isoica eaquakes i e sie iciiy - nrc: home pagemacese asua -oe osmou-m- k`t iey eee . e - eea.ai ii...

SEABROOK UPDATED FSAR

APPENDIX 2E

HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKES IN THE SITE VICINITY

The information contained in this appendix was not revised, but has beenextracted from the original FSAR and is provided for historical information.

APPENDIX 2.5.2A

PART I

LIST OF ISOSEISMAL MAPS

DATE FIGURE NO.

1727 NOV 091732 SEP 161744 JUN 141755 NOV 181755 NOV 221761 MAR 121791 MAY 061810 NOV 091811 DEC 161814 NOV 281817 OCT 051823 JUL 231846 AUG 251947 AUG 081852 NOV 271854 DEC 111857 DEC 231872 NOV 181880 MAY 121882 DEC 191884 AUG 101884 NOV 231886 SEP 011891 MAY 011905 JUL 151905 AUG 301907 OCT 161918 AUG 211925 JAN 071925 MAR 011925 OCT 091926 MAR 181927 MAR 091929 AUG 121929 NOV 181931 APR 201940 DEC 20/241944 SEP 051957 APR 261963 OCT 161973 JUN 15

2.5.2A-12.5.2A-22.5.2A-32.5.2A-42.5.2A-52.5.2A-62.5.2A-72.5.2A-82.5.2A-92.5.2A-102.5.2A-112.5.2A-122.5.2A-132.5.2A-142.5.2A-152.5.2A-162.5.2A-172.5.2A-182.5.2A-192.5.2A-202.5.2A-212.5.2A-222.5.2A-232.5.2A-242.5.2A-252.5.2A-262.5.2A-272.5.2A-282.5.2A-292.5.2A-302.5.2A-312.5.2A-322.5.2A-332.5.2A-342.5.2A-352.5.2A-362.5.2A-372.5.2A-382.5.2A-392.5.2A-402.5.2A-41a and b

N.H.VT.

7 ST 7'2•75.

46•;t i,

1.

ME

Arrowswickif (Bath Region)

N.

Driver:

'Sens/won-PE-yeKigston.SPIE•

Haverhill:SepM e t hu en?

---- IpswichChelmsford.

Solvers cfr.I. Salem.17

Concord

YIP NewcastleTIII.Portsmairth

./121 -1211.4broplonSEPAmesbur y

NerobtEci!

Rowley

23. :r

/.NOrthampton

MASS.

/- ---+ • LEin -Ilt-M. -Ashford-PZ•

1 .1PkilethersfieldCON N.

\

• Haddam

-r

erns!

Ilms Vineyard

-N.

-N.

New York•EPVPI

• Vhentham

.Tounton.Wo st

gly

ProvIdence•

Watertown.Frominghorn.

Weetborolle sedhu,,,..szote.

N.J.

„...) NH in

Neer Jereey.PhIladel EXPLANATION • Nol• • Fell report, It:termite unossigned

V. • Fell report, Intensity, MktEpicenter, II published, after:

Er> • This report e•EorlhquokeHistory of theUnited Stoles (1973)

•Broola11960/ iZ • Smith (1052)Coincident locatione cooled byqoadronl,e.g, lhie report, Brooks.

line• "......."•Eetimated Isoseismal lineO Si) mime

• 25 56 Milometero

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFNOVEMBER 9, 1727

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC,

FIGURE 2.5.25

Frau `Historical Sets•Sotty of New England . (report 0E-5076011prepared for Boston Edison Cospany, Mgr% Snit 2,Socket Ho. 50-471

84° 69'68°72°80°

ow York

Virgmi

72°

James 8aY

FORT ALBANYRR 4

MOOSE FACTORY

LOUISBURG• NR

NewBru nswick

Ontario

1 'VHc,mosh ,,,, ;ipilnkTAQUA

edil FM -I

\ .--" _, f _ - • MARBLEHEAD..„ • - LYNN III p., /

\• Lake Ontario' i 1- 'WCSTBROSTIZI IV GHAM NRNORTHAMPTON

• Moos. - • MEDWAY

\ III-IV•. :--.11-III

SPRINGFIELIO!, - RiS

/ ' \ Conn A HA'S VINEYARDIII-IV

Pennsylvania

Lake\Horan

47■_ 4 NTiC ;

14 Tr/As '. FELT REPORTSandPREDICTED ISOSEISMALS

(Ij- VIII MM)

EARTHQUAKE OF SEPT. 16,1732

prepared by

WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.

Figure 25.2A-2

,

---/0 Virg;nia

0 WO Kllometers ,'-I.

B rington

■

74°44, 1- 70.

ME.

N. H.

pea,

47+

Estimated limit ofIntensity DZ(MM)

MÁS(

Westborough

42 .+

.5"

EXPLANATION 4- • = Not felt

• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned7* = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

Felt on This report ID= Earthquake History of theWestern United States (1973)Long Island Gi =Brooks (1960) (i) =Smith (1962)

....=,..,„,..0. Z.." ' Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line

cr... = Estimated Isoseismal line

1 30 Milesr. . 'i '0 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFJUNE 14,1744

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.

FIGURE 2.5.2A-3From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-SG7601)

prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

CON N.,o

aven

MarshfieldPembroke

I 17-111 Springfield*,\,,

vaDe-laere

•II-Worcester

nthrop) Exeter-SE-MaNew t

\

ul -York

ortsmouth

• V.11-Hampton

• *-V-Dover

/NY.

ITC-Chelmsford

PA.

Boston-MI

• SE-Westborough

Braintree-17n*

A413°

-

EXPLANATION 0 = Not felt• Felt report, Intensity unassigned

- Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after :

e'This report 11). Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

=Brooks (1960) ‘i) 'Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., a this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line= Estimated Isoseismal line

O 50 190 150 Mlles'

o 50 100 150 Kilometers

lymouth

DETA1 tF REPORTING LOCALITIESCOASTAL AREA

^ 2pMiles25 KM.

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFNOVEMBER 18,175 5

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC-

FIGURE 2.5_2A-4

amsb rgt report

(The

rarrno_uity---elt ye earthquaW•

MD-

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-SG7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

69°70°

00

ME.

9(1rit-Poriland

NH,

Estimated limit ofIntensity DZ(MM

74°-F

0,0 •

68°67°

6,4 440

York

Portsmouth+43 °

N. Y.

*ENV-Chelmsford

43,

MASS.'Northampton

4. ---

CONN.

\ • *RI-Westborough1St- Worcester-Marshfield

+42°

R.I.

+41°

4-

EXPLANATION = Not felt

' 111 = Felt report, Intensity unassignedV111 = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

EtThis report S. Earthquakellistory of theUnited States (1973)

GO =Brooks (1960) QB1 =Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., Ell this report, Brooks.

= isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

• 25 5p Wee

I '

0 25 50 K llometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

NOVEMBER 22,1755 AFTERSHOCKof

NOVEMBER 18,1755 EARTHQUAKEprepared by

WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.FIGURE 2.5.2A-5

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-5117501)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

75 .

ME.

z

72.

415`14

_ r

AC2MASS.Cambridge-111174

4/ 14, ESTIMATED

EPICENTERT. CAPE ANN

gat-Chelmsford REGION

CONN.

4-

VT.

N. Y EstknoRd limit Eltnt

""

rit\-)

112-Klitery-Portornailb

. Strolpdm

• PZ-killIbury

MT+

EXPLANATION c • Not telt• • Fell report, Intensity ononIgned

17. • Felt report, Wonky, MMEpicenter, ',published, alter:

Er) • Thio report e•EorthguokeHisloryOltheUnited StMeol1973)Ep •Brooks(1960) i• Smith (1962)

Coincident locutions coded by quadrant,e.g., a lign report, Brooks.

Isoseismal Ilne•Eolimoled looses., lint

0 50 ■11•10•

0 25 50 altornmers

4.

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMARCH 12,1761

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH , INC

FIGURE 2.5.2A-6

fro2: m ilistorical Seismicity of Mem Englene (report ISE-S67601/prepared for Booton Edtoon Company, Mori. Unit 2.Docket No. 50-471

74°44°1-

4361-

N.Y.

73 .

// Estimated eltrea liamil of

70°4

M E.

VT.

Portsmouth

MASS,

Worcester-Me

" Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

410 Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after

"This report (9" EorthquakeHistory of theUnited States (1973)go =Brooks (1960) " Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line=Estimated Isoseismal line

0 25 SO Miles

O1 , r , y

25 50 K ilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMAY 16, 1791


FIGURE 2.52A-7

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-S07601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

74. 70°

43°1-

42, 1-

• Not felt• Felt report, Intensity unassigned

170 = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after

91)"This report = EarthquakeHistory of theUnited States (1973)

=Brooks (1960) Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., ED this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line

00'0 25 50 Miles

0 25 50 Kilometers

Estimated Isoseismal line

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFNOVEMBER 9,1810


FIGURE 2.5.2A-8

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE -507601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

• Generalized isoseismal map of the earthquake of December 16, 1811 at 0815' GMT, MMintensity values at individual points are given in Arabic numerals (see Table 1 for sources of information).The isoscisms, labeled with Roman numerals, indicate the outer bound of the region of specified intensity.

Nuttli, Otto W., 1973, The Mississippi Valley Earthquakes of1811 and 1812: Intensities, Ground Motion and Magnitudes,B.S.S.A., Vol. 63, No. 1, pp. 227-248.

Figure 2.5.2A-9

73° 70°+ 45°

N. H.VT.

ME. Hallowell.

+44/1()

Brunswick-III. Vt

i4e)o ePortland-a c-7

°Concord

Portsmouth-III

43°

Salem° ohlayerhill wburyport

MASS.


• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned= Felt report, Intensity, MM

Epicenter, If published, after:

ej

This report 1!). Earthquakehlistory of theUnited States (1973)

=Brooks (1960) Ci3 =Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., ED this report, Brooks.

= Isoseismal line= Estimated Isoseismal line

2t5 510 Mlles

I0

"25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAPEARTHQUAKE OF

NOVEMBER 28,1814

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC .

FIGURE 2.5.24-10

Salem-Lynn


Plymouth

74°73'

7 )1 V T_

I

i

?

I

Estimated limit of

i

felt area (.-----------.-

........ Bellows Falls-III

• Keene-D2

4Brat tle boro -III

• Troy *Will amstown -DI°Albany Northfield-1V

/

Dee rfield-in•Greenf ield-IIEa

/ oPittsfieldi

MASS.

' Stockbridge

70°+44°

ME.

N.

•Concord-M

Portland

re--1

+43 °

-Salem

Maldenford /

Boston

+

// OM-Springfield

+ ,-

/

CON N.

• La-Hartford

• DI-Wethersfield

Middletown° )

Estimated limit offelt area oN)pntucket

1-42°

o EXPLANATION 0 = Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

= Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after

This report S EarthquakeHistory of theUnited States (1973)

Brooks(l960) IQ) =Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks,

= Isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

2 15 5p Miles7 0 25 50 Kilometers

+ 41°

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFOCTOBER 5,1817


FIGURE 2.5.24-II

From "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-5G7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

74°

\

Lr

VT_ N. H.

?oConcord

aWindsor

‘111-14- Bellows Falls

°Keene+43"Exete4•

ME.

oucester

EXPLANATION •-• Not felt• Felt report, Intensity unassigned

Vo = Felt report, Intensity, MIAEpicenter, If published, after :

Eb "This report 13).. Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)(6) =Brooks (1960) (0= Smith (1962)


Isoseismal line

.0° = Estimated Isoseismal line

7 , , 5p Mlles25 50 Kilometers

73"

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFJULY 23 , 1823


FIGURE 2.5.2A-I2


73°74°44°A-

i Estimated limit offelt area •111-Claremont

(

Le1474n,,,

/Plai nfieldf„, 907-MeridenVT.

tr.

70°

H.• Flymouth

• Denter Harbor

Saco-W5

*Gilmonton

SEE-Canterbury

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFAUGUST 25,1846

prepared byVVESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.

FIGURE 2.5.2A-13

43°+/

•Charlestown

I rtatteboro• °GreenfieldBuckland

• a-Whately

MASS.

°Amherst

°11147-Northampton

• Efa-Concord

Dover*Allentown

• Deerfieldortsmouth

f•

▪ ,---/Tr-Newburyport

eQ3•DZ-Nashuai wbury

/-

ea-Lowell.11Z-7-Wilmington

• er y

• lfr-Keene

*Amherst

oucester

42°4-

B1-EZ-Springfield

CONN.

\\.......• Hartford

± 1

EXPLANATION ± 0 = Not felt

• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned1/0 = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

= This report 1)=EarthquokeHistory of theUnited States (1973)Elio =Brooks (1960) (43) Smith (1962)

s eCoincidentlocraetpioonrt, Brooks. quadrant,g this

.„„...*:"""." • Isoseismal line

•

• Estimated Isoseismal line

0 • 25 so MilesI0 25 50 Hdometers


74°73°

VT. N. H.

lymouth

Portsmouth

MASS,

()Worcester

_

Cambridge-M-13Z1'Boston-INV

Dedham.

yincetown-

-Wellf !eel

CONN.

N.Chat hamHarwich

lantuckel

a-I- 4i°

EXPLANATION 0 = Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

Ito= Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

et, = This report ID= Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

"Brooks (1960) Q34" Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., Ep this report, Brooks.


2,5 sp Miles70 25 50 Kilometers

II

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFAUGUST 8, 1847


FIGURE 2.5.2A-I4

°Keene

ME.

70°+44°

Estimated limit offelt area

+43'

-Newburyport

loucesterBever

Salem

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-507601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

73. 70°

Groton •

°Fitchburg

MASS.

°Worcester

CONN. R.I.

N.H.

°Concord

Manchester°

Nashua°

-Dove

Portsmoulh-M- k`t fiery Pt.

Exeterl. ErZ-

reenland

.HaThi II

/-11 „bury

wburyib

I4- Newburyport

—• Lowell

Wen herr,Beverl

Nks.,NrbumBoston

o Dedham

L)

.pc9

-Gloucester

.ISE- Salem

ME.

Portiando

z elII SacoVT.

74°44°+

41°1-EXPLANATION

+ 0 = Not felt• r. Felt report, Intensity unassigned

V* • Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

= This report S. Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

Go =Brooks (1960) (ID= Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., () this report, Brooks.

line

...... '''.." • Estimated Isoseismal line

0'

25 sp Miles ' 1

0 25 50 Kilometers


NOVEMBER 27,1852


FIGURE 2_5.24-15

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-SG7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

N, H.

VT

Istimated limit

7 felt area Saco

ME.

s°

NashuqSole% 0

,youtrhM

°Lowell

MASS.

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFDECEMBER II ,I854


FIGURE 2.5.2A-I6

71°44"-f

° Laconia

°Concord Dover •

13, 1-

?Oanchester

Epping.

CONN. R.I.


• . Felt report, Intensity unassignedSte = Feltrepori,Intensity,61h1Epicenter,Ifpublished,oftert

(1,=This report 1).EarthcluakehfistoryoftheUnNedStates(1973)

Brooks(1960) (i) =Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g.,Ellthis report, Brooks.

soselomol HneEstimated Isoseismal line

0 es sp miltsI , ) ' 10 25 50 Kilometers

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-SG7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

72°4- 710 70'

o N.Anson

Estimated limit offelt area -.)......

4.

ns II-AugustaHallowell-3ES* I

Turner -127 • ./..* / .-Gardiner

1 ifitt_2010.#1 &Richmond

......, ILI-Lewiston ,) /

BowdoinlYam 7 iscassetBat 4 i

Bruntwicklejesit-4-1 *

1

N.Y.

EXPLANATION 4430

4 o . Not felt• • • = Fell report, Intensity unassigned

.sr• Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after

e = This report IS= Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)13, .Brooks (1960) Q:i) =Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks. .

Isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

O 115 sp MilesI ,0 25 56 Kilometers


DECEMBER 23,1857prepared by

WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INCFIGURE 2.5.2A-17

Fran: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE -SG7601)prepared for Boston Edison Compaq, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket Ito. 50-471

72°

°Littleton

°Rutland

VT.

1741 .

Estimated Hndt offelt area

• 117-MeredithVillage

0137-Bristol \

N.H. •llI-Lciconio• ',Tilton

Franklin

4F-17-Newbury\ • 14-4-Warner

Contoocook. rZ-V-Concord

(

Lr

73"

°Burlington

Potter Place.

+ Manchester•

J

70°+45°

°Nashua

°Lowell

MASS.

R. I.


• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned411 .. Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

= This report )=EarthquokeHistory of theUnited States (1973)

=Brooks 09601 = Smith (1962)


Isoseismal line=Estimated Isoseismal line

2,5 sp Mlles0 25 50 Kilometers


NOVEMBER 18,1872prepared by

WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC_FIGURE 2.5.2A-I8

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England' (report BE-SG7501)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket Na. 50-471

74° 73°4 4"-f

Portsmouth 0

ME

N.H.

Estimated line offelt area

Manchester°

.11Olp

‘rrimack

Nashua o

112-AmesburyHampstea• ,....-- alisbury

Haverhi -14 •

awbury 12-Newburyport

Brags

r-14 •-field

/Grovelanley

Georgetown-07-

-

KVT.

Gloucester\011E-132-ActonMASS.

Sever! •Salem-PI/

42, 3. + L-r

Boston

CON N.

EXPLANATION • = Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

v•= Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

e

This report IS= Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

(;) =Brooks (1960) Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g „ "this report, Brooks.

▪ Isoseismal line▪ =Estimated Isoseismal line

O 25 sp Miles1

O 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMAY 12,1880


FIGURE 2.5.2A-I9

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-507601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

°Littleton

( 7'( N.H. Estimated limit of

ME.

/ felt area \

1 °Leb""

eahielvin Village

• er:-GiLlfaokredVillage)Laconia

7 •SI-Canterbury

Rochester•

XI) -Ilt-Contoocaok •PittsfieldRoDollivngers-ixorodSo. Ber i k

C

• „('•Concord-N-4

• Hillsboro Newmarket-,Portsmouth

,( + Manchester 4

I ,\ ...........„,„______.,

t\N °Nashua j

r

°Lowell


• = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

e

This report (5) = Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

Brooks(l960) iii-31= Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., co this report, Brooks.

= Isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

o 26 so MilesI 'O 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFDECEMBER 19,1882


FIGURE 2.5.2A-20


Rockwood, C. G., Jr., "Notices of Recent American Earthquakes",Amer. Jour. Sci., V. 29, pp. 425-437.

Figure 2.5.2A-21

42°1-

\ (--,,,.•

`..t( 7

74°

1

73°± -r

44'-f

( N, H.

/ VT. /

()Rutland/ °Leb°n°n

IC

I WI:HZ-Webster

1

Pittsfielda -M -1Y* ,,,,, 12'5L2-PenaCtilrok

I

?

Wrner

Alsteod Contoocook-X-910 ;&-ConcordDavisville-Sy.

• Marlow "I-He"...n ,..n .ker

43,1-I

ii %DZ.

isu

•SulliVan 4*M-12-Bennington

irn ,StoddardAntrim

• eR°Yrnn.Fremont -thEaeter

N Y 1

r ..-Keene .ffiarrisvm 11-Manchester

eoe oslf■Anaserlyboroepz-Peierboro

/

WWinechP°estrel7FitziljiRica'incifrif.lrgealey

\

-14-Ne• Ipswich eft-Noshuar rd

/ Eslimated limit of

/

felt area

/

/\ 0 Spr ingfield

i + 7---r1

CON N.

°Laconia

MASS.

• Holden

• Worcester

Cliftondale-IN•

R.I.

70°

ME.

Salem


170 = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, often

e)

This report (1,9=EarthquakeHistory of theUnited states (1m)eiie =Brooks (l960) =Smith (1962)


=Isoseismal line= Estimated Isoseismal line

O 25 SO Miles, e

O 25 90 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFNOVEMBER 23,1884


FIGURE 2.5.24-22

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-S67601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

REINTERPRETATION OF THE INTENSITY DATA 25

GULF OF MEXICO

20 ago MILES

400 KILOMETERS

.—Isoseismal map of the Eastern United States contoured to show the broad regional patterns of the reportedintensities for the 1886 Charleston earthquake. Contoured intensity levels are shown in Roman numerals.

"Studies Related to the Charleston, South Carolina, Earthquake of 1886-A PreliminaryReport". Geological Survey Professional Paper 1028, U.S.G.S., Washington, D.C.,1977.

Figure 2.5.2A-23

73°

72°

C.>

rri Berlin°

°Littleton

/aoLenboavneor n

napee

N.H.

Contoocook-Ina.

± 'IV-Antrim• 12/-3E-Manchester

•11-12Z-Keene

MASS.

70°45°

ME

4-43°


• Et-Laconia

• Belmont

• fff-Lower Gilman on• EZ-Canterbury

1111002-7-Coneord

0 = EXPLANATION

Not felt • = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

613 = This report ID = Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

idi) =Brooks (1960) IQ) = Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line• =Estimated Isoseismal line

O 25 5,0 MilesH_LT O 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMAY 1,1891prepared by

WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.FIGURE 2.5.2A-24


65°66° 1- 46°67°68°69°

oMill i no c ket

04umn

WIC-ConcordM.-York Beach

York

tterySEPortsmouthIll-Manchester

tt•

-Salem

t.evere

EXPLANATIOki 0 = Not felt

4 '• . Felt report, Intensity unassigned17° ° Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after :

This report IS= Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

tEi -.Brooks (1960) 4E). Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks. .

Isoseismal line

,••••• = Estimated Isoseismal line

0 28 SO MilesI , ,0 25 50 K llometers

•

+ oM-Exet

oNashuf

()Lowell

jII- Wilmington

•mei

Winchester-N. •

+- 43°

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFJULY 15,, 1905

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC

FIGURE 2.5.2A-25

74°73°

• Guilford

+ 45°

Madison-N•

.117-Nor ethillAnzzso.Cnornville

oMa bias°Skowhegan

ME_• W-Smithfield

Old Town,-"BradleyO

ronoBangor-N-17,

°Brewer

'eastport

oCherr Id

• MN-WatervilleBucksport-N

Belfast

wirr,h ,0, 410314r-Aug ustamonmor-t.L.

A oM-E.PittstonLeeds Juiction-Mts we '2741-Gardiner

°M-DZ-L,cfifieldAuburn-lf-M Richmond-DV al-Dresden Rockland- it

Thom ; ton-N

or

•sburg

Carnde;1 ° •

+44°

°LaconiaSaco-MY

te°MZ

•

.

rbld Orchard

-Biddeford

ennebunk"N-Sanford

chesterh Berwick

MA SS.

From: "Historical Seismicity of New Englandr (report BE-SG7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

oWentwolH.

°Laconiaddefard

Nl •R7West Epping- j Greenlang _Portsmouth

Somers r h°Concord • -Dover

Kittery-V YorkeNottinfrapi

DanvilleKensington- rook

- wburyport°Nashua j '*--"'''joHaverhill

0 Lowell

MASS.

e.

EXPLANATION + 0 . Not felt

• Felt report, Intensity unassignedFelt report, Intensity, MM


el, This report . Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)Brooks (1960) (Z. Smith (1962)


= Isoseismal line

00' . Estimated Isoseismal line

o so Mk,*I , ) 25 50 Kilometers

4-

,... ,Raymond° . 10 r ye

Freemonl Ni. 411;1°----'St (Ham:"Kings tr.. Hamptonmpton

ISOSEISMAL MAP



FIGURE 2.5.2A-26


74 °44"-I 73°

70°

ME.

N.H.

VT.

43.-f

°Laconia


Londonderry-1.Salemen-N

-BradforMethuT

illit-V-LawrencDracut-N. N.AndoverPepperell-11E•

Chelmsford -rz•S„.13. 1. 11erica-V-6

MASS.

Boston

•13Z-Derry

f•r‘c

°Keene

42, 1-

= Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

V• ,t Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

El). This report = EarthquakeHistory of theUnited States (l973)

Brooks (1960) (ii31= Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., a this report, Brooks,

Isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

0 25 SP Miles, I I0 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP



FIGURE 2.5.2A-27


72 °46° 4

CANADA

70° 69°4-

6p°

MAINE

5°+

VT.

ISOSEISMAL MAP



FIGURE 2.5.2A-28

NJ-L.

°Madison

.0".....' .Farmington‘

/ •1-Rumford

.III-Joy 1

/ /* -.‘

/ /

• f12-Wfumner 1

Paris Hill (Paris)-" 4F-Buckf ield i

i

°Augusta°Hallowell

/ / k v4 .7 YE-S.Parisaterford4V. V to-11'It-Hebron

n1/ roricii-X. 0111-&-Lewiston

1Harrison- -V ti Auburn+ /Bridgton°

‘ i

I +1St-Mechanic Falls

1 .111-E. Brownfield "1

\-)

Estimated limit offelt area 1.0.

cpldtown

°Bangor

11 \a

el,

I

°Wand

\ a ape Elizabeth

?5lired-111V •.1V- S Iddefordsit.. ,„.....0

(..„.1 ct anford


• . Felt report, Intensity unassignedIto Felt reporl, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after;

Ell,b) =This report fID . Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)go =Brooks (1960) Smith (1962)

Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., ED this report, Brooks.

Isoseismal line• r Estimated Isoseismal tine

O zs 5i) Mileso

"25 50 Kilometers


• EV‘Brockton

-Providence

4;0=2

Malden-4

'''E-T2(/-Barre• X-Eit-Rutland

_ •1111Z. Princeton CambridgeReveTe- -'

70°

ME.

N.H.

••


nebunk

Dover-III-a

Concord-III

Newfields-124.0".. iV. Portsmouth• 131-Str !ham•

-I-Exeter'-Hampton

Lawrence

Monchesteraderry-1Z- Newburyport

..--• sbury

Nashua-4 Meth—1;frac

II a ver;/-17.

Salisbury

wbury• laGeorggtil-.

17-Lanesville17V ey -Rockport

Lowell-1Chelmsford ,*

4114-TeAnstve ru6r ucester-137

/ .1E-Fitchburg

Billerica-- Danvers-M-1A _soiemMan ester

NTArktiominster

\

17-Winthro

&-V-Marbleheadpscott

• III-Worcester Braintree•Quincy

BostnVon-

Boston

MedrerdzSZ••.

Ctester•

42"1-

CONN.

EXPLANATION 0 P Not felt• P Felt report, Intensity unassigned

12* = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

e.,.= This report ec EarthquokeHistory of theUnited States (1973)

.Brooks (1960) Q .) =Smith 0962/Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., a this report, Brooks.

P Isoseismal lineP Estimated Isoseismal line

0 25 sp wits

O 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFJANUARY 7,1925

prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC,

FIGURE 2.5.2A -29


LANSINGCMKNIA

MAL1.50%

tAl/GUSMONTP(1.1(11

IALW IIK

/WASHINGTON

CHARLESTON

MILES

Smith, W. E. T., Earthquakes of Eastern Canada And Adjacent

Areas, 192871959, Publications of the Dominion Obser-

vatory, Department of Mines and Technical Surveys,Ottawa, Canada, 1966, p. 119, Vol. 32, No. 3.

73° 72° 70°71°+45°i

°Rutland

VT.

\

1

C-5 IEstimated limit

/DI felt area °Berlin'

1

°Littleton'Bethlehem

°Franconia

ME.

oNolway

°Augusta

• 01-Sweden

"Effryeburg

° Auburn°Lewiston

-1-44°

°Bruns

N.Conway"

'Woodstock

Plymouth,.- "Ill-Moultanboro •Center Harbor -4.CenterOssi

Ashiand-V• seelib

Tuft boro-V

4,11-Wolfe roN.H.. *17-Laconia

Franklin-I; *)II-Tilton

o PenacookConcord

.1114-Manchester°Goffs Falls

‘1-anover

f °Lebanon.12- Cornish

V-Ossipee7Sandwich-1; .4-Effirj&Nfalls

"III-Parsoleld

e lff- Newfield

o,' a

aS. Portland

\-)

°SanfordoKen

r2tsmouth

bunk

4- 43°(Keene

„Nashua j

°Lowell

ISOSEISMAL MAP


prepared byWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC_

FIGURE 2.5.2A-31

From: "Historical seismicity of New England" (report 8E-557601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No, 50-471

4

-

o Burlington


• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned= Felt report, Intensity, MM


12/;:= This report IS = Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)E6, Brooks (l960) QD =Smith (1962)



9 25o

1 25 50 Kilometers

50 Mlles

MASS,

te,

70°

ME.

''Berlin

\

■..--i°Littleton

I/i°

44°-}74

'I

73°+?‘ ( N. H.

/ VT. /6mover

°Lebancm

I C

I

°1-"miaEstimated limit of felt area....> . . . .

ETPittsfield

(iii) 7 °Concord \I \)

CiiI 1 + Zw Bo.......ston•_111.

N.Y. i

I r Du bli n -IllsGreenfield Me

MLVemon

,o• Irgyn -bMoisztgitel s,ter -+_ nz--•:rv-L. a ' /

Wilton-DZ. _IF Ampere /Temple:TS/•q3 '

-.V.rMerrimackr-iI

New Ipswich-3Z . I 'BE-Noah / 71 ----- \ \ Masorl-BL a, lirooktine--

•••■ ..../ .........., °Lowell

/

........ Gii.......

/

MASS.

+ r

CONN. R.I.

'r‘b

JCEXPLANATION

= Not felt• = Felt report, Intensity unassigned

7.• . Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after:

Ef3 This report IS= EarthquakeHistory of theUnited States (1973)

Brooks (l960) Q:31. Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,e.g., this report, Brooks.

. Isoseismal lineEstimated Isoseismal line

0 25 50 MilesI '0 25 50 Kilometers

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMARCH 18, 1926

prepared INWESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.

FIGURE 2.5.2A-32

From: "Historical Seismicity of New England" (report BE-5G7601)prepared for Boston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit 2,Docket No. 50-471

°Berwl

74°44° 1-

043,1-

°Littleton

C °Laconia I

stimated limit of

1)

felt area

.."-"Vankliri■0

.donPenacook-E‘

• OPZ

I

V-Coricor

0

▪

.

▪

1

▪

7-V-Pittsfielpdover

Contoocook• C 0„..Eps\01

CHopk ...inton

-

Bow Ctr.

/

/*Pembroke

— Dunbarton Ctr' Portsmoutll\i‘„ •

3/(

/

Keene + •Mon/ches.ler +

r\

N........ --,4„L\

MASS.

Boston

(

°Hanover

/ °Lebanon

4-

N. H.

°Nashua j

° Lowell

70.

ME.

42°1-

CON N.

6EXPLANATION

+ 0 .4 Not felt• Felt report, Intensity unassigned

74, = Felt report, Intensity, MMEpicenter, If published, after

This report (1,9= Earthquake History of theUnited States (1973)

=Brooks (1960) (Z) " Smith (1962)Coincident locations coded by quadrant,o oe.g., this report, Brooks.

=Isoseismal line

ISOSEISMAL MAP

EARTHQUAKE OFMARCH 9, 1927

Estimated Isoseismal line prepared byO 25 S10 miles WESTON GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, INC.• 25 50 Kilometers FIGURE 2.5.24-33


W .1loekle.,Ar....-..

tator 3affall, N E VY ...a.n.YForce IX 0 1".alaraft

Utit 0 1, .4",I,:y....„

daertiona 'a4.4Aad • "'"d'ill*rillORIPIP -

5 rT, I - h‘.416." .1141114■16::::"

*Alma: 13.• moll * Cl..2-A■aa lockliwek

I I P E.....VN iY L V IA 'N. ILL.. i I,p.iitsbun,. hi,,,,,k. aatiafdan

Itlarrisburg.1151..414 I

Heck, N. H. and R. R. Bodle, 1931, United States Earthquakes, 1929,United States Department of Commerce, Coast and Geodetic Survey,Washington, D.C., p. 7.

The Attica, New Tork, Earthquake of August 12, 1929. A

codification of Heck and &die (1931, fig. 3): 125,000 sq. ci.

Docekal, J., 1971, Earthquakes of the Stable Interior with Emphasis on the Midcontinent,Department of Geology, University of Nebraska,Lincoln, Nebraska, p. 134.

Figure 2.5.2A-34

17, ,

I

-. 1/CONOSTONI'''. - •••-

/ la ItTr0.1g PROVVEMCC• ....... _.

I 7...+% 1 Cf:.0.....— +-L.* •

., ...........,zz........P C Y . .::::::'\■.. '

GRAND BANKS EARTHQUAKENOV. 18,1929

Smith, W.E.T., Earthquakes of Eastern Canada and Adjacent Areas, 1928-1959,Publications of the Dominion Observatory, V. 32, No. 3, Ottawa,Canada, 1966.

Figure 2.5.2A-35

44'

42 .

' 76 74" 72* JO'

44'

•

31.124.test14.1Ir 444::;:•.‘

I

OfdessImarg

e l

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-7t'4 TM...., 01"."

' I ? ckefi ' fc• N N J , , . .. ,rw, 81 :L. 54.944reopa a . I

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115Biszurp o, rt,I i MILforde,1 9 t °Willw. balm'78 ' 76' 74 ' 72 ' 70

Area affected by Lake George shock of April 20

Neumann, Frank, United States Earthquakes, 1931, U.S. Dept. ofCommerce, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington, D.C., 1932

April 20, 1931

Figure 2.5.2A-36

80 78' 76' 74* . 72 '%1 ,

46 oo,••

• 0

/ 0 9•i

0, e„"'--

t

/a% . C

k.

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r-

111 QUEBECfr

FREDERICTON

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TORONTO

BOSTONWei",

PROVIDENCEI

100

MILES

HARRIS BU RG

AUGUSTA

,

FIGURE 6. Adopted from Mane (MI4).

Smith, W.E.T., 1966, Earthquakes of Eastern Canada andAdjacent Areas, 1928-1959, Publications of the DominionObservatory, Ottawa, Canada, Vol. 32, No. 3.

Figure 2.5.2A-38

73'

72. 71° 70° 69° 68° sr

4 5°

cANADA ,...„,\

+.,...m...45°

, Limitsi

of Felt

'Montpelier

Area

o5

se° 1-iv

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58

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1 '

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,

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5

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o

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1

April 26, 195740 60 80 100

—42'

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.-.

MASS. Statute Miles

— --- 42° —

CONN.,RA

J

-11111111.e 1J

' ,...0

73° 72° 71° 70° 69° 68° 67°

Brazee, R. J. and W. K. Cloud, United States Earthquakes, 1957,U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Coast and Geodetic Survey,Washington, D.C., 1959.

Figure 2.5.2A-39

N.Y.2, 3, 4 = Modified Mercalli Intensities

*after Breitling, W., "Crustal Structure and Attenuation Derived from the BostonEarthquake of October 16, 1963," Unpublished Master's Thesis, BostonCollege, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 1965, page 2.

Figure 2.5.2A-40

77 76 75 -71 73 7 71 10 69 68 1.•

76 75 1; 72 71 70 69 68

49

.,...,

ILOCATION - A 5.31°I1 70,91°11ORIGIN 111 .01 09 09.2 GPITRPM -1201PIAGNITOOL - 9.0 NH (GS). 5.2 193(NUT11.1)

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Wetmiller, R. J.,"The Quebec-MaineBorder Earthquake,15 June, 1973", Cana-dian Jour. of EarthSci., V. 12, No. 11,1975.

Figure 2.5.2A-41a

* Earthquake Epicenter (15 June 1973)

• Earthquake was felt

O Earthquake was not fell

(Small figure beside circle indicates intensityis different from zone designation)

Location 45°24N, 710 014.Origin Time 01:0905 GMT

I Magnitude 4.8 (mb)

I MAINE

Wetmiller, R. J., "The Quebec-Maine Border Earthquake, 15 June, 1973",Canadian Jour. of Earth Sci., V. 12, No. 11, 1975.

Figure 2.5.2A-41b

APPENDIX 2.5.2A

PART II

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. DESCRIPTION

1

Aftershocks of the Earthquake of November 9, 1727From the Minister's Record (1727-1748) of theRev: Matthias Plant

2 Record of Aftershocks of the 1727 Earthquake atNewbury and Marblehead, Massachusetts

3

Aftershocks of the 1755 Earthquake

4 Summary of Observations on Aftershocks

INTRODUCTION

This section presents a brief discussion of those historical eventsthat are of special interest to the site, either because of their proximityor their site intensity. Most of the events included in this discussionhave a predicted site intensity equal to or greater than IV(MM).

The historical documentation on felt reports near the site, or atnearby localities is also presented whenever available. Information onfelt reports near the epicenters has been included only for those fewevents that are related to the maximum earthquake potential. A morecomplete documentation for most of the selected events can be found inHistorical Seismicity of New England, prepared in 1976 for the PilgrimUnit II Docket by Weston Geophysical.

-2-

EARTHQUAKE OF 1534 (DATE UNCERTAIN)

EPICENTRAL INTENSITY: IX-X(MM)

LOCATION: 47.6N, 70.1W

EVALUATION:

This event is included in the present catalog for sake of completeness.Smith (1962) is the first cataloger of this event. It is omitted in thelater edition of the Earthquake History of the United States (Coffmanand von Hake, 1973). The time, location, and intensity are quite vague,and the supporting evidence quoted by Smith comes from Thwaites, editorof the Jesuit Relations. Reference is made to the fact that "the Savageshave preserved the tradition of a great earthquake which had happened informer times, but that they did not know either the time or the cause ofthe disturbance." Thwaites also quotes from a Topographical Dictionary under the heading "Les Eboulements," where reference is made to thelocal tradition of an earthquake which happened near this localitybetween the two voyages of Jacques Cartier (1534-1535).

Clearly, assigning an Intensity IX-X to characterize such a wording isnot a rigorous application of the Mercalli scale, but a subjectiveattempt to imply the occurrence of a severe shock. Once accepted thatthe event occurred near Les Eboulements, Quebec and had such a largeintensity, it is logical to assume that it could have been felt at thesite at the Intensity V level.

-3-

EARTHQUAKE OF JUNE 11, 1638(JUNE 1, 1638, JULIAN CALENDAR)

CA: 20:00 (GMT)

EPICENTRAL INTENSITY: IX (MN)


EVALUATION:

The location of this event has been subjected to multiple revisions byvarious catalogers. Unfortunately, the sparsity of information is themain reason for this variety of interpretations. Because the historicaldocumentation has remained minimal, the presently assumed location muststill be considered uncertain. For sake of clarification, it is helpfulto recall that Heck and Eppley (1958) in their Earthquake History of theUnited States listed the event "In New England," with no intensityassigned. Mather and Godfrey (1927) had estimated the potential location"off Cape Ann" and the intensity as VIII(RF). Smith (1962), givinghigh importance to a felt report from Three Rivers (Quebec), decided togive the "St. Lawrence Valley" as the probable source region, and usedthe Three Rivers' coordinates. He also upgraded the Intensity VIII(Rossi-Forel) to IX(MM) without stating his reasons. In 1965, Eppley,in his revised catalog, changed his own 1958 position and acceptedSmith's suggested location and intensity. In the meantime, Smith (1966)considered that he should not have diverged from Mather and Godfrey, andin a note placed at the end of the introduction to the second part ofhis catalog, reversed his position and placed the event back "off CapeAnn," leaving untouched his own upgraded intensity. When Coffman andvon Hake (19734 published their revised Earthquake History of the United States, they apparently did not notice Smith's (1966) revision and leftthe event near Three Rivers, Quebec. Stevens (1974) in a brief note inthe Bulletin of the Geological Society of America signaled, in an answerto Sbar and Sykes (1973), that Smith had removed the event from theThree Rivers' location.

In 1976 further research by Weston Geophysical indicated that somesimilarity between the 1925 isoseismals and the 1638 and 1663 feltreport distributions existed, suggesting that all three events couldhave the same regional location. Smith (1962) had also pointed out thata "fairly severe shock in the St. Lawrence Valley could have producedthe observed results" in New England. In 1976, the Earth Physics Branchaccepted the suggestion that the La Maibaie area was a likely locationfor the event, although other regions should not be excluded. Basham etal. (1979) consider the event too uncertain to use it in their riskassessment, keeping 1663 as a starting time. They concede that an event(magnitude 6) could be accommodated in the La Maibaie region on thebasis of the recurrence curve.

The eyewitness reports from the coastal region of Massachusetts, for theearthquake of June 1, 1638, are not inconsistent with those from theearthquake of March 1, 1925 (GMT). Data from Boston, Plymouth, andNewbury, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and the region aboutThree Rivers, Quebec compare well with the isoseismals of the 1925

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event. The absence of reports of damage to dwellings or chimneys in earlydocuments precludes consideration of the Cape Ann region as an epicentrallocation for the event. Samuel Williams (1785) of Harvard, in one ofthe earliest published systematic catalogs of New England earthquakes,considers that the 1638 earthquake, like that of the 1663 earthquake,was centered in Canada. An earthquake of epicentral Intensity IX(MM),centered in the La Malbaie region of Quebec, can account for the intensityobservations of the historical record for the June 1, 1638 earthquake; itis accepted here as the more probable.

PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Anonymous, Town Records Entry, Newbury, Massachusetts

"Being this day assembled to treat or consult about the wellordering of the affairs of the towne about one of the clock in theafternoons., the sunn shining faire, it pleased God suddenly to raise avehement earthquake coming with a shrill clap of thunder issuing as issupposed out of the east, which shook the earth and the foundations ofthe house in a very violent manner to our great amazement and wonder,wherefore taking notice of so great and strange a hand of God's providence,we were desirous of leaving it on record to the view of after ages tothe intent that all might take notice of Almighty God and fear hisname." (Cited in Currier 1902, p. 250.)

Bradford, Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts

"This year, about the first or second of June, was a great andfearful earthquake. It was in this place heard before it was felt. Itcame with a rumbling noise or low muxmur, like unto remote thunder. Itcame from the northward and passed southward; as the noise approachednearer, the earth began to shake and cause like things as stood uponshelves, to dlatter and fall down. Yea, persons were afraid of thehouses themselves. It so fell out that at the same time divers of thechief of this town were met together at one house, conferring with someof their friends that were upon their removal from the place, as if theLord would hereby show the signs of His displeasure, in their shaking a-pieces and removals one from another. However, it was very terrible forthe time, and as the men were set talking in the house, some women andothers were without the doors, and the earth shook with that violence asthey could not stand without catching hold of the posts and pales thatstood next them. But the violence lasted not long. And about half anhour, or less came another noise and shaking, but neither so loud norstrong as the former, but quickly passed over and so it ceased. It wasnot only on the seacoast, but the Indians felt it within land, and someships that were upon the coast were shaken by it. So powerful is themighty hand of the Lord, as to make both the earth and sea to shake, andthe mountains to tremble before Him, when He pleases. And who can stayHis hand?" (Cited in Morrison, 1952, pp. 302-303.)

Hull, Diary Entry, Written While At Boston, Massachusetts

"The 1st of the 4th month, about noon, was a very great and generalearthquake. The vessels upon the river, and the goods that were in thesaid ships, moved much. Many upon the land could scarcely stand upright."

Johnson, 1654

"This yeare, the first day of the Fourth-Month, about two of theclock in the after-noons, the Lord caused a great and terrible Earth-quake, which was general throughout all the English Plantations; themotion of the Earth was such, that it caused diverse men (that had neverknowme an Earthquake before) being at worke in the Fields, to cast downtheir workins-tooles, and run with gastly terrified lookes, to the nextcompany they could meet withal:1; it came from the Westerne and uninhabitedparts of this Wildernesse, and went the direct course this brood ofTravellers came."

Josselyn

"June the second, a great and terrible earthquake throughout thecountry.

"...at 4 of the clock we descryed two sail bound for New-found-Land, and 80 far the Streights, they told us of a general Earth-quake inNew-England...and now we are two Leagues off Cape Ann."

Note: These are notes made upon a voyage from England in 1638.There is no mention of an earthquake felt while at sea.

Le Jeune, Rev. Paul, 1638, Written at Three Rivers, Quebec

"On St. Barnabas' day, we had an earthquake in some places; and itwas so perceptible that the savages were greatly surprised to see theirbark plates collide with each other, and the water spill out of theirkettles. This drew from them a loud cry of astonishment."

Note: This account was written at Three Rivers, Quebec on August 25,1638. St. Barnabas day is June 11. Catholic countries werealready on the Gregorian calendar. Corresponding dates in NewEngland would be 10 days earlier or June 1, Old Style.

Williams, Roger, 1638, Written At Providence, Rhode Island

"2 things at present for information.

"First, in the affaires of the Most High; his late dreadfulZ voiceand hand: that audible and sensible voice, the Earthquake.

"All these parts felt it, (whether beyond the Nanhiggonsick I yetlearns not), for my selfe I scarce perceaued ought but a kind of thunder& a gentle mooving & the natiues apprehensions, & but one sudden shortmotion.

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"The younger natives are ignorant of the like ; but the elderinforme me that this is the 5th within these 4 score yeare in the land:the first about 3 score & 10 yeare since: the second some 3 score & 4yeare since: the third some 54 yeare since, the 4th some 46 since..."

Winthrop, John, 1638, Journal Entry Written At Boston, Massachusetts

"Between 3 and 4 in the afternoon...there was a great earthquake.It came with a noise like a continued thunder or a rattling of coachesin London, but was presently gone. It was at Connecticut, at Naragansett,at Pascataquack, and all the parts about. It shook the ships, whichrode in the harbor, and all the island's, etc. The noise and the shakingscontinued about four minutes. The earth was unquiet twenty-days afterby times."

Hutchinson (1765), Later History published 127 years after the 1638 event

"The year 1638 was memorable for a very great earth-quake throughNew-England. The shake, by the printed accounts of it, and from manuscriptletters, appears to have been equal to that of 1727, the pewter in manyplaces being thrown off the shelves, and the tops of chimneys in someplaces shook down, but the noise, though great, not so surprising asthat of the last mentioned. The course of it was west to east."

Note: The account of the later history by Hutchinson contrastswith the eyewitness descriptions provided insofar as itreports chimneys damaged. No eyewitness document reportsany damage to dwellings or chimneys.

•

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EARTHQUAKE OF FEBRUARY 5, 1663(JANUARY 27, 1663, JULIAN CALENDAR)

CA. 17:30 (GMT)

EPICENTRAL INTENSITY: X(MM)


EVALUATION

The above coordinates place the epicenter near La Maibaie, Quebec. Theycorrespond to the March 1, 1925 event. It should be pointed out thatsuch a location has been continuously proposed by E. A. Hodgson (1928),(1950), and Smith (1962). On the other hand, American catalogs show achange of view in this matter. Heck and Eppley (1958) carry the coordinatesof Three Rivers, Quebec; Eppley (1965) and later, Coffman and von Hake(1973), probably following Smith, adopted the La Maibaie location. Theconfusion is understandable in view of importance given to the descriptionof landslides near Three Rivers, dramatically formulated in some of theprincipal sources, these of Father Lalemant and Mother Marie de l'Incarnationcited by Smith (1962).

The Intensity X(MM), the highest assigned to the La Maibaie event, isagain an attempt to reflect the relative seriousness of the shock morethan a strict application of the Mercalli scale. E. A. Hodgson (1950)ventured to say that this earthquake "may have been worse than any ofthe others, or may be that the accounts were exaggerated...".

PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Hull, John, Diary Entry,' Boston, Massachusetts

"26th of 11th. In the evening, about six o'clock, was an earthquake,that shook much for near one-quarter of an hour; there was shaking inseveral parts of the town, and other towns, two or three times the sameweek; but the former was general."

Mather, Cotton, Written at Boston, Massachusetts

"Earthquakes: six or seven shocks in January '1663'. (AuthorsNote: of this Increase Mather, in his Illustrious Providences, says:'In the year 1662, on the 26, 27, and 28 of January, the Earth wasshaken at least six times in the space of three dayes. I remember thatupon the first approach of the earthquake, the things on the Shelves inthe House began to move. Many People ran out of their Houses with fearand amazement; but no House fell, nor was any damage sustained. ')"

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Sewall, Samuel, Recollection in letter dated November 14, 1727

"I remember the Earthquake of 1662/3 and my being shaken by it asI sat in my father's house at Newbury in the jam of the chimny."

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EARTHQUAKE OF NOVEMBER 9, 1727(OCTOBER 29, 1727, JULIAN CALENDAR)

CA: 22:40 (L)

EPICENTRAL INTENSITY: VII (MM)


EVALUATION:

This is the second largest historical event after that of November 18,1755 that has occurred off the coast of northeastern Massachusetts. Itsapproximate location is based on felt report distribution (Figure 2.5.2A-1). The epicentral distance to the site is about 14 miles; the eventhas been considered related to the Cape Ann pluton and the structure ofthe northeastern Massachusetts Thrust Fault Complex. It was felt widelyover an area of 296,000 square kilometers, from the Kennabunk River,Maine to the Delaware River, south of Philadelphia. Maximum damage wasobserved near the mouth of the Merrimack River (Intensity VI-VII).Cracked chimneys were reported from as far north as Portsmouth, NewHampshire, and as far south as Boston. Historians seem unanimous inthat the earthquake was strongest in Newbury, Massachusetts. Thecomplete listing of all reported accounts have been presented in theBoston Edison Company, Pilgrim Unit II Docket No. 50-471, BE-SG 7601.Only the most pertinent accounts are included here.

This shock had a long sequence of aftershocks which historical recordshave preserved. A discussion of this sequence follows the accounts.

PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Allen, J., Boston, Massachusetts (Undated period entry as remark inchurch record)

"It began as I conceive in the South-East, about half an Hour afterTen in the Lord's Day Evening after the 29th of October, 1727. All of asudden our Houses shook as if they were falling to pieces, and this WOWattended with a great Noise, which Lasted about one Minute, and thentook its course Northward. In a very short time it return's upon us,tho' with far less Strength, and the Shocks were repeated seven Times inmy hearing that Night; but there were many more at Salem, Ipswich, etc.Distant Rimbles were heard by us many times until the next Friday-Evening. Since that we don't know that we have heard it; but it hasbeen heard at Newbury every Day since, and for more than three Weeks."

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Blunt, John, New Castle, New Hampshire (Letter dated January 23, 1728)

"...on the night between the 29 & 30 of October about 9 of theclock I retired to bed. (being my usual hour) but being that nightotherwise different than commonly I took a book and read of it for aboutthe...of an hour and then composed my bed for sleep but long had I notbeen asleep before I awoke, Awoke! Did I lay...: I Dreamt, oh Dream!Do I lay, no, no Dream neither, But to then that I lay I believe a meanbetween both, but never in such a strong...confirmation in all my Life:for as soon as I raised my head from my pillow and my Intellect againbegan to exert its operative faculty, Perceiving the Bed to Work like aboat & the house trembled as though it would immediately fail to piecesand the Terrible noise which was began compared to the strongest that Iremember now...to...Rev. Landon to inqure what the matter was (whohimself had just got out of his bed) replied, its a Terrible Earthquakewith that I ran & got my clothes, then we ran out at the Door, but bythe trembling of the Earth and the Dreadful noise accompanying it seemedas the foundations of the Earth now moved and the Powers of heavenshaken the...land to come from the NW & pass along toward the SE (thisfrom my own observation... (manuscript unclear)...one of our neighborsthey plainly perceived the shaking of the earth about half a minutebefore they heard the noise...I cannot now give you a particular accountto affects it had on the place & people, I cannot give, the chimneys ofmany houses have broken and the tops broken off to the roof of thehouses and som Cellar walls tumbled in. It seems it was a gread Dealmore Terrible in the towns on Merrimack, espeically Haverhill, Amesbury,Saybrury and Newbury..."

Boston Gazette, The, Boston, Massachusetts (Period newspaper accountdated November 6, 1727)

"Boston, Nov. 6.

"On the 29th past about 30 Minutes past 10 at Night, which was veryCalm & Serene, and the Sky full of Stars, the Town was of a suddenexceedingly surprised with the most violent shock of an Earthquake thatever was known. It began with a loud Noise like Thunder, the very EarthreeZ'd and trembled to such a prodigious degree, that the Houses rock'dand shook insomuch, that every Body expected they should be Buried inthe Ruins. Abundance of the Inhabitants were wakened out of their Sleepwith the utmost Astonishment, and others so sensibly affrighted, thatthey run into the Streets thinking themselves were safe there.; but thro'the Infinite Goodness and Mercy of GOD, the Shock continued but aboutten Minutes, and tho' some small damage was done in a few Houses, yet byGod's great Blessing, we dont hear that any Body received any hurtthereby. There were several times till the next Morning heard some(manuscript unclear). Rumblings of it, but since then, the Earth hasbeen quiet, tho' the Minds of the People have still a great and justTerror and Dread upon them."

Clark, Peter, Salem Village, Massachusetts (Period diary entry)

"Being Lord's day, at night, between 10 & 11 o'clock there happeneda very great earthquake, accompanied with a terribel noise and shaking,which was greatly suprising to ye whole land, y e rumbling in ye bowelsof the earth, with some Lesser trepidation of the earth, has been repeatedat certain times, for divers weeks after."

Jaques, Stephen, Newbury, Massachusetts (Probable period account,date unknown)

"On the twenty-ninth day of October, between ten and eleven, itbeing sabath day night, there was a terabel earthquake. The like wasnever known in this land. It came with a dreadful roreing OB if it wasthunder, and then a pounce like grate guns two or three times close oneafter another. It shook down bricks from ye tops of abundance of chimnies,some almost all the heads...All that was about ye houses trembled, bedsshook, some cellar walls fell partly down. Benjamins Plumer's stonewithout his dare fell into his cellar. Stone walls fell in a hundredplasis. Most peopel gat up in a moment. It came very often all yenight after, and it was heard two or three times some days and nights,and on the sabath day night on ye twenty-fourth of December following,between ten and eleven, it was very Loud, as any time except ye first,and twice that night after but not so loud. Thefirst night it brokeout in more than ten places in ye town in y e clay Low Land, blowing upye sand, sum more, sum less. In one place near Spring Island it blewout, as was judged twenty loads, and when it was cast on coals in y enight, it burnt like brimstone."

Jeffrey, James, Salem, Massachusetts (Period "diary" entry in almanac)

"...about half an hour after ten °clock there was the most terribleEarthquake every known in New England -Continued about two minutes offirst shock & had several small ones aperwards, & some night y e continuedat times all ye weeks afterwards all y People in Town sat up most part

e .of y night. "

Kelley, Richard, Amesbury, Massachusetts (Period diary entry)

"In ye yeare 1727, October 29, about ten of y e clock, it beingSabath day night, was a Grate earthquake which was extrodenery loud andhard as awaked many out of sleep housen did shake & windows rateland puter and dishes clater on y shelves & ye tops of many chimneysfell of & maney ware so shatered as that people ware fain to take themdown and new build them again."

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Plant, Rev. Matthias, Newbury, Massachusetts (Period account, primarysource is original Minister's Record Book; later variants noted inreferences)

"Oct. 29. 1727. being the Lord's-Day, about 40 Minutes past Ten thesame Evening, there came a great rumbling Noise; but before the Noise washeard, or Shock perceived, our Bricks upon the Hearth rose up aboutthree quarters of a Foot, and seemid to fall down and loll the otherway, which was in half a Minute attended with the Noise or Burst. TheTops of our Chimneys, Stone-fences, were thrown down; and in some Places(in the lower Grounds, about three Miles from my House; where I dwell)the Earth opened, and threw out some Hundred loads of Earth, of a differentColour from that near the Surface, something darker than your white Marlin England; and in many Places, opened dry Land into good Springs, whichremain to this Day; and dried up Springs, which never came again. Itcontinued roaring, bursting, and shocking our Houses all that Night.Though the first was much the loudest and most terrible, yet eight more,that came that Night, were loud, and roared like a Cannon at a Distance...

"Postscript.

"I forgot to tell you, Sir, that (except the first Shock) thesefrequent Repetitions of the Roaring and Shocks of the Earthquake wereupon Merrimack River, and seldom extended above seven or eight MilesDistance from, or 20 or 30 up the said River; those Instances onlyexcepted, which I have mention 'd in the Relation; and the first Shock ofit was greater with us than anywhere else in New-England; and the Topsof Chimneys, and Stone-fences, were thrown down only in these Parts."

Prince, Thomas, Boston, Massachusetts (Notes appended to a sermon in1727)

"The Preface.

"Giving a Summary Account of the OCCASION of the following Sermons.

"On the Night after the Lord's Day Octob. 29. about 40 Minutes pastX, in a calm & serene Hour, the Town of Boston was on a sudden extreamlysurpriz'd with the most violent Shock of an Earthquake that has beenknown among us. It came on with a loud hollow Noise like the Roaring ofa Great fired Chimney, but incomparably more fierce & terrible. Inabout half a Minute the Earth began to heave and tremble: The Shock•increasing, rose to the Hight in about a Minute more, when the Moveables,Doors, Windows, Walls, especially in the upper Chambers, made a veryfearful Clattering, and the Houses rock 'd & cracki'd, as if they wereall dissolving and falling to pieces. The People asleep were awakenedwith the greatest astonishment: many others affrighted run into theStreets for Safety. But the Shaking quickly abated, and in another halfMinute intirely ceased.

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"The Noise & Shakes seem 'd to come from the Northwestward, and togo off Southeasterly; and so the Houses seemed to reel. Some Damage wasdone to the more brittle sort of Moveables, and some Bricks on the Topsof some Chimneys fell; but not an House was broken, nor a Creature hurt.At several times till Day-light, were heard some distant Rumblings, andsome fainter Shocks were felt: But since, the Earth has been quiet inTown, tho' the minds of many continue very greatly & justly affected."

Sergeant, (Rev.) Christopher, Methuen, Massachusetts (Period entry innotebook)

"Observations on the Year 1727.

"This year October the 29th we had the most terrible Earthquake.It began on Sabbath Day Night between ten & eleven of the clock wh putspeople into the utmost consternation & fright many possessed with fearyt It was the Great Day of the Son of man appearing...It began like amost violent clap of thunder. Some say preceeded by a trembling of theEarth. But it was accompanied with most dreadful Shock of the Earth. ItContinued a Minute & half at least falling &, then returning with violencethree times in the sd Term..."

Sewall, Henry, Newbury, Massachusetts (Letter dated November 21, 1727)

"Honored sir:

• "Thro' God's goodness to us we are all well, and have been preservedat the time of the late great and terrible earthquake. We were sittingby the fire and about half after ten at night our house shook and tr'embledas if it would have fallen to pieces. Being affrighted we ran out ofdoors, when we found the ground did tremble, and we were in great fearof being swallowed up alive; but God preserved us, and did not suffer itto break out, till it got forty or fifty rods from the house, where itbrake the ground in the common near a place called Spring island, andthere is from sixteen to twenty loads of fine sand thrown out where theground broke, and several days after the water boiled out like a spring,but is now dry, and the ground closed up again. I have sent some of thesand that you may see it. Our house kept shaking about three minutes."

Waldeigh, George, Dover, New Hampshire

"An earthquake occurred of which it is recorded that - the shockwas very loud, and was attended with a terrible noise, something likethunder. The houses trembled as if they were following: divers chimneywere cracked and some had their tops broken off."

Note: It is uncertain whether this is a generic description, orwhether it described the actual effects at Dover. (Laterhistory published 1913)

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Waldron, Richard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire (Letter dated January 12,1728)

"...the Earthquake still continues in these parts; but it is mostfrequent and loud near the Merrimack River. On Saturday night last itwas heard several times in our neighborhood. And a Man who lives about amile distant from us, in the skirts of a wood, immediately after thefirst Rumbling and little Shock, heard a fine musical sound, like thesound of a Trumpet at a distance...the Musick continued till after theSecond Rumbling, which succeeded the former in about ten minutes. Theman's wife heard what he did..."

Weekly News-Letter, The, Boston, Massachusetts (Period newspaper,November 16, 1727)

"Hampton in New-Hampshire, Novemb. 13th. 1727.

"The first shock of the Earthquake on the 29th past was here muchas it was in Boston, or perhaps a little stronger. Divers People inthis & some Neighbouring Parishes observed just as the Earthquake began,A flash of Light at the Windows: A Young Man of this Town being thenstanding abroad near his Fathers House, at first heard a small RumblingNoise; immediately upon which he sew a Flash of Light run along yponthe Ground 'till it came to the House, and then began the Shake. Itaepears that what he said of the flash of Light was not a meer Fancy, bythis, That a Dog which was then lying on its Course as the Light came tohim gave a sudden yelp and leap, and thereby slowid that he perceiv'dit.

"Another thing among us which seems worth or Notice is, A Springof Water which (as the Owner says) has run freely there Fourscore Yearsis now, upon the Earthquake very considerably Sunk, so that they wereoblig'd to dig it out, and tho' the digging has rais'd the Water something,yet not to its former height. But what is, it may be, yet more remarkableis, That this Spring which was never known to Freeze before, now Freezeslike any standing Water.

"It seems nothing has been perceiv'd at Boston since the firstNight, but it has been otherwise here; not a Day since but that thesound has been heard, and oftentimes it has been so as to give some Jarrto our Houses.

"in the time of the first shock the Brute Creatures (as was observ'dby some who were then abroad) Ran Roaring about the fields in the greatestdistress: and the Reasonable Inhabitants of the Earth were no lessfrighted. So was IsreaZ when GOD came down upon Sinai, and the wholeMount quaked greatly: Then they spoke well, and made promises of Obedience:And GOD says upon it, Deut. 5:29 Oh that there were such an HEART inthem, that they would Fear Me, and keep my Commands always, that itmight be well with them, and with their Children for ever.

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AFTERSHOCK SEQUENCE OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 1727 EVENT

DISCUSSION:

The earthquake of November 9, 1727, is characterized by a very longsequence of aftershocks, particularly dense during the following threemonths. None of the aftershocks exceeded Intensity V(MM); most wereonly locally felt in the Cape Ann, Massachusetts region. Several secondorder aftershocks followed by swarm-type activity are noted. these arethe earthquakes of November 14, 1727, Intensity IV-V(MM) and a series ofsmall shocks during the period November 19 through 22 and January 4, 1728,Intensity IV-V(MM) followed by a series of small shocks on January 18and 19. A late large aftershock occurred on February 10, 1728, Intensity V(MM).

Numerous aftershocks were noted by Rev. Matthias Plant at Newbury,Massachusetts who maintained a record of earthquakes felt from 1727through 1748 in his Minister's Record. A detailed aftershock recordalso exists at Marblehead, Massachusetts. Rev. Ebeneezer Parkman ofWestboro, Massachusetts has included in his diary references to some ofthe aftershocks.

Through research into historical documents, especially diaries andjournals, it is possible to reconstruct a very detailed list of theaftershocks. Table 1 gives the date, local time, and estimated intensityof each aftershock; in general, the Plant's chronology has been acceptedas the preferable one.

In Table 2, a comparative listing of the Newbury and Marblehead accountsis presented for the first week after the main shock.

Three aftershocks with an intensity greater than IV(MM) are presentedbelow:

EARTHQUAKE OF NOVEMBER 14, 1727

CA. 17:00 (L)Epicentral Intensity: IV-V(MM)Location: 42.8N, 70.6W

The epicentral location is assumed similar to that of the main shock,approximately 14 miles east-southeast of the Seabrook site. No damageis reported from any locality, including Newbury where Rev. Matthiasrecorded "...very loud claps." It was felt in Essex and Middlesexcounties in Massachusetts, as well as Boston and Westborough to thewest-southwest.

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PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Note: Dated accounts are the Julian Calendar, an addition of 11 daysis required for conversion to the Gregorian Calendar.

Dexter, (Rev.) Samuel, Dedham, Massachusetts (Period diary entry)

"very sensible...as I sat in my study, to yt Degree yt it jarr'dthe windows. People were put in a very great surprise by it both inBoston & in y e Country."

Douglass, William (letter dated November 20, 1727)

"Essex and Middlesex counties:

"(at 4h p.m.) 'a small shock was felt all over the countys of Essexand Middlesex."

New England Weekly Journal, Boston, Massachusetts, November 13, 1727(letter dated November 8, 1727 written from Marblehead with dated entries)

"Marblehead, Mass • and a very considerable one that made ourwindows jar at 47 ."

Parkman, Ebeneezer (Rev.), Westborough, Massachusetts (Period diaryentry)

"My wife and the young People of the house asserted that between4 and 5 p.m. they heard the Like again...And this was confirmed by manyother persons."

Plant, (Rev.) Matthias, Newbury, Massachusetts (Period entry, publishedin 1742-1743)

"Evening; very loud claps"

Sargeant, (Rev.) Christopher, Methuen, Massachusetts (Period diaryentry)

a very considerable return of it."

EARTHQUAKE OF JANUARY 4, 1728 CA. 23:00 (L)Epicentral Intensity: IV-V(MM)Location: 42.8N, 70.6W

No damage was reported from any locality. It was felt from Casco Bay,Maine, south to the Charles River region in Massachusetts. It was notreported as felt in Boston, Massachusetts.

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PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Note: Dated accounts are in the Julian Calendar, an addition of11 days is required for. conversion to the Gregorian Calendar.

Gookin, (Rev.) Nathaniel, Hampton, New Hampshire (Appendix to sermonpublished 1727)

"there were two Shocks; the first of which was very loud, andjarred the Rouses. This Shock, I am infbrmed, extended from CharlesRiver to Casco-Bay."

Plant, (Rev.) Matthias, Newbury, Massachusetts (Period account in minister'srecord)

"it was very Loud, as any time except ye first, and twice that nightafter but not so loud."

Note: Casco-Bay is the old name of the settlement correspondingto Falmouth, Maine.

EARTHQUAKE OF FEBRUARY 10, 1728 ' CA. 15:30 (L)Epicentral Intensity: V(MM)Location: 42.8N, 70.6W

The earthquake of February 10, 1728 is considered to be an aftershockof the earthquake of November 9, 1727. The epicentral intensity,based on reports from Newbury and Ipswich, Massachusetts, is V(MM).The felt area is estimated at 8,500 square kilometers. No damage isreported for this event.

PERTINENT ACCOUNTS:

Note: Dated accounts are in the Julian Calendar, an addition of11 days is required for conversion to the Gregorian Calendar.

Boston Gazette, Boston, Massachusetts, February 12, 1728(Letter from Marblehead dated January 31, 1728)

"Marblehead, Massachusetts: 'a terrible shock of an Earthquake,which began with a rumbling noise like the rolling of a log over anhollow floor & increased until it seemed like the discharging of severalcannon at a distance; at which time the earth trembled so as to jar thepewter on the shelves in many houses; the whole shock lasted about 50seconds. It's thought that had this Shock been in the Night in stillweather it would have appeared the greatest since the Great Shock on the29th of October. This is the 3d shock we have had within these Six Daylast past; and about the 30th since the 30th of October last. I"

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Boston Gazette, Boston, Massachusetts, February 5, 1728(Period newspaper account)

"we had here the severest Shock that has ever been heard since this30 of Oct. last. It making the very houses shake and the people to runout into the Streets in the utmost consternation.

"And the same was felt about the same time in divers other Places.And more particularly at Ipswich, where it had done considerable damagein some houses."

Boston Weekly News Letter, Boston, Massachusetts, February 1, 1728(Period newspaper account)

"we had here in Boston the greatest Shock that has been observ 'dsince the Night after Octob. 29. It made the Houses Shake and theMoveable jarred. It was perceived mostly by those indoors; and manyran out into the streets in great Consternation. The same waz felt inthe same manner in diverse other Places."

Bucknam, Nathan, Medway, Massachusetts (Period diary entry)

"there was an Earthquake y 2 of y Clock yt jarred y house"

New England Weekly Journal, Boston, Massachusetts, February 5, 1728(Period newspaper account)

"there was felt in this Town a considerable Shock of an Earthquake,and we learn that the same was heard and felt about the same time indivers other Towns even as far as Fiscataqua."

New England Weekly Journal, Boston, Massachusetts, February 12, 1728(Period newspaper account)

"about a quarter before 2 of the Clock p.m. one of the most observablesince the first Earthquake, but not equal to that, the roaring or rumblingheard very generally in the Towns round about, and in many places aShaking or Trembling of the Earth and Houses, the Glass ratling, and thePewter on some Shelves, ceasing in about a Minute."

Parkman, Ebenezer, Westborough, Massachusetts (Period diary entry)

"It was heard and felt by most persons. The Sound was great, and,with many a shake was distinctly perceivid...aZmost all people heard itand many felt it shake the houses."

Plant, (Rev.) Matthias, Newbury, Massachusetts (Period acount in minister'srecord)

"there was a very loud clap equal 2. to any but ye first for Terror,shaking ye houses so as that many people were afraid of their fallingdown Pewter: was shaked of dressers considerable distance."

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Plant, (Rev.) Matthias, (Philosophical Transactions published 1742-43)

"there was a very great Roaring, equal to any but the first, forTerror: It shook our Rouses so, that many People were afraid of theirfalling down; Pewter etc. was shook off our Dressers; the People thatwere in the Church for Evening Service, ran out; the lead Windowsrattled to such a Degree, as that I thought they would all be broke."

Sargeant, (Rev.), Christopher, Methuen, Massachusetts (Period diaryentry)

"returned w considerable force"

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EARTHQUAKE OF SEPTEMBER 16, 1732(SEPTEMBER 5, 1732, JULIAN CALENDAR)

CA. 16:00 (GMT)

EPICENTRAL INTENSITY: VIII(MM)(R)


EVALUATION:

Because this earthquake is one of the largest in the Western QuebecSeismic Zone and its location and epicentral intensity have often beenquestioned in recent years, both in Canada and United States, it was theobject of an intensive study during the preparation of New York StateElectric & Gas Corporation's (NYSE&G) I and II, PSAR (1978). The mainreason for these uncertainties lies in the sparsity of the basic docu-mentation available to the earlier catalog authors; in addition, some ofthe original information remains confusing because the contemporaneousstyle is often metaphoric.

A brief review of the historical cataloging of this event is necessaryto understand the justification of the revised intensity. Mather andGodfrey (1927) were the first to estimate the intensity of the event.They associated an Intensity IX (Rossi-Forel) with an epicenter somewhere"in Quebec"; they also estimated an Intensity III(RF) for the Bostonarea. They gave only two references: Brigham (1871) and Lewis andNewhall (1865). The second catalog to appear was that of Heck andEppley (1958), which placed the epicenter northwest of Montreal (46N,74W), with an Intensity VIII (MM). Brigham was the only reference given.Brigham had leaned heavily on Rev. Matthias Plant's diary for his summary(See below). Brooks (1959), in his catalog, retained the same parametersas Heck and Eppley. Smith (1962) moved the. epicenter to Montreal (45.5N,73.6W), and raised the intensity to IX(MM), with no further explanationthan "chimneys fell and walls were cracked. Three hundred houses weredamaged. One girl was killed." In support, he quoted from a letter byMother Duplessis, religious superior of the hospital in Quebec to afemale friend in France. He also gave a dozen references which will bediscussed below. Eppley (1965) and Coffman and von Hake (1973) repeatedthe new location and intensity, and simply gave Brigham and Smith astheir only references.

Smith's choice needs to be critically evaluated, in view of the factthat limited evidence is presented in support of the upgraded intensitythat makes this event the largest one within the Western Quebec SeismicZone. Besides referring to all antecedent catalogs, Smith listed severalother sources, but these sources referred to the 1732 earthquake only ina superficial way, except for two of them, Laflamme and E. Hodgson,which quoted part of the same letter of Mother Duplessis. It becomesapparent after reading the references used by the various catalog authors,

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that they had no first-hand reports from Montreal itself, and that theletter from Mother Duplessis, written in Quebec, was the key descriptionof the main earthquake, its effects and aftershocks.

From 1976 to 1978, investigations were carried out by Weston Geophysical,both in Montreal, Quebec, and at the Canadian Archives in Ottawa, touncover additional information which could directly or indirectly helpin ascertaining both the epicentral location and intensity of the event.Also included was a search for felt reports at more remote locations.

The major findings consist of a brief history of the religious communitywhich was in charge of the Hotel-Dieu Hospital in Montreal, written inMontreal, by Sister Cuillerier, for t

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