1.6 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Califon, New Jersey

A magnitude 1.6 earthquake struck about 2 kilometers east-northeast of Califon, New Jersey, at a depth of 5 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Residents in nearby areas including Califon, Long Valley, Lebanon, and Far Hills reported light shaking, with intensity levels ranging from II to III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale, indicating mild movement often felt indoors and causing slight vibrations. This region, part of the New York–Philadelphia–Wilmington urban corridor, experiences small earthquakes every few years and moderate ones roughly twice per century, typically occurring on ancient, poorly mapped faults deep in bedrock. Although less frequent than in the western U.S., eastern quakes can be felt over wider areas, with a 1.6 magnitude event being mild and causing no reported damage or injuries. The USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in the region, which has experienced several small quakes recently, including a 1.2 magnitude tremor earlier in Hunterdon County. The 2011 Mineral, Virginia earthquake, magnitude 5.8, remains the strongest in the broader region, illustrating the potential for more significant seismic events despite the general rarity of large quakes on the East Coast.