Small Earthquake Recorded Near Niantic: USGS

A small earthquake was recorded near Connecticut's shoreline Wednesday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The magnitude 1.6 earthquake occurred at approximately 1:53 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, about 3.7 miles southwest of Niantic, according to USGS data.

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The earthquake originated at a depth of 8.4 kilometers, or about 5.2 miles, below the surface.

The USGS listed the earthquake's coordinates as 41.282 degrees north latitude and 72.245 degrees west longitude.

As of Thursday morning, the USGS had received no public reports of people feeling the earthquake through its "Did You Feel It?" reporting system.

At magnitude 1.6, the earthquake was extremely small. According to the USGS, earthquakes measuring magnitude 2.5 or less are generally not felt by people, although they can be detected by sensitive seismic instruments.

Small earthquakes are not unusual in the Northeast, although Connecticut rarely experiences larger events. Historical USGS statistics show the state recorded just one earthquake measuring magnitude 3.0 or greater between 2010 and 2015.

More recently, small earthquakes have been recorded in southeastern Connecticut, including magnitude 2.1 tremors near Essex Village and Moodus in March.

Residents who believe they felt Wednesday's earthquake can submit a report through the USGS "Did You Feel It?" program.

The earthquake's measurements and additional information are available through the USGS Latest Earthquakes website.