Earthquake in Delaware felt in parts of the midstate
The seismograph at Millersville University recorded an earthquake that struck Delaware this afternoon. (Photo: Millersville University)
(York) — Central Pennsylvanians felt an earthquake that was centered just outside of Dover, Delaware Thursday afternoon.
People in Stewartstown and Gettysburg reported feeling it to the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents who live just over the state line in Maryland have also reported feeling it.
The 4.4 magnitude earthquake was centered about 7 miles northeast of Dover Air Force Base, the geological survey reported.
“That’s pretty big,” said Dr. Charles Scharnberger, professor emeritus of the earth sciences department at Millersville University.
The earthquake in Delaware was bigger than one felt in Lancaster County in 1984.
The seismograph at Millersville University in Lancaster County shows a spike from the quake.
The quake has been felt from Washington, D.C. to New York City.
Quakes in that region are sometimes referred to as coastal plain earthquakes, said Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services in Spring Grove. He explained that sand and clay rests on top of bedrock, and slippage occurs on occasion.
An earthquake of the magnitude that struck in Delaware “would be felt in a pretty large area,” he said.
People in downtown Dover ran outside after the quake struck to see what the disturbance was, Delaware Online reported.
“I was in the library when I felt the shaking,” said Rick Kozakowski of Dover. “I knew it was either an earthquake or Godzilla.”
This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The York Daily Record.
Mosaic is WITF’s home for all things arts, culture and lifestyle.
We spotlight and uplift the creators around us, featuring amazing artists, musicians, authors, chefs, dancers, designers, photographers, and more.
