Geologist explains the ‘very scary’ earthquake felt by Maryland, DC residents

Hundreds in and around the D.C. Metro area have reported feeling the effects of a small earthquake between Gaithersburg and Rockville, Maryland, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Here’s what you need to know.

Preliminary information reviewed by the agency placed the earthquake at a magnitude of 2.3, with more than 200 individuals reporting feeling a rumbling or loud noise.

Rebecca Kavage Adams, a lead geologist at the Maryland Geological Survey, told WTOP that the epicenter of the earthquake, where it originated from, is calculated to be about 2.2 miles west of Rockville and about four miles south of Gaithersburg.

She said the depth of the earthquake was 15 kilometers.

And while magnitude of the earthquake is considered small, it startled some residents in the middle of the night. Montgomery County police told WTOP it received reports of an earthquake/tremors in Rockville, Brookeville and Olney areas.

WTOP listeners throughout the region, including those living in Northwest D.C. and Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties in Maryland, reported shaking just before 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

“I’m in Kensington, Maryland, and felt/heard what seemed like an earthquake,” one listener wrote to WTOP. “Rumbling and a big boom lasting about maybe 10 seconds about 20 minutes ago.”

Another listener said they felt shaking in Darnestown.

“The whole house shook. My wife and I jumped out of bed all confused and scared not knowing what is going on,” they said. “Very scary. Windows shook.”

Paul from Olney said he felt a boom early this morning, and so did his son.

https://wtop.com/local/2024/01/very-scary-windows-shook-dc-maryland-residents-experience-reported-earthquake/