An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 struck the East Coast on a recent Friday morning, causing a stir among residents in various states, including Western New Jersey, Maryland, and Upstate New York. Despite its relatively mild intensity, the seismic event was widely felt due to the unique geological characteristics of the region.
Unlike the West Coast, where younger and less dense rock formations are prevalent, the East Coast boasts considerably older and denser rock formations that transmit seismic waves more efficiently. To illustrate this concept, one can imagine the difference between knocking on a piece of slate (representing the East Coast) and a pebble driveway (representing the West Coast) - the former would transmit the vibrations much farther.
As a result, earthquakes on the East Coast, even of lower magnitudes, can be felt over a broader area compared to stronger quakes on the West Coast. This phenomenon was evident during the recent seismic activity, with reports of people feeling the tremors from as far away as Vermont, where items fell off shelves.
The geological explanation behind the widespread effects of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake serves as a reminder of the diverse seismic characteristics across different regions of the United States. While the West Coast may experience more powerful earthquakes, the East Coast's unique rock formations allow for the propagation of seismic waves over greater distances, leading to a broader perception of even milder tremors.
