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Earthquakes in Virginia and vicinity 1774 - 2004

Open-File Report 2006-1017
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20061017

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Abstract

This map summarizes two and a third centuries of earthquake activity. The seismic history consists of letters, journals, diaries, and newspaper and scholarly articles that supplement seismograph recordings (seismograms) dating from the early twentieth century to the present. All of the pre-instrumental (historical) earthquakes were large enough to be felt by people or to cause shaking damage to buildings and their contents. Later, widespread use of seismographs meant that tremors too small or distant to be felt could be detected and accurately located. Earthquakes are a legitimate concern in Virginia and parts of adjacent States. Moderate earthquakes cause slight local damage somewhere in the map area about twice a decade on the average. Additionally, many buildings in the map area were constructed before earthquake protection was added to local building codes. The large map shows all historical and instrumentally located earthquakes from 1774 through 2004.

Suggested Citation

Tarr, A.C., and Wheeler, R.L., 2006, Earthquakes in Virginia and vicinity 1774 - 2004 (Version 1.0): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2006-1017, 1 Plate: 48 x 36 inches; Downloads Directory, https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20061017.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Earthquakes in Virginia and vicinity 1774 - 2004
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2006-1017
DOI 10.3133/ofr20061017
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2006
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 1 Plate: 48 x 36 inches; Downloads Directory
Time Range Start 1774-01-01
Time Range End 2004-12-31
Country United States
State Virginia
Projection Albers equal area conic
Scale 1000000
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details