1.1-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes North Jersey on Saturday Afternoon
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Chester NJ, North Jersey experienced another seismic rumble this weekend. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a minor 1.1-magnitude earthquake struck Morris County on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m.
The micro-quake was centered nearly 4 miles southwest of Chester, New Jersey, at a depth of roughly 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) beneath the surface. Local authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of structural damage or personal injuries.
Key Quake Details at a Glance
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Magnitude: 1.1
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Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3:50 PM EST
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Location: ~4 miles southwest of Chester, Morris County, NJ
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Depth: ~7 miles (11.3 km) deep
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Reported Damage/Injuries: None
Are NJ’s Recent Tremors Linked to a Hidden Fault Line?
Saturday’s low-intensity quake comes on the heels of groundbreaking seismic research published earlier this month.
Scientists studying ongoing regional seismic activity—including the memorable magnitude 4.8 earthquake that rocked Tewksbury in April 2024—have tied recent quakes in the New Jersey Highlands to a previously unmapped fault system.
Known as the Mountainville Fault, this underground fracture network lies roughly 3.5 kilometers west of the well-known Ramapo Fault. The landmark study, published on August 11, utilized 3D seismic aftershock data, LiDAR topography, friction tests, and stress analysis to confirm that this newly discovered “immature” fault line is actively generating localized tremors across the East Coast.
While minor earthquakes like Saturday’s 1.1-magnitude event rarely cause physical harm, researchers emphasize that mapping these hidden fault structures is critical for assessing future seismic risks in the tri-state area.
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