A small earthquake was recorded in Morris County, New Jersey, on Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The 1.1 magnitude earthquake occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. on August 22, about 3.7 miles southwest of Chester. The quake was recorded at a depth of approximately 7 miles.
Because of its low magnitude, the earthquake was unlikely to have been noticeable to many residents. As of Sunday, the USGS had received no reports from people saying they felt the quake.
There were also no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
New Jersey’s Recent Seismic Activity
The small earthquake comes as scientists continue to study seismic activity in northern New Jersey following the much stronger 4.8 magnitude earthquake of April 5, 2024, which was felt across a large portion of the Northeast.
A recently published study concluded that the 2024 earthquake likely ruptured a previously unmapped fault in the New Jersey Highlands, now referred to as the Mountainville Fault. Researchers reached that conclusion by examining aftershocks, geological mapping, friction experiments and regional stress patterns.
Saturday’s 1.1 magnitude event was far smaller and, based on current reports, caused no known problems.
Small earthquakes are not unprecedented in Morris County. County hazard records show several minor seismic events in and around the county over the past decade, including earthquakes near Morristown, Morris Plains, Kinnelon and Dover.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, News 12 New Jersey,
By NJ RADAR Team