USA: Analysis of 2011 Virginia quake indicates seismic risk in the eastern U.S. higher than previously thought

[Emily]

http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/2011-Eastern-earthquake-earns-new-respect-4013853.php

2011 Eastern earthquake earns new respect
Published 7:21 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. -- Data from the 2011 earthquake centered in Virginia shows East Coast tremors can travel much farther and cause damage over larger areas than previously thought, the U.S. Geological Survey said Tuesday.

The agency estimated about one-third of the U.S. population could have felt the magnitude 5.8 tremor centered about 50 miles northwest of Richmond, which would mean more people were affected than any earthquake in U.S. history...

Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/local/arti...e-earns-new-respect-4013853.php#ixzz2BZVjKgTs

http://www.nature.com/news/virginia-earthquake-wins-by-a-landslide-1.11763

Virginia earthquake wins by a landslide

Analysis of 2011 quake suggests seismic risk in the eastern United States may be higher than previously thought.

Sid Perkins

07 November 2012

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 analyses of ground motions triggered by the event also indicates that Washington DC and other affected population centres could be at a higher risk of major ground movement than previously recognized...