New Jersey earthquake calls attention to ancient, potentially unmapped fault lines

The magnitude-4.8 earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in over 200 years. The United States Geological Survey said in a news conference that more earthquakes are possible, with statistical modelers estimating a 3% chance of an earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher in the coming weeks. Scientists suspect that the earthquake likely originated in the area [...]

Apr 5, 2024 - 23:00

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New Jersey earthquake calls attention to ancient, potentially unmapped fault lines

The magnitude-4.8 earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in over 200 years.

The United States Geological Survey said in a news conference that more earthquakes are possible, with statistical modelers estimating a 3% chance of an earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher in the coming weeks.

Scientists suspect that the earthquake likely originated in the area of the Ramapo fault zone in the Newark basin. The fault system contains a branching network of faults. Some are mapped but others are probably unknown, so it’s possible that the fault where the Friday quake occurred is unmapped.

This story is developing.