Are there particular places in the United States where earthquakes are more likely to occur?
Although it is conceivable that a small earthquake could occur almost anywhere, earthquakes are much more common in some regions than others. Of the fifty United States, Alaska has the most earthquakes and the largest earthquakes; California probably has the second most, including some very large quakes. Q: Are earthquakes in eastern North America different than earthquakes on the west coast? A: In most ways, No. However, earthquakes are much less common in the interior of tectonic plates, as in the Eastern U. S., than at the edges, as in California, Oregon, and Washington. In addition, cold, high-density gneiss and granulite form the bedrock for most of the U. S. east coast. This type of rock transmits seismic waves very efficiently. Therefore, people as far south as Pennsylvania and Maryland may notice the occasional earthquake occurring in the Canadian province of Quebec, whereas an event of similar magnitude in Western California would go unnoticed in the closest states. Q: Are the
