Rhode Island · Earthquakes
Rhode Island earthquakes today and on record
Earthquakes are rare in Rhode Island, but not unknown. The USGS catalog lists 2 of magnitude 3.5 or more since 1900, the largest a magnitude 3.5 in 1976. Below: every quake in the state this week, a map, and the biggest since 1900.
Updated . Data: U.S. Geological Survey.
- Last 24 hours
- 0
- Past 7 days
- 0
- Most recent
- None this week
- Largest on record
- M3.5 (1976)
- M3.5+ since 1900
- 2
- M5+ since 1900
- 0
Earthquakes in Rhode Island this week
No earthquakes recorded in this period.
That is normal here. Many years pass without a quake big enough to feel.
Biggest earthquakes in Rhode Island since 1900
| Mag | Where | Date | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 5 km SE of Portsmouth, Rhode Island | Mar 11, 1976 | 0 km |
| 3.5 | 87 km SSE of New Shoreham, Rhode Island | Aug 10, 1978 | 29 km |
Good to know
When was the last earthquake in Rhode Island?
None of magnitude 2.5 or more in the past week. The most recent of magnitude 3.5 or more in the long-term catalog was in 1978.
What was the biggest earthquake in Rhode Island?
A magnitude 3.5 near Portsmouth, Rhode Island on March 11, 1976, the largest in the USGS catalog for the state since 1900.
Does Rhode Island get earthquakes?
Earthquakes are rare in Rhode Island, but not unknown. The USGS catalog lists 2 of magnitude 3.5 or more since 1900, the largest a magnitude 3.5 in 1976. The USGS national hazard map is the best guide to the chance of strong shaking where you live.
Also in Rhode Island
Rhode Island tornado history · Earthquakes today, nationwide · Did I just feel an earthquake?
Other states
History: USGS earthquake catalog, magnitude 3.5 and up since 1900, matched to the state by location (quakes just offshore count for the nearest state). Live: USGS real-time feeds.