Small Earthquakes Recorded in Brownville and Windsor

Two minor seismic events occurred in Maine this week, continuing a long-standing pattern of low-magnitude activity in the state.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Geology

Isometric editorial illustration of a cracked granite rock formation, representing regional seismic shifts in Maine. — Two minor earthquakes were recorded this week in Brownville and Windsor, Maine, continuing the state's historical trend of low-magnitude seismic activity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maine experienced two minor earthquakes this week, with tremors striking near Brownville and Windsor. These seismic events follow a historical trend of small-scale activity recorded throughout the state.

Why it matters

While these small tremors are common in the region, they provide ongoing data for geologists monitoring Maine's seismic landscape. They serve as a reminder of the state's periodic, low-intensity earthquake history.

The earthquake near Brownville measured magnitude 1.6 at a depth of 3 miles, while the tremor near Windsor registered magnitude 1.5 at a depth of 4 miles. These figures are tracked against a total of 170 earthquakes recorded in Maine since 1997.

The details

The first earthquake occurred 7.5 miles north-northwest of Brownville on Monday night, followed by a second quake 4 miles west-northwest of Windsor on Wednesday. Both events were relatively shallow, originating between 3 and 4 miles beneath the surface.

11:11 p.m. Monday: The Brownville earthquake occurred.
9:19 p.m. Wednesday: The Windsor earthquake occurred.

The Big Picture

These recent seismic events follow the pattern established by the 4.5 magnitude earthquake in East Waterboro on Oct. 16, 2012. The current activity represents a continuation of the minor tremors that define Maine's geological record.

These minor earthquakes likely have no impact on daily life or infrastructure for local residents given their low magnitude. They primarily serve as a data point for researchers studying the state's long-term seismic history.

The takeaway

Maine residents should remain aware that minor seismic activity is a documented part of the state's natural history. Tracking these events helps scientists better understand the local crustal stability over time.