A Weekend Earthquake

It seems that seismicity does not take the weekend off.  During the weekend an earthquake happened outside of the New Madrid Seismic Zone but in the Southeastern United States in a location that usually does not experience earthquakes.  The quake in question occurred on Saturday north of Aiken, South Carolina. Its depth was 4 kilometers(3 miles( and its magnitude was 4.1.  What was interesting was the vast distance that the quake was felt.  When you refer to the data page you will see is was noticed or felt in a multi state area.  For more information visit South Carolina earthquake.

During the time period of the New Madrid earthquakes seismic activity was not common in that region. Here is what a Charleston South Carolina newspaper noted about seismic activity:

Source: "Communication," Charleston(S. C,) The Times, December 16, 1811, Page 3, Column 1, New Madrid Compendium Number 93.

The February 7, 1812 Earthquake

"Columbia S. C, February 11", New Madrid Compendium Number 137

Two hundred and two years ago the largest of the New Madrid earthquakes occurred.  It was noted by most observers as being the strongest of the quakes and was felt across the Eastern North American continent.  In commemoration of that day here is a felt report from the quake .  This accounts gives a vivid glimpse at the power the earthquake displayed even at a large distance from the epicenter.  Read and enjoy.

Source "Columbia S. C. February 11,"  Raleigh Star, February 22, 1812, Page 31, Column 3.