Shaken, Not Stirred
Late Sunday evening, residents of northern New Brunswick experienced a rare seismic event as a 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region. According to reports from Earthquakes Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor occurred at approximately 9:36 p.m. and was centred in a rural area between Miramichi and Plaster Rock.
The effects of the quake were felt over a broad area, with residents from Fredericton, Woodstock, and Bathurst reporting sensations of the ground moving beneath them. Although there have been no immediate reports of damage, the occurrence has prompted discussions among locals and officials alike.
This event adds to the historical catalog of seismic activity in New Brunswick, a province not commonly associated with frequent earthquakes. Previous incidents, while rare, include a notable 3.8-magnitude earthquake near Grand Bay-Westfield in 2019, which also caused no significant damage but was felt by the local population.
The origins of earthquakes stem from the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. The surface of our planet is divided into large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. When these plates move, they can lock together at their boundaries due to friction. The stress that builds up when these plates try to move past one another can eventually cause the rocks to break or shift, releasing energy in the form of an earthquake.
This recent tremor serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the Earth's surface, even in regions like New Brunswick, where such occurrences are infrequent. It underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness of natural phenomena, no matter how uncommon they may appear.
