January 14, 2025 — A minor earthquake, magnitude 2.8, struck 1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia, at 5:28 PM (EST). The quake, with a depth of only 0.1 km, was felt by residents in the Lake Anna area and beyond, though no damage has been reported.

The event occurred in the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, an area historically known for small, frequent earthquakes and the occasional larger, damaging quake. This region’s largest recorded earthquake, a magnitude 5.8, took place in 2011 and caused significant damage across Virginia.

Earthquakes in the eastern U.S., including central Virginia, are often felt over much larger areas than those of similar magnitude in the west due to the geological properties of the bedrock. Although this quake caused no significant impact, it serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the area.

Understanding the Central Virginia Seismic Zone:

• History of Activity: Earthquakes have been recorded here since at least 1774.
• Geology: Bedrock formed during the collision and rifting of ancient supercontinents contributes to fault activity.
• Challenges in Fault Identification: Unlike well-studied plate boundary faults, many faults in this region are undetected or poorly mapped.

While minor, this latest quake highlights the importance of earthquake preparedness in central Virginia. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about seismic activity and review safety measures.

For a full overview of the event, visit the USGS.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here