By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck underwater near York Harbor, Maine, causing shaking felt across New England, including Boston. Reports of vibration and shaking came from as far north as Augusta, Maine, and as far south as Providence, Rhode Island, though no immediate damage was reported. The USGS noted that while unusual, such earthquakes are not unprecedented along the Atlantic seaboard and rarely cause significant damage due to their location. This event follows recent seismic activity in New Jersey and New York.
Read the original article here
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake rumbling through New England certainly shook things up, quite literally for some. Reports flooded in from across the region, with people in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and even as far away as Newfoundland and Labrador feeling the tremor. The experience varied widely, from a noticeable shaking of houses and rattling of belongings to a subtle rumbling that initially went unnoticed.
In Freeport, Maine, one resident described the quake as shaking their house “pretty well for a few seconds.” Similarly, reports from Everett and Boston, Massachusetts painted a picture of brief but perceptible tremors. The Boston subreddit, as one commenter noted, erupted in a flurry of activity as residents shared their experiences and reacted to the unexpected event. The contrast between the relatively mild quake and the immediate online reaction highlights just how unusual such events are in this area.
The intensity of the earthquake’s impact wasn’t uniform. Some people in Boston felt nothing at all, only discovering the event through social media. This discrepancy underscores how geological factors, such as the composition of the ground, influence how strongly a quake is felt in different locations. While the solid ground of New England is the reason for fewer earthquakes, it also means that when they do occur, their effects can be felt over a wider area than in regions with more geologically active ground.
Many felt the quake’s effects strongly in areas of Vermont and Massachusetts, with some describing it as being stronger than the vibrations of passing trucks. The surprising intensity, even for a 3.8 magnitude quake, prompted some concern about building codes. The lack of seismic design considerations in older buildings constructed in a region with infrequent earthquakes means that even smaller tremors could pose risks that would be avoided in more quake-prone areas.
The earthquake’s timing also added to the quirky nature of the event. One person mentioned a peculiar coincidence: they’d just turned away some door-to-door missionaries when the shaking began, leading to some good-natured speculation about divine intervention. This anecdote, however lighthearted, speaks to how unexpected and memorable this seismic event was for many.
The experience was far from universal. While some felt significant shaking, others didn’t feel anything at all, highlighting the localized nature of the impact. Several people noted that their pets, however, were keenly aware of the tremor and reacted accordingly. One resident reported their dogs waking up and barking, a common reaction from animals sensitive to vibrations that humans may miss. Even the location of individuals influenced their experience; someone on the toilet experienced a rather unexpected “backsplash” from the quake.
Adding to the conversation were comments comparing the 3.8 magnitude earthquake to those experienced in other, more seismically active regions. The Californian perspective was particularly notable, with some jokingly dismissing the quake as insignificant compared to the stronger tremors common in California. This perspective reveals the relativity of earthquake magnitudes and their impact based on experience and regional context. Yet, others pointed out that magnitude isn’t the only deciding factor: depth plays a significant role, and a shallow earthquake like this one (13 km deep) will be felt more intensely than a deeper one of the same magnitude.
The discussion also raised more profound questions. The unexpected nature of the earthquake in a typically seismically quiet region prompted thoughts about the long-term geological future of New England. Speculation ranged from suggestions of potential connections to UAP activity or recent nuclear readiness tests to long-term geological processes, such as the region’s possible transition to a subduction zone millions of years in the future. The range of ideas highlights the human tendency to seek explanations for seemingly inexplicable events. However, it’s important to note that these speculative connections should be viewed with a degree of skepticism.
Finally, amidst the speculation and humorous anecdotes, a recurring theme emerged: relief that no serious damage or injuries were reported. This shared sentiment underscores the importance of perspective. A 3.8 magnitude earthquake might be a cause for amusement or mild concern in areas accustomed to seismic activity, but in a region like New England, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the earth and the importance of preparedness.