Field Survey and Damage Assessment of the Mineral, Virginia, Earthquake of August 23, 2011

By Helen R. Thomas and Katharine Turkle

Abstract

The town of Mineral, Virginia (Va.), underwent an M=5.8 earthquake on August 23, 2011. A U.S. Geological Survey team was sent to visually inspect and document the damage in the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville, Louisa, and Mineral, Va. Our inspection concluded that the Modified Mercalli Intensity rating of moderate (V) to very strong (VII) is consistent with the expected and observed damage at these locations. Louisa County, Va., sustained the most extensive damage. We photographed fallen chimneys, collapsed walls, and cracked foundations. From visual inspection of the above-listed locations, this report catalogs the range and extent of damage from the August 23, 2011, earthquake for future reference and analysis.

First posted June 3, 2013

Report PDF (13.5 MB)

For additional information:
Contact Information, Menlo Park, Calif.
Office—Earthquake Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
345 Middlefield Road, MS 977
Menlo Park, CA 94025
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Thomas, H.R., and Turkle, K., 2013, Field survey and damage assessment of the Mineral, Virginia, earthquake of August 23, 2011: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2012–1198, 20 p., http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2012/1198/.

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Historical Background

Geologic Setting

Post-earthquake Damage Assessment

Discussion and Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References Cited