Earthquake Rattles East Coast/Mid-Atlantic

[TWCToday]

4.2 aftershock just a few minutes ago

[Anistorm]

Welcome to my world. 

I understand that it's quite rare for an earthquake that strong to strike the eastern US. On my scale, a 5.8 or a 5.9 is strong, so I know how you guys feel, actually. since there has been quite a few aftershocks from 2010's 7.2 quake, I've grown to get used to it.

I've seen the videos, the pictures, even some live coverage of the quake, and I'm quite shocked. It's understandable that most buildings can't stand earthquakes that strong.

SO DID ANYONE HAD FUN?

[Localonthe8s]

yusss, I did! I found it more funny then life threatening since If it were any stronger, my house wouldve sank by now

[TWCToday]

SO DID ANYONE HAD FUN?

ME Thats what is so great about this quake. Small enough not to cause major damage, everyone is safe and it gives something for everyone to talk about

[Anistorm]

Has there been any other aftershocks other than the one Martin posted? /too lazy and too busy to check the USGS website

[Austin M.]

Considering how widespread this was felt, do all the cities along the East Coast/OH Valley that felt it sit along the same fault line?

No, they're not on the same fault lines.  There are fault lines running along a good portion of the Appalachian Mountains, parts of the East Coast, and also in places within the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.

I'd like to see where the current faults are at? Doesn't USGS have a map of them?

[ndinminot]

I felt it herei n Lancaster, OH - my first quake. I knew that I couldnt stop my desk from shaking for a reason

[Trevor]

I'm not sure that there is a map of one, but I know that I am smack-dab under one. If the New Madrid fault were to fracture, it is expected that New Madrid, MO would feel a 8.0; Memphis, TN would feel a 6.0, and I would feel a 5.0; and that it could be felt as far away as Boston. I have my camera setting on my desk at all times for a reason!

Speaking of which, it's coming up on the 200th anniversary of the 1811-1812 series of earthquakes, which is why a lot of people around here are predicting a quake.

[Austin M.]

I feel what seems to be an earthquake everytime our washer goes into the final spin...

[Anistorm]

I feel what seems to be an earthquake everytime our washer goes into the final spin...

That's normal for those that felt it for the first time. It'll wear off in a week, typically.

[Austin M.]

I feel what seems to be an earthquake everytime our washer goes into the final spin...

That's normal for those that felt it for the first time. It'll wear off in a week.

Nonono. My washer is off balance so it shakes the whole floor.

[phw115wvwx]

Austin and Trevor, there are lots of fault line maps online.  Here's one map of the world's fault lines:
http://www.theworldmapsphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Map-Of-World-Fault-Lines.jpg

Also, USGS has an interactive United States map where all earthquakes greater than 6.0 occurred in the last 1.6 million years:
http://geohazards.usgs.gov/qfaults/map.php

The reality is that no one lives far away from a fault line even in the eastern United States.

[Austin M.]

Austin and Trevor, there are lots of fault line maps online.  Here's one map of the world's fault lines:
http://www.theworldmapsphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Map-Of-World-Fault-Lines.jpg

Also, USGS has an interactive United States map where all earthquakes greater than 6.0 occurred in the last 1.6 million years:
http://geohazards.usgs.gov/qfaults/map.php

The reality is that no one lives far away from a fault line even in the eastern United States.

I wish there were a map that based years on Creation, not evolutionary thoughts or opinions. Thanks for sharing the maps, though!

[Eric]

I wish there were a map that based years on Creation, not evolutionary thoughts or opinions. Thanks for sharing the maps, though!

Creationism is based on religious belief.  Evolution is based on scientific research and analysis.

Just as one would not expect a church to publish scientific information, one would not expect a scientific organization to publish religious information.

Religious beliefs can not be subjected to the tools of scientific analysis, and, therefore, would be inappropriate to include in a scientific study.  In addition, there are religious beliefs that directly contradict scientific analysis and can not be reconciled between the two.  If a choice has to be made between the two, then the person or organization publishing the information must decide whether to be on the side of science or religion.  To fully include both without contradictions is, I think, rather impossible.