could there ever be a earthquake on the east coast?

Question

or is there no plates under it

Answer 1

There have been earthquakes in the eastern half of the US before, but they're not as big or as frequent as on the West Coast.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states.php

Answer 2

Under the East Coast is not particularly documented - however, one of the greatest earthquakes of the last several hundred years occurred along the Mississippi River valley - the effects were so great that buildings fell in Boston...

It occurred a couple of hundred years ago, in relatively unpopulated areas - but it was said the Mississippi River ran backwards, and sand spouts appeared all over the region... since there is no known plate crust activity in the area, the cause remains under discussion - but based on archaeological evidence we're over due for a repeat in the region by about one hundred years - the results today will be catastrophic.

So, its entirely possible that an actual east coast earthquake could occur... however there is no documentation indicating any history of an earthquake previously in the area.

On the other hand - the damage caused by another Mississippi 8 plus earthquake will be devastating to the East Coast as well.

-dh

Answer 3

Yes. An Earthquake on the east coast is very much possible. Go here to find out for yourself:

Answer 4

If there were a fault, yes. There are actually earthquakes all over the East coast every day! Try www.usgs.gov and look at the map. Most of them aren't above a 3.0, but they still occur.

Answer 5

Absolutely. There was an earthquake in Charleston, SC in 1886 and apparently it was the worst to ever hit the southeastern United States. We visited Charleston a few years back and I remember the tour guide telling us about it. The row houses have "earthquake bolts" that supposedly will keep the houses from falling apart should another massive earthquake hit......

Answer 6

In response to :
The New Madrid fault is at the AR, MO, TN, and KY borders. This fault having a bad day was the cause of the earthquake in 1812. It caused church bells to ring in NY and Boston and the MS river to flow backwards. So...we do know what caused the earthquake since there is a fault line running through its epicenter.

Answer 7

Earthquakes can occur in anyplace in the world. They are not as common on the east coast, but they can and do happen.

Answer 8

We did have a small one here in Chas SC. Not much but did crack some driveways. Mostly just a quick bang. About 4 or 5 years ago? There is a fault line here, just not active as some of the rest.

Answer 9

the tectonic plates are very hard and stable. all the sismic activity ,generally, is in the pacific, there is not much chance to "feel" a good one on the east

Answer 10

I have read that New York City is actually in an fault zone. Here is the article

http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/charles_merguerian/NYC%20Quake/NYCQuake.htm