Earthquake

The Australian

12 September 1837

On Sunday morning last, the 23d inst. at 25 minutes part four, a smart shock of an Earthquake was felt in Adelaide.

It continued about 20 seconds, and was accompanied by a deep and loud noise resembling the rattling over paved streets of a train of heavy waggons or artillery.

The night was cloudy, and at the time of the shock a slight rain was falling; the barometer standing at the time 22.7 tenth and the thermometer 58, were not in any way effected.

As far as we are able to judge, the subterraneous noise came from the hills to the north-east, and passed off in a south-westerly direction.

The natives were questioned as to the occurrence, and if their recollection can be depended upon, two similar shocks have been felt many years ago.

Nothing in the appearance of the country or mountains in our neighbourhood indicates volcanic formation.

But it has been remarked, that since the winter set in, our coldest winds have been from the north east, which seem to indicate either a range of lofty mountains in that direction, or the existence of a large body of water.