STORM2K

Minor earthquake rattles central Virginia

05/05/2003

Associated Press


An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale was recorded Monday about five miles east of Columbia, Va.

The tremor was felt about 30 miles away in Charlottesville and was reported by residents as far away as Spotsylvania County, about 50 miles. There were no immediate reports of damage.

Eileen Ford, who lives on Elk Island Road in western Goochland County close to the earthquake's epicenter, said she and her neighbors felt a strong shaking from the quake.

"It shook the whole house and rattled the windows," she said. "My first thought was that something had exploded, and then I thought it might be an earthquake. It was kind of scary, I have to admit."

A spokeswoman with the U.S. Geological Survey center in Reston said earthquakes are not unusual in the region, known as the Central Virginia Seismic Zone because of its history of earthquakes.

Glad no one was hurt and that there was no damage!

45 km (30 miles) SE of Charlottesville, Virginia
60 km (35 miles) NNE of Farmville, Virginia
60 km (35 miles) WNW of RICHMOND, Virginia
80 km (50 miles) SW of Fredericksburg, Virginia

just a reference point for those who dont know Virginia

Thanks for the information, Brenda. I like to check out the USGS website for earthquake information, haven't done much lately, but did last week.

This occuring after two other earthquakes outside the United States after the one in northern Alabama last week.

My parents and I almost moved to Charlottesville, Virginia a few years ago, then we decided on central Florida and moved in early June 2000. 8)

weird stuff. I swear...i think its all that rain we've been getting making the ground into one big mud pie...letting the plates settle just a little more. I always thought it'd be cool to see all my friend come unidle on AIM if there was an earthquake, but thats another story. Glad you faired well mamadude

Mamadude, I was wondering about you, with reports of that
quake! Glad to see 'ya!

We are a few days after the New Moon. The chances for earthquakes increase a few days before and after Full and New Moons.

Tom, good point that you brought that up ... I don't know why exactly why this is the case, but it does have something to do involving the gravitational pull induced by both the moon and the Earth ...

Moreso interesting, Charleston had a minor tremor (not felt or heard) and earlier in April, an area near Columbia, SC reported an earthquake ...

I started a thread a while back to try to raise awareness for the Eastern United States and Earthquake History. It is rare to see several earthquakes in the Eastern United States so spread out within a week.

It seems that the US has earthquakes where ever you live. Just because you live on a continental plate, doesn't mean you are going to miss the action that the plate boundaries are getting...quakes will happen...it doesn't matter the location.

I never knew that about the moon phases having an effect on earthquake activity. Thanks Tom.

You're welcome, Donna.

I believe I am correct with the information I posted above, however..... I confuse this along with that the chances of having an earthquake are greatest a few days before and after the days the moon "rides high" and "rides low." -- this is what the Old Farmer's Almanac indicates.

Glad everyone is ok!

Thanks for the information Tom and SF:)

I have only ever experienced tremmors when I was visiting my Grandparents in Johannesburg in South Africa, but I think those are from all the mines in the area. Got a big fright though:o

You're welcome Bron.