quake ever experienced on 1897 at 5.8 magnitude.”
    They must be counting only quakes that were measured on on the Ricter scale. The San Madrid earthquake of 1811-1812 was much bigger. It started in Arkansas and made church bells ring in Boston and the Mississippi River flowed backward the the crust heaved up.

    Report Post »  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:45pm

    An earthquake that is felt up and down the East Coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts is a newsworthy event any day! I work in Boston, and felt it on the 3rd floor. We do have an occasional very slight tremor from a fault running south of Boston, closer to where I live, but this was something else entirely.

    Whassa matter all youse guys? U jelly?

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • pattybbb1
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:18pm

      It was felt farther west that Georgia. I live N. Alabama and I felt very slight vibration.

      Report Post »  
  • Airb0rne4325
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:43pm

    Has anyone heard about the earthquake that Colorado had last night at midnight? Oh yeah, it’s that “fly over” part of the country. 5.8 mag in Virginia and felt by millions, 5.7 mag in Colorado and felt by a few hicks. Colorado hasn’t had an earthquake in 40yrs. If it ain‘t East coast or West coast then it doesn’t matter, I guess.

    Report Post » Airb0rne4325  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Well yeah, there is a difference in an earthquake hitting a remote wilderness, even if it does throw a few hillbillies off their sheep and an earthquake which shakes almost the entire Eastern seaboard, affecting Washington DC, Baltimore, Philly, NY, and Boston, and was even felt as far west as Detroit. Yeah. Slight difference.

      Besides, we still haven’t forgiven Colorado for Pat Schroeder.

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • pattybbb1
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:21pm

      If you check deeper, California and Colorado are having wht some would term a ‘swarm’ of ever so slight earthquakes. And don’t forget the upper NW.

      Report Post »  
  • outsidethebox
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:41pm

    The only reason I read this is because my mom lives in North Carolina and called me today and told me she felt it there, but it wasn’t that serious. I really don’t understand why everyone is making such a fuss over this. It didn‘t even last that long and nobody died from it that I’ve heard anyway.

    Report Post » outsidethebox  
    • Observer
      Posted on August 26, 2011 at 5:19pm

      outsidethebox ….. the simple reason that people are amazed at this earthquake story is because it happens so rarely. Its very rare. It’s not like you are ordering gravy and biscuits and like your gravy is cold. You could like say ‘ Sucks waitress, so like the gravy is cold. But please, you like don’t need to make a fuss about it and like serve me some hot gravy.‘ After all you’re analysis is why bring it to your waitress attention? ( blogging) Or tell anyone your problem of cold gravy.(posting) After all you do think that no one can die from cold gravy right? ………………….I kanga eh tungortok

      Report Post »  
  • Capt. Conservative
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:38pm

    Will they Listen….they haven’t so far….LOL

    Report Post » Capt. Conservative  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:42pm

      “Just so you know, there IS a warning out on the brown acid, it’s not too good.”

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
  • Hickory
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:34pm

    It must be a slow news day.

    Report Post » Hickory  
  • John 1776
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:32pm

    Since the east coast sounds out on a large unbroken rock (which is why it was felt so far away) one must also assume that the power released was far greater than what a seismic amplitude reading would indicate as the force was dissipated by the said “large unbroken rock.” I suspect if the vibration had not been conducted away from the epicenter, this quake would have been much higher on the scale.

    Report Post » John 1776  
  • DarkFire
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:21pm

    why are we all up in arms about a F-ING earthquake, that, at this point has not killed anyone.

    most of the question i have seen have been this – why or how has an earthquake hit the east coast? answer – there is a fault line on the east coast (hello people how do you think the mt. ranges were made)

    point being i thought that Americans were smarter then this i guess not.

    Report Post »  
    • Cheetosareus
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:53pm

      Yeah…why get all excited and take two nuclear power plants off line. Big sissies!!

      Report Post »  
    • dnewton
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 7:26am

      I think that most people are aware that this country is not as able to absorb a catastrophic event such as hurricane Katrina or hurricane Andrew. Since we are broke, what will have to not get done in order to salvage or rescue the population. Most of the damage done by this earthquake won’t be covered by insurance.

      Report Post »  
  • TRILO
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:11pm

    Glad everyone is ok. However, the reaction to this is just ridiculous. Natural disasters happen. Had an earthquake yesterday in Colorado and hardly a peep from the media. Today, there was little damage and no injuries to report so get a grip news media. Note to everyone….be prepared then you will not have to panic when disasters hit.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • Riccy102
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:11pm

      Hi Trilo. Just so you know, I’m from NC and as far as I know, there was no panic in the streets. The media gave it such vast coverage because when a quake is felt BY THE MEDIA, they tell everyone. Example: I was listening to Mark Belling on Rush Radio, and he said “Hey, it felt like we just had an earthquake”. Dittos for Hannity.

      Hope that explanation satisfies everyone in Colorado. BTW, I DID hear about the Colorado quake on FOX News. Happy?

      Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:10pm

    A man once said, ” one can’t call an act ,heroism , when there is nothing else one can do.” I beg to differ. I believe with my Whole Heart that “ Goodness ” the Good Lord imparts to all ,when we come in to this world, if it is cultivated either by our parents, or ourselves can remain and manifest itself into heroism even in the most darkest hour. Please Mr. Beck don’t let the acts of “ heroism ” demonstrated by this peculiarly ” Chosen People ,” and of others that have defended them ever be abated.

    Report Post »  
  • LizB
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:08pm

    The headline made me read it. Of course, I’m about 38 miles from where the epicenter was, and we were rockin’ and rolling. I spent four-plus years stationed in Long Beach, CA and went through the Landers and Northridge quakes, but this one still got my attention!
    Quite a day.

    Report Post » LizB  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:03pm

    The Blaze is actually explaining to you simple christian folks SCIENTIFICLY why earthquakes on the east coast are different than those on the west coast. Its not a “slow news day.” This only happens every 120 years or so. Thus, its worth mentioning and explaining.

    Well done, Blaze.

    You can lead the horse to water but you can’t make them drink.
    —————
    I’m sure most would prefer to see this as some Divine message but….its not.

    Its natural.

    Jesus is still dead.

    cheers

    Report Post » MrButcher  
    • LizB
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:15pm

      Wow, MrButcher, perhaps your name should be MrCrabbypants.
      I’m Christian. I’m not simple. I was interested in the article. I looked at it as an earthquake, nothing more. Nuff said. Have a good night.

      Report Post » LizB  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:27pm

      I wonder which catagory your responses are filed when articles such as this are posted?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:30pm

      @liz

      you missed the deleted comments.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:52pm

      What a dipstick tool. I agree, MF, this d00shnozzle needs an a$$whuppin.

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 9:55pm

      You know what’s really funny, is that this arrogant chickenchoker who is pontificating to us so knowledgeably from the lofty heights of his monstrous intellect, can’t even spell “scientifically.”

      Not even with spell-check.

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • HD Veteran
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Wow, playing the Christians for stupid then revert to cliches to drive your point home.

      Nice job.

      By the way, it’s SCIENTIFICALLY not SCIENTIFICLY.

      Report Post » HD Veteran  
    • HD Veteran
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 10:09pm

      He occasionally stumbled over the truth, but hastily picked himself up and hurried on as if nothing had happened.

      Report Post » HD Veteran  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:41pm

    Eh?

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:39pm

    Slow News Day?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • Shasta
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:54pm

      When The Blaze posts a headline that is a question, instead of a statement of fact, you know it is going to be a boring and slow news day.

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Canadianaleye
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 11:26pm

      Mention Canada and its a slow news day? Hey we like to feel the earth move every once in awhile EH!

      Report Post » Canadianaleye  
  • Big Mickey
    Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:39pm

    Well, God grabbed hold of Washington DC and shook the heck out of it. The question is whether or not the esteemed 535 will listen to the message.

    Report Post » Big Mickey  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on August 24, 2011 at 12:36am

      I agree Big Mickey..however I fear this is only the beginning and those idiots in Washington will continue to have their heads stuck up their own butts. The Lord won’t be silenced, but many will choose not to hear either. Sad.

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
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