Aug 23 2011
Surviving The 2011 Virginia Earthquake
Well, that was an interesting day, to say the least. Like everyone else in and around DC this afternoon I was at my office desk working when I felt a shimmy run through my office. The first pulse was not enough to pull me immediately from my computer, but I looked out across the hall to peak out a window – thinking I just felt a massive wind gust hit. But all I saw was the beautiful blue skies we enjoyed all day.
I had time to get up, walk across the hall and ask someone what ‘that’ was when the bug pulse hit (5.8 magnitude). That was the first time I experienced and earthquake (native of DC for over 50 years) and it was impressive. We all stepped into the office doorway arches while the building shimmied strongly (we are on the second floor of a two story building). But nothing much happened beyond the shaking.
Once it subsided we all moved to the parking lots and tried to call loved ones. LJStrata was impressed how I got through within about 5 seconds after the quake ended (she was in COSTCO amid towers of merchandise with the twins – not a good place to be if the quake had been a bit stronger). Sadly our discussion was brief as the cell phone system melted down.
The best move I made was after about 5 minutes outside a few of us went back in and gathered our stuff – and I immediately scooted around the beltway before the federal government closed up and sent everyone into a massive traffic jam. I actually had a short commute.
So, nothing major to report except that is an interesting experience I can live without repeating. LJStrata is from CA, so her instincts kicked in really quickly and she was much calmer.
I am impressed with the distance over which the quake was felt. Clearly this old, large tectonic plate Virginia resides on is excellent in transmitting quakes. To think this was felt as far west as Chicago and as far north as Ottawa is truly impressive. It was pretty impressive this close. Of course the news media is hyping this beyond belief. Even saw a quack left-wing ‘scientist’ claim on CBS News we were 3 failures away from a nuclear disaster (which is a crock). The drama queens on TV are really getting pathetic.
Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
Addendum: Just saw this cross my Facebook account:
via Sam Cottle: ” … There was no earthquake in Virginia, it was our founding fathers turning over in their graves…”
OK, that was a good one!
AJ: The quake was close to the surface, about a half mile underground, that is why it transmitted well. Also, the east coast does not have large mountainous areas to absorb the shock waves. Many earthquakes in CA are only dangerous in the immediate valley in which it occurred. Likewise, mountain passes are susceptible to major damage, think funnel, as the waves are deflected off the mountain ranges into the passes.
It’s all very scientific.
I liked this tweet that I saw on Facebook:
Evidently the quake occurred on a little known fault line outside of DC called “Bush’s Fault”.
http://twitter.com/#!/comradescott/status/106076604773564416
All these people reporting a wide shock area but I was in a Sam’s in the Charlotte area and didn”t know anything happened until I got home and saw it on th internet.
Yes, the Founding Fathers are turning over in their graves! They’re sending us a message!!
Let’s Roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you all are OK, AJ and fam!