3.2 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Western Washington Amid Seismic Uptick
A 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Washington on Thursday afternoon, marking the second seismic event in the region within 12 hours. A 3.2 magnitude quake hit Fall City in east King County four and a half miles northeast after an earlier 2.8 magnitude quake had struck Bremerton in the morning. High-frequency seismic activity has caused local residents to become concerned with their experts.
Details of the 3.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Western Washington
The 3.2 magnitude earthquake occurred at approximately 12:07 p.m. on Thursday, with its epicenter located 4.3 miles east-northeast of Fall City, Washington. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) records the earthquake originated beneath the earth surface at 10.43 miles depth. The earthquake caused no damages to buildings or harm to people yet residents from Gold Bar and Renton felt the ground shaking from the tremors.
Another earthquake occurred just an hour after Bremerton was hit by the 2.9 magnitude earthquake that began at 5:00 a.m. The earthquake started with a measurement of 3.1 but officials performed an analysis that reduced it to a lesser magnitude.
Why Western Washington Experiences Frequent Earthquakes
The region of Western Washington experiences many earthquakes regularly. The region lies within the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate slips beneath the North American Continental Plate. The area experiences a high earthquake risk due to its tectonic forces at work.
Massive earthquakes occur every day throughout Washington but most of these quakes remain unperceivable according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Washington State holds the second position in the United States for its potential to experience large earthquake damage because of its distinctive geologic landscape.
Types of Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest
Shallow Fault Quakes
These occur in faults within the upper 18 miles of the Earth’s crust. This type of earthquake persists between 20 and 60 seconds and shakes the affected area in specific regions.
Subduction Zone Earthquakes
The greatest seismic events occur when oceanic plates subduct underneath continental plates which leads to massive power releases. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is capable of producing such earthquakes, posing a significant hazard to the region.
Deep Earthquakes
The impact between tectonic plates leads to earthquakes that cover bigger ground areas while producing less earthquake intensity.
The 3.2 magnitude earthquake near Fall City is the latest in a series of tremors to hit western Washington. On February 22 Auburn received a 3.4 magnitude earthquake followed by a 4.8 magnitude quake in British Columbia that occurred the day prior.
What Residents Should Know About Earthquake Preparedness
The increasing seismic activity rate demands that residents must prepare themselves. Here are some tips:
Establish a survival kit that must contain emergency supplies including water and food as well as first aid items.
Children should fasten heavy furniture and household appliances with straps to stop them from falling in earthquake events.
Basic safety points within your house exist under sturdy furniture or against interior walls.
The USGS Earthquake Preparedness Guide contains additional earthquake safety information which residents can access.
