On April 5, 2024, at 10:23 AM EDT, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck New Jersey, sending tremors across the Northeastern United States. Earthquake in NJ The epicenter was located in Tewksbury Township, near Whitehouse Station, and the quake was felt as far as Maine, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Earthquake in NJ This event marked the strongest earthquake to hit New Jersey since 1783 and the most significant to affect New York City since 1884. While the earthquake caused minimal damage, it left millions of residents startled and raised questions about seismic activity in a region not typically associated with earthquakes.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the earthquake, its tectonic origins, the impact it had on the region, and what it means for the future of earthquake preparedness in the Northeast.
The Tectonic Setting: Why Did an Earthquake Happen in NJ?
New Jersey is not a region commonly associated with earthquakes. However, the state lies near the Ramapo Fault Zone, a geological feature that stretches from Pennsylvania to New York. This fault zone was formed over 200 million years ago during the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. While the Ramapo Fault is not as active as faults in California, it has been the source of several historical earthquakes, including the 1783 quake that shook New Jersey.
The April 5, 2024, earthquake is believed to have originated from either the Ramapo Fault or a lesser-known fault called the Flemington Fault. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a shallow depth of 2.9 miles, which contributed to the widespread shaking. The seismic energy traveled efficiently through the dense, cold rocks of the East Coast, allowing the tremors to be felt across a vast area.
Interestingly, the earthquake’s impact was not uniform. While residents in New York City and Philadelphia reported strong shaking, those near the epicenter in Tewksbury Township felt relatively mild tremors. Earthquake in NJ This unusual pattern has puzzled scientists, who are now studying the fault’s unique geometry and the role of seismic waves in amplifying the shaking at distant locations.
The Earthquake and Its Aftershocks
The main earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.8, struck at 10:23 AM EDT. Its epicenter was located at 40.689°N, 74.754°W, about 1 mile north of Oldwick and 5 miles east of Lebanon. Earthquake in NJ The shaking was felt by an estimated 42 million people, making it one of the most widely felt earthquakes in U.S. history.
In the hours and days following the main quake, the region experienced dozens of aftershocks. The strongest aftershock, with a magnitude of 3.7, occurred about 4 miles from Gladstone, New Jersey, at 5:59 PM on the same day. Earthquake in NJ Over the next week, more than 200 aftershocks were recorded, ranging in magnitude from 1.0 to 3.0. The USGS estimated a 12% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude greater than 3 and a 1% chance of a stronger quake above magnitude 4.
The aftershocks kept residents on edge, but they also provided valuable data for seismologists. By analyzing the aftershocks, scientists hope to better understand the fault system responsible for the earthquake and improve earthquake forecasting in the region.
Impact of the Earthquake
Despite its moderate magnitude, the earthquake had a significant impact on the Northeast. In New York City, about 150 buildings reported minor damage, including cracked walls and fallen plaster. Earthquake in NJ A school gym in East New York sustained structural damage, and four three-story houses in Newark were partially toppled, leading to the evacuation of 28 residents.
In New Jersey, the historic Col. John Taylor’s Grist Mill, which had stood for 264 years, suffered partial collapse. Water main breaks were reported in Essex and Morris Counties, and gas leaks were detected in Rockland County, New York, and Morristown, New Jersey. On Long Island, a sinkhole opened up, damaging a vehicle that fell into it.
The earthquake also disrupted daily life. Flights were halted at Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Amtrak and NJ Transit trains experienced delays due to track inspections, and the PATCO Speedline was temporarily suspended. The Holland and Lincoln Tunnels were briefly closed for safety checks, causing traffic backups in Weehawken.
The Aftermath: Lessons Learned
The earthquake served as a wake-up call for the Northeast, a region not typically prepared for seismic events. Emergency alerts were delayed, with the first notification reaching New York City residents 26 minutes after the quake. A Wireless Emergency Alert was sent out 40 minutes later, prompting criticism from some residents.
In response, officials have emphasized the need for better earthquake preparedness. While the East Coast is not as seismically active as the West Coast, the dense population and aging infrastructure make it vulnerable to even moderate earthquakes. Scientists are now studying the fault system responsible for the April 5 quake to better understand the risks and improve ground motion prediction models.
FAQs About the Earthquake in NJ
1. Was there an earthquake in NJ today?
As of the latest reports, there have been no significant earthquakes in New Jersey since the aftershocks following the April 5, 2024, event. However, the region remains seismically active, and minor tremors could occur in the future.
2. What caused the earthquake in NJ?
The earthquake is believed to have originated from the Ramapo Fault Zone or the Flemington Fault, both of which are ancient fault systems in the region.
3. How strong was the earthquake in NJ?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8, making it the strongest to hit New Jersey since 1783.
4. Were there any aftershocks?
Yes, over 200 aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 3.7 in magnitude.
5. Is another earthquake in NJ likely?
While the probability is low, the USGS has warned of a 12% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude greater than 3.
Conclusion
The April 5, 2024, earthquake in New Jersey was a rare but significant event that highlighted the seismic risks of the Northeast. While the region escaped major damage, the quake served as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. As scientists continue to study the fault system responsible for the earthquake, residents and officials must work together to ensure the region is ready for future seismic events.
