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Earthquake Tracker

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Earthquake data updates at :10 past the hour.

2.0+ Magnitude    4.0+ Magnitude    6.0+ Magnitude

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To view earthquake data, make selections below.

The map only shows earthquakes within
a 1,000 mile radius or less from Colonie (NY).

Less than M2.0 (Micro): Microearthquakes, not felt. Recorded by seismographs.

M2.0 - 2.9 (Minor): Felt slightly by some people. No damage to buildings.

M3.0 - 3.9 (Slight): Often felt by people, but very rarely causes damage. Shaking of indoor objects can be noticeable.

M4.0 - 4.9 (Light): Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling noises. Felt by most people in the affected area. Generally causes zero to minimal damage.

M5.0 - 5.9 (Moderate): Can cause damage of varying severity to poorly constructed buildings. Zero to slight damage to all other buildings. Felt by everyone.

M6.0 - 6.9 (Strong): Damage to a moderate number of well-built structures in populated areas.

M7.0 - 7.9 (Major): Causes damage to most buildings, some to partially or completely collapse or receive severe damage.

M8.0 and higher (Great): Major damage to buildings, and structures likely to be destroyed. Will cause moderate to heavy damage to sturdy or earthquake-resistant buildings.

The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, originally developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter in collaboration with Beno Gutenberg. Quantifies the amount of energy released during an earthquake by measuring seismic wave amplitudes. Each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in wave amplitude and roughly 31.6 times more energy release. Typically ranges from 0 to 10, though no earthquake has ever reached a magnitude of 10.

Earthquake hazards refer to the physical phenomena and consequences triggered by seismic activity that can pose risks to people, infrastructure, and the environment. Here's a breakdown of the main types:

  • Ground Shaking: The most common hazard, causing buildings and structures to collapse.
  • Surface Rupture: When the ground splits along a fault line, damaging roads, pipelines, and buildings.
  • Landslides: Earthquakes can destabilize slopes, leading to landslides that bury roads and homes.
  • Liquefaction: Saturated soil temporarily loses strength and behaves like a liquid, causing buildings to sink or tilt.
  • Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes can displace large volumes of water, generating destructive waves.
  • Fires: Broken gas lines and electrical faults can ignite fires post-quake.

Here are essential earthquake safety tips to help you stay safe before a quake:

  • Secure Heavy Items: Anchor bookshelves, water heaters, and appliances to walls.
  • Create a Safety Plan: Identify safe spots like under sturdy furniture or against interior walls.
  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.
  • Practice Drills: Teach everyone in your household how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
  • Know How to Shut Off Utilities: Learn how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of leaks or damage.

For more detailed guidance, you can visit Ready.gov Earthquake Preparedness .

Source United States Geological Survey (USGS)