2011 Va. earthquake identifies previously unknown fault line

WASHINGTON – The 2011 earthquake that rocked the Washington Monument and National Cathedral has led to the discovery of a previously unknown tear in the Earth’s crust.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports the “Quail” fault zone east of Charlottesville and just south of Mineral, Virginia, was the epicenter of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that may have been felt by more people than any other earthquake in U.S. history.

Geogolists believe that the 2011 earthquake (yellow star) that rocked D.C. occured near a complex intersection of different types of rock. Magnetic data were filtered (colors) to highlight geologic features near the earthquake depth. One contrast, represented by the blue dotted line, is aligned with aftershocks (black dots). The other crosses at an angle. (Courtesy USGS)
Geogolists believe that the 2011 earthquake (yellow star) that rocked D.C. occured near a complex intersection of different types of rock. Magnetic data were filtered (colors) to highlight geologic features near the earthquake depth. One contrast, represented by the blue dotted line, is aligned with aftershocks (black dots). The other crosses at an angle. (Courtesy USGS)

People from Southern Canada to Georgia and west to the Mississippi River reported to USGS that they felt the Earth move on Aug. 23, 2011. A similar earthquake hasn’t hit the East Coast since 1886 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Named after a small community close by, the Quail fault begins about a mile below the earth’s surface and extends to a depth of about five miles. It stretches about five miles long, heading diagonally toward the north-northeast and the nation’s capital.

Geologists say identifying the fault will allow them to conduct more sophisticated studies and learn more about Eastern U.S. seismic events that aren’t as well understood as more frequent tectonic plate disruptions on the West Coast.

The new book, “The 2011 Mineral, Virginia, Earthquake, and Its Significance for Seismic Hazards in Eastern North America”, discusses the discovery of the Quail fault zone in addition to other issues related to the 2011 earthquake.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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