:quality(75)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/elcomercio/FEHNPSIBNFCYPC2QJOGN5BJZTM.jpg "Earthquake in the US today, Friday, May 10: exact time, magnitude and epicenter via USGS | MIX")
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has released a new report on the seismic activity in the country, highlighting the risk of earthquakes in various states. The report, which was published on Friday, May 10, provides detailed information on recent earthquakes in California, Hawaii, Texas, Alaska, and New York.
One of the key earthquakes mentioned in the report is the magnitude 4.8 tremor that occurred in New York and New Jersey on April 5, 2024. This earthquake, considered the strongest in the last 40 years in New York, has raised concerns among USGS scientists. The cause of this seismic event is still under investigation, with the theory of a dormant fault being considered.
Sara McBride, a representative of the USGS Earthquake Program, stated in an interview that the USGS is analyzing the possibility of an old dormant fault being reactivated in the region. This theory is based on the presence of inactive faults in the area, dating back millions of years.
The National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) study has also revealed that around 230 million people in the US could be affected by potential large-magnitude earthquakes within the next 100 years. Mark Petersen, a USGS geophysicist and lead author of the NSHM study, described the new model as the most detailed view of earthquake risks ever seen.
The report also addresses the reasons behind earthquakes in California, highlighting the tectonic plates in the region and the presence of the San Andreas Fault. The movement of the Pacific Plate past the North American Plate has been identified as a key factor in seismic activity in California.
In light of the seismic risks in the US, the USGS has provided safety recommendations for dealing with earthquakes. These include securing home infrastructure, identifying safe meeting points, staying away from windows during earthquakes, and seeking medical help for injuries after an earthquake.
Overall, the USGS report serves as a reminder of the constant threat of earthquakes in the US and the importance of being prepared to respond to seismic events.