Photo: tim phillips photos / Moment / Getty Images
Another earthquake hit North Jersey on Tuesday (August 5), marking the second tremor in three days. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 2.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Hillsdale, Bergen County, at 12:11 p.m. This follows a 3.0 magnitude quake that occurred in Hasbrouck Heights on Saturday night (August 2). The tremors were felt as far as Newark, Brooklyn, and near Poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley.
According to NorthJersey.com, these earthquakes, while minor, are notable in the region due to efficient seismic wave propagation in the eastern United States. Steven Sobieszćzyk from the USGS explained that although the earthquakes did not occur near a plate boundary, such "intraplate" earthquakes can happen. Both quakes were caused by shallow fault line movements.
Residents in Bergen County, Manhattan, and the Bronx reported feeling light shaking, but there have been no reports of injuries or damage. AMNY noted that Jack Drake, a meteorologist, suggested Tuesday's earthquake might be an aftershock of Saturday's event.
The Bergen County Office of Emergency Management confirmed no damage or injuries.