Earthquake Virginia
According to the National Earthquake Information Center, Virginia experiences an earthquake every year or so, but they are small enough that few people take notice of them. There have been quakes of this size before.1
For the last five years, William and Mary Associate Professor of Geology Christopher Bailey and his students have conducted research in this area of Virginia, including a study of the fault zones in the Central Virginia Piedmont. Bailey says it’s not uncommon for that region to experience a mild earthquake.2
Virginia, like most states on the eastern seaboard, has a moderate level of risk from earthquakes (see attached drawing). The largest earthquake known to have occurred in the region was the 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake (estimated magnitude 6.6-6.9).3
The largest Earthquake in Virginia was at Giles County, Virginia 05-31-1897 it was a magnitude 5.9. This earthquake was the largest in intensity and aerial extent in Virginia in historical times.4
Fascinating things here: an earthquake history of Virginia, details on the state’s largest earthquake, a seismic hazard map, geologic fact sheets, and a link to Earthquake Bulletin’s Last Earthquake in Virginia listing. Includes the USGS form, Do You Feel It?, to report shaking and damage at your location.5