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Small earthquakes, including the ones so small they typically can't be felt, occur across every inch of the planet every day. New England has felt over 1,000 earthquakes over the last 400 years. Larger earthquakes, on the other hand, are more rare. These quakes are typically associated with fault lines. There are no active fault lines near New England. This may lead some to believe that this region is safe from powerful, damage inducing earthquakes. This is not true, however. Several notable earthquakes, magnitude 5 or higher, have rocked the region throughout history.

California Alerted After Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake & Aftershocks Shake The StatePhoto by(@shannonstent/iStock) In three locations in California along the San Andreas, back-to-back earthquakes have occurred. Aftershocks are a normal occurrence and typically not alarming. What makes these events interesting is their location, timing, and direct proximity. Since the earthquakes documented below have taken place along the San Andreas Fault Line – a region accustomed to seismic activity – there is no need to panic. The reported earthquakes have been documented by USGS and more than five other seismic detection networks in California, all credible and globally-recognized seismic activity monitoring systems. UTC is an abbreviation for Coordinated Universal Time.

California's San Andreas Fault & Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Trigger State Detection SystemsPhoto by(@JamesBrey/iStock) California has had a relatively quiet week in terms of seismic activity – until today. Over the last forty-eight hours, six quakes have been picked up by the state’s seismic monitoring systems. While nothing was ground-breaking, they were detected in areas expected to experience seismicity due to activity in surrounding regions that impact the San Andreas Fault.

Strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake hits coast near Japan’s Tokyo. A strong earthquake shook eastern Japan on Friday evening, but there was no tsunami warning, according to public broadcaster NHK.

California Updates Earthquake Detection SystemsPhoto by(@franckreporter/iStock) Until recently, California’s seismic detection systems have been rather lacking. By no means is there any suggestion that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions could have been predicted, but the latest technology in California can now analyze seismic events (with more accuracy than ever before.) In turn, this allows people to be better prepared.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in U.S. history occurred on March 27, 1964, at 5:36 p.m. local time. With a magnitude of 9.2, this seismic event shook Alaska's Prince William Sound region, impacting the area and its inhabitants.

On May 22, 1960, a 9.5 magnitude earthquake struck the town of Valdivia, located in southern Chile, approximately 350 miles south of Santiago. Two tectonic plates shifted by over 30 meters, releasing large amounts of energy in seismic waves. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded and lasted for 10 minutes.

Eleven Strong Earthquakes Strike Puerto Rico In Less Than A DayPhoto by(@alejandrophotography/iStock) Eleven earthquakes have been detected by Puerto Rico Seismic Network (UPR) at the University of Puerto Rico and USGS. The Puerto Rico Trench is known for its seismicity, and the most recent activity is much more volatile than usual.

The earthquake of 1906 is considered one of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history. The earthquake happened April 18, 1906, at 5:12 am, with the epicenter near San Fransisco, and the shaking lasted for 45-60 seconds.

On January 17, 1994, at 4:30 am, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the ground in the San Fernando Valley for approximately 10-20 seconds. A peak ground acceleration of 1.82g was the highest recorded in an urban area of North America.

US Earthquakes Along 'Ring of Fire'Photo by(@Dimitrios Karamitros/iStock) Alaska sits along the ‘Ring of Fire,’ outlined by fault lines that have become synonymous with some of the most powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the world. The Alaska-Aleutian Megathrust meets the Fairweather Fault and has created an additional fault line from the built-up pressure of the Pacific Plate grinding against the Wrangell Subplate – the Denali Fault.

The Popocatéptl Volcano in Mexico continues erupting; the Volcano has been spewing ash and steam regularly. However, it is now becoming more violent. Rocks have been flying outside of the crater.

Texas' Fault Lines & Recent Spike In Seismic ActivityPhoto by(@Jason Brow/iStock) With seismic activity reported more frequently in the state of Texas, we can’t help but take a closer look at the Balcones Fault running straight through the Lone Star state. The Balcones Fault runs past Waco, through Austin, and even past San Antonio.

Earthquake Off Washington Coast Worries SeismologistsPhoto by(@Alphotographic/iStock) On 23 May 2023, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck Oak Harbor, Washington. The depth of this earthquake was 63.2 km, which is significant in this region due to Washington’s geological setting, and being on the most volatile fault in the world. Washington is home to five highly active volcanoes in the Cascade Range; Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. This incredibly seismically active region is the northernmost point of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Magnitude 4.3 Earthquake Caused By Active Fault Lines On Southern California SeafloorPhoto by(@Philip Thurston/iStock) After the seafloor fault lines off of Southern California were confirmed to be active, it’s no surprise that the Catalina Fault Line rattled off a magnitude 4.3 earthquake on Tuesday 23 May 2023.

Earthquakes Strike The San Andreas In CaliforniaPhoto by(@Andrew Shaylor/iStock) A series of earthquakes have struck California along the San Andreas within the last forty-eight hours. The fault is well known for its volatility, and the region is well-equipped to withstand seismic activity.

Activity on San Andreas & Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake In California Trigger 'MyShake' Early Detection SystemPhoto by(@Turbinado/iStock) Activity on the San Andreas over the weekend has people in California a little… shaken up. The entire coastline of California sits on the San Andreas, which makes the area and the people living in the state rather conditioned to the daily seismic activity. No warnings have been issued and there is no need to worry.

Increased volcanic activity from the Popocatépetl volcano resulted in the closure of Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport and Felipe Angeles Airport on May 20, 2023. Both were shut down temporarily and have since reopened.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the northern California coast on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported thus far.

Nobody had to tell me about this earthquake. As I swayed along with my desk and my computer, I knew California had become “seismically active” yet again. As earthquakes go here in Northern California, the one that rocked us on May 21 was not a big deal. I personally felt a quick jolt followed by about 20 seconds of swaying. Unsettling, yes, but certainly not the “big one” experts say we should expect. The Los Angeles Timesreports: