Quakes Shake Cape Cod

That earth shaking was real. We visit with a USGS earthquake expert to find out what happened and if it will happen again.

What happened with the Cape Cod earthquake?

07 February 2025 - CAPE COD, MA - You weren't imagining that shaking and quaking earth on Cape Cod the other week! We visit with earthquake expert Dr. Oliver Boyd at the USGS to understand what happened, why, and if it will happen again.

Does New England have earthquakes?

Boyd say not only will it happen again, but is has been happening all along. Over the last 30 years New England has averaged 10-15 magnitude 2 or greater earth quakes  - and people feel them regularly. Larger earth quakes do happen, but are much rarer.

Why do does Cape Cod feel small earthquakes?

A smaller earthquake centered in Maine or New Hampshire might be felt as far away as Cape Cod. According to Boyd the make up of New England's geography - they type and structure of its geographic base -  means smaller earth quakes travel further and are felt more widely than earthquakes on the west coast.

The northeast does indeed have repeated earthquakes - but because they are smaller we may feel them, but not recognize them for what they are. For example, in the most recent earthquake people in from Barnstable to Brewster said they felt like a train might be rumbling on the tracks or that a really big truck might be nearby.

Is Cape Cod safe from earthquakes?

Boyd also said that modern building codes have been designed for stresses of nature and incorporate seismic features, so by and large the region's building should stay intact. During an earthquake, the best action for safety is to get underneath a sturdy object-  which can protect people from falling items -  and hold on until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, people can then assess the situation.