According to the U.S. Geological Survey, New England sits on a “spider’s web of faults.” Does that mean there will be a big earthquake in Massachusetts?

Reported by Patch.com “The fault in Massachusetts is smaller than in western states like California, so a catastrophic earthquake is unlikely.”

Not everyone agrees with that assessment.of worcester telegram report Geologist Robert B. Coyle believes it’s “too early”.of telegram Coyle said he doesn’t think it’s a question of if the region will experience an earthquake, but of when and how big it will be. ”

according to Massachusetts Government“Massachusetts is located in a moderate seismic zone.” The site notes, “While these quakes typically cause minor damage, larger quakes can occur, damaging buildings and infrastructure.” It can cause serious damage.”

Mass.gov offers several services “Simple Safety Rules” When the ground starts to shake

Concerns about “something big” coming to Massachusetts are not unfounded. It has happened before.

of Massachusetts Historical Society “At about 4:30 a.m. on November 18, 1775, a strong earthquake shook the New England area.” They reported damage to their chimneys, brick buildings and stone walls.”

Damage has been reported as far west as Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut. Masshist.org says the quake was “felt in Halifax, Nova Scotia to the northeast, Lake Champlain to the northwest, and Winya, South Carolina to the southwest.”

The earthquake, which occurred about 40 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, was the largest ever recorded in New England, measuring 6.0 to 6.3 on the Richter scale.

The New Bedford metropolitan area has experienced seismic activity in recent years, but certainly nothing like what happened in 1775.