3.6 Magnitude Quake Hits DC Area

People in the D.C. area received a wake up call at around 5 a.m. from a minor earthquake. Early reports claim that the quake was a 3.6 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was located near Germantown, MD. The effects were felt region wide with shakes in the D.C. area, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Southern Pennsylvania. Californians may scoff at the idea of a 3.6 quake, but the USGS notes that this is the largest quake within 50 kilometers of D.C. since a database was created in 1947.

A 2.0 magnitude aftershock was felt a few minutes later in Boyds, MD. The USGS says that more aftershocks are possible.

Though not known for many quakes, the Maryland area does have a few of Mother Nature's surprises under their belt. According to the Maryland Geological Survey, a 3.8 magnitude quake was felt in the area in 2008. Going even further back is the 2003 quake that was a 4.5 on the Richter scale.

Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or damages in the area, only reports of people being woken up by rumbling noises and some shaking.

If you felt the quake, the USGS wants to hear from you. Click here to let them know and be sure to check out the responses of other witnesses. Scientists do not know what caused the quake, but by gathering some information they can learn for the future.