Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes greater New York City area

An estimated 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook parts of New Jersey on Friday morning, sending tremours throughout the greater New York City area.

Around 10.20am residents of New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut reported buildings shaking as the ground quivered.

Moments later, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 4.7 to 4.8-magnitude earthquake occurred near Whitehouse Station in New Jersey.

The earthquake was around 4.7 miles deep.

Earthquakes are measured based on magnitude and intensity. Seismologists measure magnitude on various scales, notably the Richter and Moment Magnitude scale.

The Richter scale, which is arguably the most well-known form of measuring earthquakes, measures the largest amplitude on the recording but experts say it is an outdated way of measuring earthquakes.

The Moment Magnitude scale is the current way the USGS measures magnitude. It combines the body wave, surface wave and Richter scale classification to create the most reliable estimate of earthquake size.

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