Seismic Risk in Eastern U.S. May Be Higher Than Previously Thought

The surprise magnitude-5.8 earthquake that stuck central Virginia and rattled cities up and down the US East Coast last year was a record-breaker in more ways than one. Not only was it felt by more Americans than any previous tremor, it triggered landslides over a wider area than any other recorded quake anywhere in the world, scientists say. A detailed analysis of ground motions triggered by the event also indicates that Washington DC and other affected population centers could be at a higher risk of major ground movement than previously recognized. [More]

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