A minor earthquake occurred near Pennsville, N.J., at 9:44 a.m., on Wednesday, (July 1), according to the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) at the University of Delaware. The earthquake had a magnitude of 2.8.
The event was recorded at the three northern stations of the DGS seismic network.
The earthquake is the first to occur in the Pennsville area since a small event took place on Dec. 17, 2005. The last event to occur in Delaware was in north Wilmington on April 9, 2005.
The Delaware Geological Survey operates a five-station seismograph network in Delaware. Three stations are located in northern New Castle County, and one each in Kent and Sussex counties. Most earthquakes in northern Delaware have been too small to be felt, but are recorded by sensitive seismometers. The largest event in recent years was a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Wilmington on Feb. 28, 1973.
Anyone who felt or heard the most recent event is encouraged to call the DGS at (302) 831-1576 or complete an Earthquake Questionnaire on the DGS Web site.
