Earthquake detected near Newark last week

1:45 p.m., Aug. 18, 2003--A small earthquake occurred near Newark at 5:46 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, according to the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) at the University of Delaware. The earthquake, recorded approximately two miles northeast of Newark, had a magnitude of about 1.7, the DGS said.

It is the first to occur in Delaware since four small earthquakes were recorded in the Wilmington area in 1998. A quake of magnitude 2.5 to 3 is the smallest generally felt by people.

The Delaware Geological Survey operates a five-station seismograph network in Delaware. Three stations are located in northern New Castle County, with one each in Kent and Sussex counties.

Most earthquakes in northern Delaware have been too small to be felt, but are recorded by sensitive seismometers. The largest event in recent years was a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Wilmington on Feb. 28, 1973.

Anyone who felt or heard the most recent event is encouraged to call DGS at 831-2833 or complete an earthquake questionnaire on the DGS web site at [www.udel.edu/dgs/Geophysics/qkform.html].

Article by Beth Thomas

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