**New England Hit by Historic Earthquakes** **Richmond, Virginia** - In 2011, a powerful 5.9-magnitude earthquake shook the Richmond area, sending tremors across the region. This quake was the largest to hit Virginia in recorded history. **East Haddam, Connecticut** - Another significant earthquake struck Connecticut on May 16, this time near East Haddam. The quake, measuring 2 kilometers east-southeast of Ledyard and 3 kilometers north of Old Mystic, was the strongest to occur in the state since 1900. **Why Does the Earth Quake in New England?** Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are large slabs of rock that make up the Earth's crust. New England is located near the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates, which are slowly moving past each other. This movement can create strain and pressure, leading to earthquakes. **Historical Earthquakes in New England** New England has experienced several significant earthquakes throughout history. The largest recorded earthquake in the region was a 7.6-magnitude event that struck Cape Ann, Massachusetts, in 1755. Other notable earthquakes include: * A 6.6-magnitude quake in New Hampshire in 1940 * A 6.0-magnitude quake in Vermont in 1945 * A 5.5-magnitude quake in Maine in 2012 **Current Earthquake Activity** While earthquakes are less common in New England than in other parts of the world, they can still occur. Residents should be aware of the potential for earthquakes and prepare accordingly. This includes having an emergency plan, stocking up on essential supplies, and knowing what to do in case of an earthquake.
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