HomeBlogRare M3.8 earthquake hits Maine, felt in Boston and beyond
Rare M3.8 earthquake hits Maine, felt in Boston and beyond
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M3.8 hit near the coast of York Harbor, Maine at 15:22 UTC (10:22 local time) on Monday, January 27, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 13.2 km (8.2 miles). The quake was felt as far away as Boston and beyond.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 10 km (6 miles) SE of York Harbor (population 3 033), 13 km (8 miles) SSE of York Beach (population 12 854), 16 km (10 miles) E of Portsmouth (population 21 530), 80 km (50 miles) ESE of Concord (population 42 620), and 108 km (67 miles) NNE of Boston (population 653 833).
The earthquake originated at a depth of more than 13 km (8 miles) below the Earth’s surface and did not trigger any Tsunami Warning, Watch, or Advisory. Over 34 000 people reported feeling the quake.
According to the USGS, there is a less than 1% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging, within the next week. There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 3 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and higher aftershocks are large enough to be felt nearby.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Maine earthquake felt in Boston and beyond. Image credit: USGS
USGS said earthquakes along the Atlantic Seabord are unusual but not unheard of, adding that it remains an open question why earthquakes occur along the passive margin. Post-glacial rebound is one of the theories, but there are others, including stresses associated with topography, and erosion.
People in New England, as well as in its geological extension southward through Long Island, have experienced small earthquakes and occasional damage from larger, infrequent ones since colonial times.
Moderately damaging earthquakes occur in the region approximately every few decades, while smaller earthquakes are felt roughly twice a year. The Boston area experienced damage three times within 28 years during the mid-1700s, while New York City sustained damage in 1737 and 1884.
