Residents throughout New England, particularly those in Boston and Maine, felt the earth tremble beneath their feet on the morning of January 29, when the region experienced what is now being termed one of the more notable seismic events of recent memory. At precisely 10:22 a.m. ET, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.8 magnitude earthquake originating about 6 miles southeast of York Harbor, Maine.
This earthquake was significant enough to be felt across at least six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont, as mapped by the USGS. Amazingly, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries following the quake, which, considering its magnitude, is fortunate.
But how common are such tremors in the Northeast? John Ebel, a senior scientist at the Weston Observatory at Boston College, provided clarity on this question. 'Small earthquakes are not uncommon here,' he explained, noting how quakes measuring magnitude 2.0 or smaller occur several times each month, often unnoticed by most residents. He emphasized, though, the rarity of earthquakes approaching the 4.0 magnitude level. 'This is a once-in-every-five-years kind of earthquake,' Ebel remarked.
The tremor on January 29 also stands out due to its position within the historical record of seismic activity. It is now recorded as the fifth largest earthquake in Maine's history. The tremor was felt from as far north as Bangor to as far south as New York City. Many residents who felt or heard the seismic shift mistook it for something more sinister—a loud explosion or crash. Dispatchers in York were inundated with calls from concerned residents, highlighting how unusual such events are for the region.
Following the larger quake, Maine experienced yet another seismic shift early on January 30, with reports of an aftershock measuring 2.0 on the Richter scale at 3:15 a.m. This aftershock was centered about 5.5 miles off the coast of York Harbor, closely mirroring the epicenter of the earlier quake, according to Oliver Boyd, a research geophysicist with the USGS. 'That was not uncommon; these aftershocks can naturally follow larger seismic events,' Boyd stated.
Historical patterns and geological assessments reveal interesting information about earthquakes on the East Coast. Unlike California, where active plate boundaries are common, the Northeast experiences far less seismic activity due to its geological structure—predominantly hard, brittle rocks capable of distributing earthquake energy over longer distances. This contrasts with the jagged and seismic-prone southwestern U.S., which hosts well-known fault lines like the San Andreas Fault.
While earthquakes on the East Coast tend to be infrequent, the recent tremors come amid growing awareness of potential future risks. Earlier this month, the USGS released updated data indicating nearly 75% of the United States is at risk for experiencing damaging earthquakes, including regions previously not highlighted for such possibilities. This includes major metropolitan areas along the Atlantic Coast, such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
'Noteworthy changes to the National Seismic Hazard Model show the possibility of more damaging earthquakes along the central and northeastern Atlantic Coastal corridor,' reported the USGS. Experts like Ebel stress these models aim to aid infrastructure development and do not serve as tools for creating panic.
Interestingly, the last significant earthquake felt across New England prior to this series of events occurred on April 5, 2024, when the area was shaken by a 4.8 magnitude quake centered in northern New Jersey, felt as far away as southern Maine. Maine itself has also had its share of notable quakes—the largest on record occurred near the Canadian border back in 1904, registering at 5.7 magnitudes.
The most recent noticeable quake before these tremors dated back to October 2012, with a magnitude of 4.7 occurring again near York County. Surveys indicate there have been several small quakes annually, but many of them go unnoticed due to their lower magnitudes.
With the recent earthquake events now behind residents and officials, attention will likely turn toward ensuring the community is prepared for any potential future quakes. Local authorities and scientists encourage readiness and awareness, emphasizing the importance of updated building codes to withstand seismic activity.
The science of earthquakes continues to evolve, and with the latest models predicting greater seismic threats, regions previously thought stable may need to infuse new strategies for public safety. For now, the tremors experienced across New England serve as reminders not only of the earth's powerful forces but also of the adaptable nature of human response to natural events.