Update: The magnitude of the earthquake off of the Ocean City coast was originally reported as 4.7 by the United States Geological Survey. On Wednesday, it was downgraded to 4.6.

An earthquake was detected in the waters offshore of Ocean City on Tuesday night.

The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake, which had a magnitude of 4.6. It occurred approximately 136 miles east-southeast off the coast of Maryland at about 6:30 p.m.

Updates:Ocean City earthquake: What you need to know after Tuesday's temblor

Despite the far distance from shore, it is possible an earthquake of this magnitude could be felt on land. USGS showed about 160 people — most in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia — reported feeling effects from the earthquake as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The Earth's crust near the eastern part of the U.S. is more rigid, which is why earthquakes tend to be felt from farther distances than those that occur off the West Coast, said Jana Pursley, a geophysicist for USGS.

But it is highly unlikely this earthquake caused any damage on land. By the time the seismic waves traveled through the water to the coast, the shaking had significantly weakened, Pursley said.

As of about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had not reported any recent tsunami activity off the East Coast.

Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher, according to NOAA. Earthquakes that occur at far distances from land are unlikely to cause tsunami unless the magnitude exceeds 8.0.

The hazard level for tsunamis in the Atlantic Ocean is very low. According to the Global Historical Tsunami Database, only 8 percent of tsunamis since 1900 have occurred in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The town of Ocean City posted on Facebook on the night of the earthquake, saying officials were aware of the situation.

"Although we have seen no effects here, our Emergency Services Department has been in contact with our State partners and will be monitoring as needed," town officials said in the post.

The last significant earthquake reported on the Delmarva Peninsula was Nov. 30, 2017. The magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck about 10 miles east-northeast of Dover.

In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Delmarva and the East Coast. Residents throughout Delmarva and as far away from the epicenter as New York City and southern Canada reported feeling the earthquake as it reverberated through the area.

From the archives:2017: Rare earthquake rattles Delmarva, may tie 1871 record

From the archives:5.8 tremor shakes Delmarva in 2011

Did you feel the east coast earthquake?

Let us know by contacting reporter Sara Swann at 302-324-7711, sswann@delmarvanow.com or on Twitter @saramswann.

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