Small Earthquake Hits Western Washington
What happened
A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck near Olympia and the Key Peninsula in western Washington Wednesday morning.
Why it matters
The earthquake occurred at 7:51 a.m. and was centered approximately 9 miles southwest of Bremerton. The depth of the earthquake was about 15.5 miles. While a 2.9 magnitude earthquake is relatively small, it was still felt by residents in the surrounding areas. People reported feeling shaking in areas such as Poulsbo, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island. Earthquakes are common in the Pacific Northwest due to its location in the Cascadia subduction zone. This zone is where the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts under the North American Plate, causing frequent seismic activity.
Key numbers
- A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck near Olympia and the Key Peninsula in western Washington Wednesday morning.
- and was centered approximately 9 miles southwest of Bremerton.
- The depth of the earthquake was about 15.5 miles.
- While a 2.9 magnitude earthquake is relatively small, it was still felt by residents in the surrounding areas.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Small Earthquake Hits Western Washington?
A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck near Olympia and the Key Peninsula in western Washington Wednesday morning.
Why does Small Earthquake Hits Western Washington matter?
The earthquake occurred at 7:51 a.m. and was centered approximately 9 miles southwest of Bremerton. The depth of the earthquake was about 15.5 miles. While a 2.9 magnitude earthquake is relatively small, it was still felt by residents in the surrounding areas. People reported feeling shaking in areas such as Poulsbo, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island. Earthquakes are common in the Pacific Northwest due to its location in the Cascadia subduction zone. This zone is where the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts under the North American Plate, causing frequent seismic activity.
