Earthquake Aftershock Rattles Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — After a small earthquake shook parts of the Baltimore metro area, another shift rattled the region Sunday.

“Overnight, we experienced a small aftershock from Friday’s earthquake, with a 1.7 magnitude,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Sunday afternoon. “There were no reports of damage or injuries.”

The earthquake struck at 1:53 a.m. about 1 kilometer north-northwest of Irvington, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which said it had a depth of 5 kilometers.

An aftershock happens as the earth readjusts itself following the initial earthquake, according to the USGS.

The Irvington aftershock resulted from an earthquake that hit around 3:40 p.m. Friday near Woodlawn, the USGS reported.

"The Woodlawn earthquake epicenter location was identified as Lorraine Park Cemetery," the Baltimore County Fire Department reported Friday night. It had a 2.6 magnitude and was about 2.5 kilometers in depth, according to the USGS.

"After a thorough windshield survey of the surrounding area, no damage has been found," fire officials said.

This week's earthquakes were smaller than others reported in recent years in the region.

Seismometers, which measure the ground shaking, determine the magnitude of an earthquake. According to the USGS, a 6.3 magnitude is a strong earthquake, while a 5.3 magnitude quake is a moderate one.

A 3.4 magnitude earthquake in Juniata County, Pa., was felt in parts of northern Maryland on June 12, 2019, including Harford, Baltimore and Carroll counties.

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded off Maryland's Eastern Shore along the coast of Ocean City on Jan. 15, 2019.

Earthquakes occur when the plates shifting below the earth's surface cause movement along fault lines.

Related:

• Earthquake Near Woodlawn Confirmed By USGS
• Towson University: Baltimore Earthquake 'Rare,' TU Faculty Member Says
• 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded Off Coast Of Ocean City
• Earthquake Felt In Parts Of Baltimore, Harford, Carroll Counties