Magnitude 2.8 Earthquake Shakes Richmond Area, Felt in Fairfax County
A magnitude 2.8 earthquake shook Short Pump, Richmond, on Tuesday evening, felt as far north as Fairfax County. Occurring at 5:28 p.m. in Henrico County, the quake resulted in widespread reports but no damage or injuries. The event stemmed from the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, historically linked to notable seismic activity in the area.
On Tuesday evening, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake struck the Short Pump area located northwest of Richmond, Virginia. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that this seismic event occurred at 5:28 p.m. within Henrico County. Residents as far away as Fairfax County felt the tremors, demonstrating the earthquake’s widespread impact across the region, verified by regional reports from communities including Oakton, Culpeper, and Front Royal. Social media sentiment underscored the surprise and concern among residents, with one user expressing, “Did we just have an EARTHQUAKE in Richmond, VA in the short pump area!?🤯 I’m here and felt the SHAKING like crazy!” – Blair N Williamson, Children’s Author.
The earthquake occurred along the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, an area known for its seismic activity and the setting of the significant 5.8 magnitude quake that affected central Virginia in August 2011, which resulted in aftershocks lasting for years. Experts from the USGS have noted that earthquakes on the East Coast tend to be more widely felt due to the geological characteristics of the region, specifically an “older and colder” crust and more established fault lines. This contrasts with seismic events occurring in the western United States, such as those along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
In conclusion, the 2.8 magnitude earthquake experienced in Richmond highlights the geological activity present in Virginia, particularly in the Central Virginia Seismic Zone. Despite widespread reports of shaking across the region, there were no reports of damages or injuries ensuing from the event. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of seismic awareness even in areas that are not typically associated with significant earthquake activity.
Original Source: www.insidenova.com
