Virginia has a low risk on earthquakes , especially in the northern part of the state . The Virginia seismic zone has not had a history of regular earthquake activity . Earthquakes are rarely above 4.5 in magnitude because Virginia is located centrally on the North American Plate , far from plate boundaries . Locations near tectonic plates suffer earthquakes frequently . The largest recorded earthquake , at an estimated 5.9 magnitude , was in 1897 near Blacksburg . The largest since then was in August 2011 , when a 5.8 magnitude quake struck near Mineral , Virginia and was felt moderately to strongly throughout the state
5.8 magnitude quake
2011 Virginia earthquake
Environment of Virginia