Rock Hardness and Seismic Waves
The recent 4.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted the East Coast sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with New Yorkers leading the charge in sharing jokes and memes. According to United States Geological Survey (USGS) seismologist Paul Earle, millions felt the quake, causing a temporary halt in air travel. The USGS explained that the rocks on the East Coast are harder than those on the West Coast, allowing seismic waves to travel greater distances before dissipating.
Difference in Rock Types
Experts revealed that earthquakes on the East Coast are felt much farther from their epicenters compared to those on the West Coast due to the nature of rock formations. Eastern rocks, being old, cold, and dense, allow seismic waves to travel four to five times further than similar-sized earthquakes on the West Coast. This unique geological composition enables seismic waves to maintain their intensity over long distances, unlike on the West Coast.
Depth and Geological Setting
Another factor contributing to the far-reaching effects of East Coast earthquakes is their shallow origin. Unlike the West Coast, where quakes occur at greater depths due to subduction in tectonic plates, East Coast earthquakes tend to originate closer to the surface. This shallow depth allows seismic waves to propagate widely, explaining why the recent earthquake was felt from Philadelphia to Boston.
Uncommon Events in the Tri-state Area
While earthquakes are a rarity on the East Coast, the recent seismic activity near Newark marked the largest recorded earthquake in New Jersey in almost 250 years. The last major East Coast earthquake occurred in 2011, with a 5.9 magnitude quake hitting Virginia. Despite the infrequency of such events, the geological dynamics of the East Coast continue to fascinate experts and residents alike.