3.9 Magnitude Earthquake Near Shawville Shakes Western Quebec and Ottawa Region
A significant seismic event occurred in western Quebec on Tuesday afternoon, sending tremors across the region and into the Ottawa area. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 3.9 on the Moment magnitude scale, was centered approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Shawville, Quebec.
Epicenter and Geographic Impact
According to data from Natural Resources Canada, the earthquake's epicenter was located about 59 kilometers east of Pembroke and 62 kilometers west-northwest of Gatineau. The tremor occurred at approximately 12:36 p.m. and was felt throughout the Ottawa River Valley, extending from Petawawa in the west to Montreal in the east.
Natural Resources Canada received nearly 3,000 intensity reports from residents who experienced the earthquake. Most reports indicated weak to moderate shaking with minimal to no damage reported. However, closer to the epicenter, there were several reports of strong to very strong shaking with light to moderate damage.
Seismic Context and Historical Perspective
This earthquake represents the fifth seismic event reported in Canada during April. The most significant earthquake this month occurred on April 10 near the Alaska border, registering a magnitude of 5.6 on the Moment magnitude scale.
Ottawa sits within a seismically active valley where the risk of a major earthquake is considered moderate. According to Natural Resources Canada records, there have been 11 earthquakes in the Ottawa area recording magnitudes over 5.0 since 1861. The most notable recent earthquake occurred on May 17, 2013, registering a magnitude of 5.2.
While dozens of earthquakes occur annually in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, most are too mild to be felt by residents. The Moment magnitude scale, which has replaced the Richter scale for measuring earthquake strength, provides similar magnitude readings for small earthquakes like this one.
Regional Response and Observations
Dozens of reports were logged specifically from the Ottawa area, with residents describing the experience of feeling the ground shake. The earthquake was particularly noticeable in buildings and structures throughout the region.
Typically, though not always, the highest intensity shaking occurs closest to the earthquake epicenter, with lower intensities measured at greater distances. This pattern held true for Tuesday's event, with the strongest reports coming from areas near Shawville and Otter Lake in Quebec.
The seismic activity serves as a reminder of the region's geological characteristics and the importance of earthquake preparedness, even in areas not traditionally associated with major seismic events.
