The New York Times
A mild, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt in the New York City metropolitan area and from Philadelphia to Boston.
The quake struck at 10:23 a.m. east of Whitehouse Station, NJ, about 4 miles north, the agency said.
As seismologists review available data, they can revise the reported magnitude of an earthquake. More information gathered about the quake could prompt USGS scientists to update the shaking-intensity map.
Earthquakes in the area
A mild aftershock with a preliminary magnitude of 4.0 occurred near Gladstone, New Jersey, at 5:59 p.m. Eastern Friday, according to the USGS.
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger earthquake in the same general area. Aftershocks are usually minor adjustments of an area that slipped during the initial earthquake.
Earthquakes and vibrations within 100 miles
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks, or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be equal to or larger than the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect areas that are already damaged.
How does this earthquake compare?
The USGS has recorded 188 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. During that period, only seven measured 4.5 or higher. Today's earthquake was the third largest in available data.
Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Based on shake categories Modified Mercalli intensity Criterion. When aftershock data are available, related maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and within seven days of the initial earthquake. All times above are Eastern. The shake-up data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Data from Eastern Seismic at 2:09 a.m. Saturday, April 6.
