4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Kawartha Lakes, North of Toronto, Canada
A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck the Kawartha Lakes region, located north of Toronto, Canada, prompting various reports of shaking from residents in nearby areas. The tremor, which occurred on an unspecified date, was felt across a significant radius, highlighting the event’s impact on local communities.
Reports of Shaking Across Ontario
Residents reported varying degrees of shaking, characterized on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. The impact was felt most acutely in Kawartha Lakes, with numerous locations across Ontario sharing their experiences.
- Kawartha Lakes: Light to moderate shaking reported at various intensities (MMI III to IV), noted for rattling shelves and shaking walls.
- Toronto: Residents described weak to light shaking (MMI II to IV) for periods lasting between 5 to 10 seconds, including vibrations in high-rise apartments.
- Pickering: Reports indicated light shaking (MMI III) with some residents initially mistaking it for strong winds.
- Ajax: Notably strong vibrations were observed, with descriptions of shaking resembling an elephant running through the house.
Notable Experiences from the Tremor
Various accounts detail the sensation of the earthquake:
- Many described interactions with objects, such as shelves rattling and items swaying.
- In Lindsay, a resident initially thought their pet was causing the vibrations, only to realize it was the earthquake.
- Reports from Brampton and Oshawa included descriptions of noticeable disturbances, waking many residents from sleep.
Understanding the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
The MMI scale helps categorize the intensity of shaking experienced during an earthquake. It ranges from level I (not felt) to level X (extreme shaking). Most reports from this earthquake fell into levels II to IV, suggesting that while the event did not cause significant damage, it was widely felt.
Conclusion
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the geological activity that can affect even regions typically not known for seismic events. Residents of Kawartha Lakes and surrounding areas should remain aware of such occurrences and consider preparedness measures for future seismic activities.
