2024 New Jersey earthquake facts for kids
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| UTC time | 2024-04-05 14:23:20 |
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| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | April 5, 2024 |
| Local time | 10:23 AM |
| Magnitude | ML 4.8 |
| Depth | 4.7 kilometers (2.9 mi) |
| Epicenter | Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, U.S. 40°40′59″N 74°45′11″W / 40.683°N 74.753°W |
| Areas affected | Northeastern United States |
| Max. intensity | VI (Strong) |
| Aftershocks | Mw2.0 |
| Casualties | 0 |
On April 5, 2024, a Mw 4.8 earthquake occurred in New Jersey. While felt across the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas and other parts of the northeastern United States, it had relatively minor impacts, with no major damage reported in New York or New Jersey.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was the third-strongest to affect the New York region in recorded history. It was the strongest earthquake to strike New Jersey and the New York region since the 5.3 Mfa 1783 New Jersey earthquake.
Contents
Tectonic setting
Earthquake
The earthquake had a moment magnitude of 4.8 and a depth of 2.9 miles (4.7 km). Its epicenter was in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey at 40.683°N 74.753°W, which is about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Oldwick and 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Lebanon, along the Ramapo Fault. The strong side of the quake was detected in portions of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, including the cities of Somerville, Bedminster, and Bridgewater. Tremors were felt all across the Northeastern United States from Maryland to Maine.
An aftershock with a magnitude of 2.0 took place near Bedminster, New Jersey around 11:20 a.m. local time. According to the USGS, there is a 46% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 3 or higher within a week of the initial impact.
Impact
Several buildings in New York City, Philadelphia and Long Island were shaken. The USGS estimated that the earthquake was felt by over 42 million people.
The earthquake interrupted a meeting of the Security Council at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan while a performance at the New York Philharmonic was briefly delayed by cell phones sounding an alert at 11:02, which was sent about 40 minutes after the earthquakes were felt. A gas leak was reported in Rockland County, New York.
See also
- Earthquake activity in the New York City area
- List of earthquakes in the United States
