New York does experience earthquakes, although the frequency and intensity are significantly lower than in regions along tectonic plate boundaries. The state is situated in a region of intraplate seismicity, meaning earthquakes occur far from the edges of the North American Plate. These events are a normal, though infrequent, part of the geological process in the eastern United States, driven by forces acting on the ancient, rigid crust beneath the state.
Documented Seismic History in New York
While large, damaging earthquakes are rare, minor tremors are not uncommon across New York State, with an average of about 18 earthquakes recorded each year. Seismicity is generally concentrated in three main zones: the greater New York City area, the Adirondack Mountains region, and the western part of the state near Buffalo. Most of these events are too small to be felt by residents, often registering below a magnitude of 2.0.
The largest recorded earthquake with an epicenter in New York State occurred on September 5, 1944, near the New York-Canada border, registering magnitude 5.9. This event caused significant damage, including structural failures and widespread chimney collapse in Massena. The New York City area also experienced notable events in 1737 and 1884, both estimated to be around magnitude 5.2.
The 1884 quake, which was likely centered between Brooklyn and Sandy Hook, caused fallen bricks and cracked plaster and was felt from eastern Pennsylvania to central Connecticut. A more recent and widely felt event was the magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck in April 2024, with an epicenter in neighboring New Jersey. Earthquakes in the eastern U.S. are often felt over a much larger area than similar-sized events in the West because the older, denser crust transmits seismic energy more efficiently.
Geological Causes of Activity
New York is located deep within the North American tectonic plate, resulting in intraplate earthquakes. The primary mechanism driving these events is the immense regional stress transmitted across the continent from the plate’s boundaries. The North American Plate is slowly moving westward, and this motion creates compressive stresses within the ancient, rigid crust.
These stresses are released along pre-existing weaknesses in the crust, which are remnants of ancient mountain-building events, such as the formation and breakup of the supercontinent Pangea. These deep fractures, or ancient fault systems, are reactivated when the accumulating stress exceeds the strength of the rock. One such system is the Ramapo Fault Zone, which spans over 185 miles and is a prominent geological structure in southeastern New York and New Jersey.
While the Ramapo Fault is associated with some small earthquakes, seismicity in the New York City area is scattered and not definitively linked to one single structure. Another contributing factor is the ongoing post-glacial rebound, a slow upward movement of the landmass following the retreat of massive ice sheets. This continuous readjustment of the crust adds to the complex stress field, leading to periodic small slips along internal faults.
Essential Safety and Preparedness Steps
Preparation for a seismic event focuses on reducing the risk of injury from falling objects, which are the most common cause of harm during an earthquake. Residents should secure heavy furniture, such as bookcases, refrigerators, and water heaters, by anchoring them to wall studs using straps or L-brackets. Heavy or breakable items should be moved from high shelves to lower storage areas to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
During the actual shaking, the widely recommended action is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This means immediately dropping to the floor, taking cover under a sturdy table or desk, and holding onto it until the shaking stops. If no shelter is available, cover your head and neck with your arms and move to an interior wall, staying clear of windows and exterior walls.
Families should assemble a basic emergency kit containing essential supplies for at least three days, in case utilities are disrupted. This kit should include:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Sturdy shoes to protect feet from broken glass
Knowing the location of utility shut-offs and having a family communication plan are also important steps to take before an earthquake occurs.