According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a relatively weak magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred near Hillsdale in northern New Jersey, at 12:11 pm EST.
Dozens of people from Staten Island to Southwest Connecticut reported to the USGS who they felt weak or trembled.
According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred about 8 miles below the ground. Shallow depths can cause at least a little trembling, even if the earthquake itself is weak.
According to USGS, the unique characteristics of the rocks that make up the Earth's crust and mantle also play a role in the most intense waves of seismic energy in the eastern United States. According to USGS, the rocks here are larger, denser, and more difficult than those in the west – compressing over time. This makes them more efficient at seismic energy released by earthquakes, allowing them to spread in a more efficient form over longer distances.
Hillsdale is about 25 miles northwest of Manhattan.