The aftershocks from Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New Jersey have now reached a total of 38, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This quake was one of the strongest to hit the East Coast in the past century, and seismologists are predicting more aftershocks in the coming week, especially near the epicenter in Readington Township's Whitehouse Station in Hunterdon County.
The initial earthquake was reported about five miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. on Friday. The quake was felt as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia. Residents reported shaking furniture and floors, but no major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.
Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, explained that earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. He added that people near the epicenter are likely to feel aftershocks in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there's a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger following an earthquake like this.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy activated the State Emergency Operations Center and urged residents not to call 911 unless they have an actual emergency. President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.
The USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago. As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.
The USGS encourages people to fill out the 'Did You Feel It?' reports on their website. This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.