The Virginia Seismic Zone, also known as the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, is a region in the eastern United States where earthquakes occur. Here are some key points about it:
Location and Activity: The Virginia Seismic Zone is centered around the central part of the state of Virginia. It is considered a moderately active seismic zone compared to more seismically active regions like California or the Pacific Northwest.
Historical Earthquakes: The area has experienced several notable earthquakes, including:
The largest recorded earthquake in Virginia occurred on August 23, 2011, near Mineral, Virginia, with a magnitude of 5.8. This earthquake, known as the Mineral earthquake or the Virginia earthquake, was widely felt across the eastern United States.
Other significant earthquakes in the area include events in 1875 (magnitude around 4.8) and 1897 (magnitude around 5.9).
Faults: The earthquakes in the Virginia Seismic Zone are primarily associated with ancient faults and fractures in the Earth's crust. Specific faults in the area include:
The Central Virginia Seismic Zone is generally considered to be influenced by the ancient rift zones associated with the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, though no single fault is prominently identified as the cause of earthquakes in the region.
The region's seismic activity is also influenced by stress changes and interactions between various geological structures.
Seismic Hazard: The seismic hazard in the Virginia Seismic Zone is characterized by moderate earthquake activity compared to more seismically active regions. Building codes and infrastructure designs in the area take into account the seismic risk, aiming to mitigate potential damage from earthquakes.
In summary, while the Virginia Seismic Zone is not as active as some other parts of the United States, it has experienced notable earthquakes in the past, primarily associated with ancient faults and stress within the Earth's crust.
Listed below are some of the largest quakes to hit Virginia: