Nov. 7, 1997 1:13 p.m.

Mainers Asked to Describe Their Earthquake Experience

AUGUSTA, Maine - Mainers who experienced the November 5 earthquake which was widely felt across the state are asked to tell their story to the Department of Conservation's Maine Geological Survey. The "Earthquake Questionnaire" developed in cooperation with the US Geological Survey, asks residents about specific information such as the type of soil and building construction, and the sorts of noises and movements that were felt during the quake. If you would like to fill out the questionnaire, contact the Maine Geological Survey Monday through Friday by phone at (207) 287-2801 or through mail:

Department of Conservation/Maine Geological Survey
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
e-mail at mgs@maine.gov

"It is important to collect personal observations from many people as soon as possible in order to establish the size of the area affected, and the various types of effects people felt in different areas," remarked State Geologist Robert Marvinney. "This information helps seismologists understand the way that seismic waves travel through the bedrock crust of Maine." The November 5 earthquake registered 5.1 on the Richter Scale and occurred at 9:34 pm EDT a few kilometers southwest of Quebec City. Modern seismographs have been monitoring Maine earthquakes only since the 1970's, and having similar first-hand reports for this earthquake will help to estimate the sizes and locations of historical earthquakes that occurred before modern equipment was available.

Last updated on October 6, 2005