According to USGS, a two relatively weak earthquake rattled central Connecticut earlier today. The first and strongest of the two hit at 8:21 am from a depth of 6.6 km while the second hit minutes later at 8:26 am from a depth of 6.1 km. The first was rated a magnitude 2.1 seismic event while the second was rated as a magnitude 1.9. Both earthquakes struck near the town of Moodus, known for is seismic activity and the noises it makes. The epicenters were roughly 1.5 miles apart. Today’s earthquake joins other quakes that have struck the east coast in recent days, including yesterday’s earthquake in Virginia and Friday’s quake off the coast of South Carolina.
Earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.0 or less are rarely felt or heard by people, according to USGS, but once they exceed 2.0 more and more people can feel them. While damage is possible with magnitude 3.0 events or greater, significant damage and casualties usually don’t occur until the magnitude of a seismic event rises to a 5.5 or greater rated event. Dozens of people did report to USGS they felt and/or heard today’s earthquakes using their “Did you feel it?” online reporting tool.
Connecticut is infamous for its “Moodus Noises.” The area has had a history of seismic activity and due to the geology there, even minor earthquakes create loud booms, rumbles, and/or mysterious sounds.
Reports of these “Moodus Noises” stretch back centuries; Native Americans called the area Machimoodus, which means “Place of Bad Noises.” They attributed the noises to evil spirits and Gods. Years later, English colonists later associated the noises with witches or the Devil.
Connecticut is no stranger to earthquakes. Beyond today’s inconsequential quakes, damaging earthquakes do occur from time to time in the state. The strongest earthquake to strike on record struck on May 16, 1791. Estimated to be a magnitude 4.4 to 5.0 event, it knocked down chimneys and stone walls, threw open doors in homes, and also created a fissure in the ground several yards long. That seismic event was actually 2 earthquakes in quick succession and was followed by dozens of lighter aftershocks.
