MINOR QUAKES IN LOUISIANA; MISSOURI; MAINE UNDER TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE PATH
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 13, 2024
ECLIPSE-RELATED SEISMICITY
Several earthquakes occurred today along the path of total eclipse of the sun. The most unusual of these was an M 2.6 in Louisiana near the border with Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity II in Edgefield, Louisiana. An M 3.5 hit near this epicenter on January 27, 2024 and this may be an aftershock of that event. At the time this summary noted:
"An unusual earthquake of M 3.5 occurred today in Louisiana. NEIC reported it was widely felt with intensity up to V in Louisiana at Hall Summit. An M 2.5 foreshock was felt in the same area today. Light earthquakes occurred in this area of Louisiana in April an December, 2021 and in November, 2022 but none of these were larger than M 3.0. The last event in Louisiana within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred more that 35 years ago. An M 4.3 about 150 km to the southwest of this epicenter occurred on September 2, 2013." (January 27, 2024)
The total eclipse was observed near this epicenter at 18:47 UT on April 8.
Forecast 162179 had expected this activity in Louisiana was likely within about 100 km around April 17. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Is of April 5, 2024 and the M 6.7 in the Loyalty Islands of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 13APR2024 20:50:48 32.1N 93.4W ML=2.6 EMSC LOUISIANA
O: 13APR2024 20:50:48 32.1N 93.4W mb=2.6 ANSS NW of Edgefield Louisiana
P: 17APR2024 162179 34.0N 94.0W 2.0-3.9 BBAAA Southeast U.S.
Another minor earthquake on the path of total eclipse of April 8 occurred today in southeastern Missouri. It was reported by NEIC to have been lightly felt in Missouri at Williamsville. The total solar eclipse was visible at this epicenter at 18:59 for 4 minutes 11 seconds. This is the strongest earthquake within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M 2.7 on February 20, 2024 and an M 2.4 on July 28, 2023.
Forecasts 162152 and 161880 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely with the eclipse around April 9-15.
O: 13APR2024 19:31:44 36.9N 90.4W MD=2.2 EMSC SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI
O: 13APR2024 19:31:44 36.9N 90.4W md=2.3 ANSS ESE of Williamsville Missouri
P: 9APR2024 161880 36.7N 89.7W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA New Madrid area
P: 13APR2024 162152 37.0N 89.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New Madrid area
P: 15APR2024 162152 36.3N 89.5W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA New Madrid area
An earthquake of M 1.5 was also reported today in Vanceboro, Maine. This epicenter at 46N 67W saw the total eclipse at 19:34 UT. Today's event occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with the eclipse. This is the first earthquake recorded within Maine by NEIC since an M 2.5 about 250 km southwest of this on August 8, 2023. The strongest earthquake in Maine in the past 3.5 years occurred with M 3.3 in southern Maine on January 14, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"A series of light earthquakes were felt in southern Maine near Augusta today. The largest of these was an M 3.3 which NEIC reported was felt with maximum intensity IV in Holden, Orland, Orrington and II-III in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Eddington, Brewer, Penobscot, Orono and Winterport and as far as Bethel and Portland, Maine. This activity began with an M 2.2 at 12:17 UT on January 13 but a series of aftershocks were widely felt near local solar midnight on January 14, 2023. Solar flare 9950 occurred simultaneously with these events on January 14 and SFE from this flare may have helped trigger these events. The M 3.3 is the strongest earthquake in Maine within about 100 km of these epicenters since an M 3.8 on October 3, 2006 – the strongest event in this area in at least 30 years (a similar M 3.8 hit the area on February 26, 1999 about 125 km to the southwest of today's epicenter)." (January 14, 2023)
Forecast 161927 and 162199 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area of Maine was likely with the eclipse.
O: 14APR2024 05:02:29 45.6N 67.6W MB=1.5 ANSS NW OF VANCEBORO, MAINE
P: 8APR2024 161927 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.1 CBAAA Maine
P: 18APR2024 162199 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.1 BBAAA Maine
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 WNW of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. It may have been felt lightly in the epicentral area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with equal or greater magnitude to M 4.4 occurred on August 17, 2015. Other events in the past 35 years in this area occurred as an M 5.3 about 200 km to the east on April 14, 2001 and as an M 5.0 on December 26, 1992 about 100 km to the southeast of today's epicenter.
Forecast 161962 had expected today's earthquake was likely in this area in early April, 2024.
O: 13APR2024 11:21:47 56.8N 121.8W MB=4.4 ECAN WNW OF FORT ST. JOHN, BC
O: 13APR2024 11:21:48 56.8N 121.6W mb=4.1 ANSS Fort St. John Canada
O: 13APR2024 11:21:48 56.8N 121.6W ML=4.4 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
P: 5APR2024 161962 56.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CABAA Alberta
A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today under the world's oceans. Among these were an 5.3 in the Central Mid-Atlantic; an M 5.0 in the Southeast Indian Ridge; an M 5.1 in the Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge and an M 4.7 as unusual earthquake also occurred today in the central North Pacific Ocean basin. This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake within about 500 km of this epicenter in the North Pacific region in at least 35 years. It was not forecast in this summary.
O: 13APR2024 10:37:54 34.0N 177.0W MB=4.7 EMSC NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
O: 13APR2024 10:37:54 34.0N 177.0W mb=4.7 ANSS North Pacific Ocean
The M 5.0 in the Southeast Indian Ridge was nearly antipodal to Missouri and Illinois, and was antipodal to the path of the solar eclipse of April 8. It was probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with that eclipse. Today's earthquake occurred near local solar noon when tidal stresses maximize. The last earthquake with equal or greater magnitude within about 300 km of today's epicenter was an M 5.9 on October 14, 2018.
Forecast 162306 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 12.
O: 13APR2024 06:53:45 42.1S 88.9E MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTHEAST INDIAN RIDGE
P: 12APR2024 162306 42.0S 88.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Indian Ocean
Another moderate oceanic earthquake which was antipodal to the path of totality of the eclipse occurred today south of Australia in the western Indian-Antarctic Ridge with M 5.1. Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is antipodal to Nova Scotia where the eclipse at 49N 58W was visible at 19:42 UT. It too, was probably promoted by stresses associated with the eclipse. A rare earthquake also occurred on April 16, 2024 near the antipode in Nova Scotia of this event south of Australia. Recent earthquakes within about 300 km of this event south of Australia of M 5.1 occurred in April, 2022, February 2021; December, 2019 and September , 2018 but the last of larger magnitude in this region occurred on April 21, 2018 (M 5.8) and June 3, 2009 (M 5.7).
Forecast 162044 had expected this event within about 50 km was likely around April 7 with the solar eclipse.
O: 13APR2024 15:17:18 49.1S 121.4E MB=5.1 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
P: 7APR2024 162044 49.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.8 CAAAA So. of Australia
The last earthquake in the Central Mid-Atlantic with M>=5.3 within about 250 km of this epicenter occurred on October 14, 2023 (half a year ago) with M 5.3-5.4 but the last earthquake of larger magnitude in the area was an M 5.7 aftershock on September 17, 2020 of an M 6.7 on September 6, 2020.
Forecast 162050 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around April 12, 2024. This epicenter is antipodal to an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 14APR2024 05:28:47 7.6N 37.2W MW=5.3 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 12APR2024 162050 8.0N 37.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg
An earthquake of M 3.4-3.8 occurred in Southern California today and was widely
felt at a festival near Borrego Springs, California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern California at Borrego Springs. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Southern California at Thermal, La Quinta (with earthquake noise), Mountain Center, Indio, Indian Wells, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Lakeside, San Diego, Oceanside. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with larger magnitude was an M 4.0 about 100 km southeast of this on February 14, 2024 but the last within about 100 km of today's epicenter with larger magnitude was an M 4.2 on December 31, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"The quake of M 4.2-4.3 in the Borrego Springs area of Southern California today was also felt with maximum intensity IV in Borrego Springs and with II-III in Southern California at Ranchita, Mountain Center, Warner Springs, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Anza, Indian Wells, Indio and Coachella among others. This is the strongest earthquake in Southern California within about 75 km of this epicenter since an M 4.5 on May 10, 2020. An M 5.2 also hit the area on June 10, 2016.
... A strong earthquake of M 7.3-7.6 hit the region on June 28, 1992, the strongest in Southern California in decades. A repeat is unlikely but 24 years is enough time to accumulated sufficient regional stress to accommodate another strong regional earthquake." (June 3-4, 10, 2016, January 1, 2023)
Forecast 162169 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around April 12. This epicenter at 104 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 13APR2024 16:08:38 33.4N 116.3W ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 13APR2024 16:08:38 33.4N 116.3W ML=3.8 ANSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 12APR2024 162169 33.4N 116.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
SWARM IN JALISCO, MEXICO CONTINUES
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 12, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Solomon Islands. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to V in Kirakira, Solomon Islands.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.1 on May 21, 2023 which followed an M 7.0 about 200 km northwest of this on November 22, 2022. At the time of the M 6.1 on May 21, 2023 this summary noted:
"A strong M 6.1 was also felt in the Solomon Islands today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in the Solomon Islands at Kirakira Makira and Ulawa and in Honiara, Guadalcanal. This is part of a regional enhancement of seismicity following the M 7.7 and 7.2 events in the Loyalty Islands of the past two day which occurred about 15 degrees south east of this epicenter in the Solomon Islands. Today's event of M 6.1 is the strongest in the Solomon Islands within about 200 km since an M 6.3 on January 27, 2020 and an M 6.5 on September 9, 2018." (May 21, 2023)
Forecasts 162268 had expected today's earthquake within about 10 km was likely around April 15, 2024. This activity is at 145 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and at 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Loyalty Islands of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 12APR2024 15:59:17 10.1S 161.0E Mw=5.8 EMSC SOLOMON ISLANDS
P: 15APR2024 162268 10.0S 161.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA No. of Santa Cruz Islands
An M 5.6 also occurred today in western Xizang, China today. This followed a smaller event about 300 km to the south earlier in the day on the Xizang-India border. The only event within about 200 km of today's M 5.6 in Xizang in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-6.1 on May 5, 2007. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by the new moon of April 8 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon arrived on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involved a total eclipse of the sun which began in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-12, 2024)
Forecast 162186 had expected this region of Xizang would be active around April 13-15 within about 100 km of the M 4.0.
O: 12APR2024 10:25:33 30.3N 80.7E ML=4.0 EMSC WESTERN XIZANG-INDIA BORDER RE
P: 13APR2024 162186 30.0N 80.0E 3.8-5.4 AAAAA Xizang
O: 13APR2024 05:44:41 33.6N 81.9E Mw=5.6 EMSC WESTERN XIZANG
O: 12APR2024 08:47:59 33.4N 81.7E mb=4.7 EMSC WESTERN XIZANG
P: 15APR2024 162186 30.0N 82.0E 3.8-5.4 ACAAA Xizang
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 off the coast of Northern California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Northern California in Petrolia. This is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.1 on February 10, 2023. The only earthquake with significantly larger magnitude in this region in the past half year was an M 4.9 on February 2, 2024.
Forecast 162212 had expected today's event within about 50 km of today's epicenter around April 14. This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 7.5 in Western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 12APR2024 17:41:11 40.4N 125.1W MD=2.4 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12APR2024 17:07:30 40.4N 125.3W Mw=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 14APR2024 162212 40.5N 125.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
An unusually large earthquake of M 3.8 occurred in northern Mexico near Nuevo Leon. This epicenter saw the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, 2024 at 18:24 UT. It is likely that tidal stresses with that alignment helped promote the earthquake in Nuevo Leon today. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Nuevo Leon, Mexico with M>=3.8 occurred on March 18, 2014 with M 4.0 about 100 km south of today's epicenter. The strongest earthquake in this region in the past 35 years was an M 4.5 on April 6, 2004. Forecast 162122 had expected today's event in this region was likely around April 12.
O: 12APR2024 20:51:09 26.2N 99.8W ML=3.8 EMSC NUEVO LEON, MEXICO
P: 12APR2024 162122 26.0N 102.0W 3.0-4.7 AABAA Northern Mexico
An M 2.8 was also recorded on April 12, 2024 in the New Madrid region of Missouri. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Missouri was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Missouri in Risco. The total eclipse was seen at this epicenter at 19:00 UT on April 8 lasting 4 minutes and 11 seconds. This is a seismic area but the last earthquake of M>=2.8 in this area south of Saint Louis, Missouri within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 3.3 half a year ago on December 21, 2023. More such activity is likely in the New Madrid, Missouri, area in the next week.
Forecast 161880 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around April 9.
O: 12APR2024 08:36:15 36.6N 89.8W MD=2.7 EMSC SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI
O: 12APR2024 08:36:15 36.6N 89.8W MD=2.8 ANSS NW OF RISCO MISSOURI
P: 13APR2024 162152 37.0N 89.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New Madrid area
P: 15APR2024 162152 36.3N 89.5W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA New Madrid area
An M 5.0 quake hit near the antipode of Missouri today. Forecast 162306 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around April 12. This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.5 in western Honshu of January 1, 2024 and the fifth node (72 degrees) from Taiwan event of M 7.4 on April 2 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 13APR2024 06:53:45 42.1S 88.9E mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHEAST INDIAN RIDGE
P: 12APR2024 162306 42.0S 88.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Indian Ocean
A new series of light earthquakes also occurred today in the region near Falls City and Stockdale, Texas with M 1.9 and 1.6. This epicenter saw the total eclipse of the sun on April 8 at 18:32 UT. This new round of seismicity in this area was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the eclipse. The last earthquake of M>=1.9 in this area was reported by NEIC on March 10, 2024 and as an M 3.9 on February 22, 2024, followed by an M 2.3 on February 24, 2024.
Forecast 162122 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 14.
O: 12APR2024 12:31:47 29.1N 97.9W ML=1.9 ANSS FALLS CITY TEXAS
O: 12APR2024 08:36:09 29.1N 98.0W ML=1.6 ANSS S OF STOCKDALE TEXAS
P: 14APR2024 162122 28.0N 98.0W 3.0-4.4 ABAAA Northern Mexico
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 11, 2024
It was a relatively quiet day in global seismicity. No significant earthquakes
of M>5.0 were recorded in the world today. An interesting series continued in the region of Jalisco, and Michoacan Mexico and reached the highest magnitude of the current swarm with an M 4.5 off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico. This event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The current instability in seismicity in Jalisco began shortly after the total eclipse of the sun maximized over these epicenters on April 8 and was reported in previous issues of this summary as:
"A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,
Mexico. NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8. The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.
Forecast 162092 had expected these events were likely around April 12 and 17, 2024 within about 50 km." (April 10-11, 2024)
These epicenters are also at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Islands
of April 5, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 11APR2024 08:57:49 18.4N 106.1W ML=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 07:29:08 18.5N 106.1W MB=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
P: 12APR2024 162092 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 11APR2024 14:55:29 18.7N 103.1W ML=4.3 EMSC MICHOACAN, MEXICO
P: 13APR2024 162099 18.0N 103.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 11APR2024 09:59:20 19.0N 107.3W ML=3.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 08:56:28 18.6N 106.0W ML=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 12APR2024 03:21:19 18.8N 107.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 07:49:47 18.9N 107.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
P: 12APR2024 162092 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
The strongest earthquake in the U.S., Canada or vicinity today was an M 4.0 in the Greenland Sea. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquakes of equal or larger magnitude in this region of the Greenland Sea occurred as an M 4.7 and associated shocks on October 11, 2023. Forecast 162263 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely in mid-April.
O: 11APR2024 08:44:48 73.2N 6.6E MW=4.0 EMSC GREENLAND SEA
P: 15APR2024 162263 72.0N 0.0E 3.0-4.8 BBAAA Norway
EMSC reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. Earthquakes Canada reported the M 2.9 was felt lightly in the Sept-ales area of Quebec. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is active on a weekly basis. Forecasts 162206 and 161927 had expected these events within about 25 km were likely around April 12.
O: 11APR2024 09:00:35 49.9N 66.3W MB=2.9 ECAN OF SEPT-ÎLES, QC, FELT
O: 11APR2024 09:02:57 49.9N 66.3W MB=2.7 ECAN OF SEPT-ÎLES, QC
P: 12APR2024 162206 49.8N 66.5W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New England
MODERATE QUAKES SHAKE XINJIANG, CHINA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 10, 2024
A series of moderate to moderately strong earthquakes in Southern Xinjiang, China today were the largest in the world. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.4 in China was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of China in Kuqa.
EMSC reported these earthquake with M 5.2 and M 5.4 were felt with moderate shaking in Kuqa Xian, China, in Kyrgyzstan, in Kaskelen, in Koktobe, Belbulaq, Panfilov, Tuzdybastau, Besagash, Almaty, E'nergeticeskiy. A foreshock of M 4.4 was also reported with moderate intensity in the same area as per EMSC. This area was at local solar midnight at the time of the new moon on April 8, and saw maximum tidal stresses at that time. This epicenter is located about 300 km east of the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may be a regional aftershock of that event. The only events of M>=5.4 in the past 35 years within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred with M 5.4-5.6 on March 15, 1999; July 20, 2007 and November 1, 2011. Today's event is about 200 km north of an M 5.7 on January 29, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Southern Xinjiang, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Kuche and Aksu. The only earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-5.9 on March 8, 2012." (January 29, 2023)
Forecasts 161925 and 162198 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely in early April, 2024. This epicenter is located at 101 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and at the seventh node (51 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in the Talaud and Mindanao areas of the Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 10APR2024 14:56:17 42.0N 82.6E mw=5.4 ANSS NW of Kuqa China
O: 10APR2024 10:57:39 41.9N 82.4E mb=5.0 ANSS WNW of Kuqa China
O: 10APR2024 14:56:17 42.0N 82.6E Mw=5.4 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 10APR2024 18:53:49 42.0N 82.6E mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 10APR2024 10:57:39 41.9N 82.4E MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 3APR2024 161925 42.0N 79.0E 4.0-5.5 CABAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
P: 12APR2024 162198 42.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today were an M 4.7 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Alaska and an M 4.8 in the Unimak Islands. The event in the western Andreanof Islands was reported felt with intensity II (by NEIC) in Atka, Alaska. The last earthquake of M>=4.7 in the area of today's Andreanof Island event occurred as an M 4.8 on February 12, 2024 and December 4, 2023. The last event of significantly larger magnitude in that area was an M 5.6 on October 12, 2023. At that time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.6 in the western Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Atka, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with equal of larger magnitude occurred on September 27, 2020 and October 26, 2019 with M 5.6 and 5.9.
It is likely that this event was promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with upcoming new moon and eclipse which passes over this epicenter early on October 14. Further enhanced seismicity in the Aleutians is likely with the new moon and eclipse in the next several days. This could include a strong earthquake." (October 12, 2023)
Today's event in the Fox Islands occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 162232 had expected this event in the Fox Islands was likely around April 12 within about 25 km of today's event.
O: 10APR2024 23:41:13 52.1N 171.4W MB=4.7 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 12APR2024 162232 52.1N 171.8W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
The M 4.8 in the Unimak Island area is the strongest in that area since an M 4.8 on March 6, 2024. The last of significantly larger magnitude than M 4.8 was an M 5.0 on August 14, 2023. The largest earthquakes in the region in the past three years were events of M 5.1 on January 11, 2021 and September 9, 2021.
Forecast 162248 had expected today's event within about 100 km around April 12.
O: 10APR2024 08:28:52 53.6N 163.5W MB=4.8 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 12APR2024 162248 54.1N 164.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,
Mexico. NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8. The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.
Forecast 162092 had expected these events were likely around April 12 and 17, 2024
within about 50 km.
O: 10APR2024 08:56:55 18.2N 105.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 09:03:36 18.2N 106.0W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 10:02:18 18.2N 106.1W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 10:04:30 18.2N 106.1W ML=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 10:12:22 18.2N 106.1W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 10:56:24 18.3N 106.1W ML=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 06:37:33 18.5N 106.2W ML=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 04:52:12 18.9N 107.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 11APR2024 05:24:49 18.9N 107.4W ML=3.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 09:01:27 18.1N 106.1W ML=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
P: 12APR2024 162092 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 10APR2024 08:18:14 19.7N 104.5W ML=4.2 EMSC JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 09:12:13 19.7N 104.5W ML=3.4 EMSC JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 22:58:19 19.8N 104.2W ML=3.4 EMSC JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 10APR2024 10:37:18 19.4N 105.1W ML=3.6 EMSC OFFSHORE JALISCO, MEXICO
P: 17APR2024 162092 19.0N 106.0W 3.5-5.5 CAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 occurred in Western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Stanton, Texas. An aftershock of M 2.7 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Stanton. This earthquake of M 4.3 is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in more than a year. An M 4.7 hit about 100 km eawt of this on February 16, 2023. Larger earthquakes of M 5.4 on December 16 2022; and M 4.5 on December 27, 2021 have also hit the area in the past 10 years - since an M 4.3 on September 11, 2011. The total eclipse of the sun passed over this epicenter on April 8 and was at maximum eclipse at 18:32 UT on April 8, 2024. Today's M 4.4 occurred at 18:46 UT within several minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses. It is also likely that today's event in Texas was promoted by the strong tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.
Forecast 162163 had expected this activity within about 25 km was likely around
April 11.
O: 11APR2024 00:13:52 32.3N 101.8W ml=2.3 ANSS N of Stanton Texas
O: 10APR2024 21:40:03 32.3N 101.8W ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 11APR2024 00:13:52 32.3N 101.8W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 10APR2024 21:40:03 32.3N 101.8W ml=2.7 ANSS N of Stanton Texas
O: 10APR2024 20:49:37 32.3N 101.8W ml=1.9 ANSS N of Stanton Texas
O: 10APR2024 19:30:16 32.3N 101.8W ml=1.9 ANSS N of Stanton Texas
O: 10APR2024 18:46:45 32.3N 101.8W ml=4.4 ANSS N of Stanton Texas
O: 10APR2024 18:46:44 32.3N 101.8W MW=4.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 10APR2024 18:46:44 32.3N 101.8W MW=4.4 ANSS WESTERN TEXAS
P: 11APR2024 162163 32.2N 101.1W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EMSC reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is active on a weekly basis. Forecasts 162206 and 161927 had expected these events within about 25 km were likely around April 12.
O: 11APR2024 09:00:35 49.9N 66.3W MB=2.9 ECAN OF SEPT-ÎLES, QC, FELT
O: 11APR2024 09:02:57 49.9N 66.3W MB=2.7 ECAN OF SEPT-ÎLES, QC
P: 12APR2024 162206 49.8N 66.5W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New England
O: 10APR2024 07:27:03 47.4N 70.4W MB=0.3 ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC
O: 10APR2024 00:10:11 47.4N 70.4W MB=2.2 ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC
P: 8APR2024 161927 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Maine
P: 14APR2024 162206 47.3N 70.5W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA New England
EFFECTS OF SOLAR ECLIPSE OF APRIL 8 ON SEISMICITY
The solar eclipse and new moon of April 8 was described with expected associated seismicity in earlier issues of this summary as:
"The new moon arrived on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involved a total eclipse of the sun which began in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 4-10, 2024)
Now that several days have passed it is time to evaluate the effects of the tidal stresses associated with this alignment on seismicity in North America. This summary has noted some of these in previous issues but this is a more thorough review of earthquakes which occurred subsequent to and near the path of the total eclipse. There were eight areas where significant local earthquakes occurred following the eclipse. These included events in Southern Texas (M 2.8); western Texas (M 4.4, 2.8, 2.6); Arkansas and New Madrid, Missouri (M 2.5, 2.8);
Jalisco, Mexico (M 4-4.5 and a series of M 3.5-4.0); and in Canada in Ontario (M 3.9); Quebec in the Gaspe Peninsula (M 2.2, 2.5); and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Following is a brief summary of these events and their relation to the eclipse.
MEXICO
A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,
Mexico. NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8. The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.
TEXAS
A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 occurred in Western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Stanton, Texas. An aftershock of M 2.7 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Stanton. This earthquake of M 4.3 is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in more than a year. An M 4.7 hit about 100 km eawt of this on February 16, 2023. Larger earthquakes of M 5.4 on December 16 2022; and M 4.5 on December 27, 2021 have also hit the area in the past 10 years - since an M 4.3 on September 11, 2011. The total eclipse of the sun passed over this epicenter on April 8 and was at maximum eclipse at 18:32 UT on April 8, 2024. Today's M 4.3 occurred at 18:46 UT within several minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses. It is also likely that today's event in Texas was promoted by the strong tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.
An M 2.8 also occurred in Texas on April 15, 2024 in the Falls City area of Southern Texas. This area has been active in recent months but the last earthquake of M>2.8 in the area was an M 3.4 on February 23, 2024. The total eclipse of the sun was visible near this epicenter in southern Texas on April 8, 2024 at about 18:32-18:33 UT for 4 minutes 27 seconds.
QUEBEC, MAINE
Another area which saw the total eclipse on April 8 was northern Maine and southern Quebec, Canada. Two minor earthquakes were located in the St. Lawrence
Seaway are of Quebec by Earthquakes Canada on April 10, 2024 along the path of the total eclipse which was observed in the area around 19:32 UT. These events of M 2.2 and 0.3 were probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.
An M 3.6-3.9 was also reported in the totality path in southern Quebec on April 7 at local solar midnight. At the time this summary noted:
"A light M 3.6-3.9 also lightly shook areas of Quebec, near Maniwaki, Canada today. The last earthquake in this area of Quebec with M>=3.9 reported by NEIC was an M 3.9 on May 9, 2020 and prior to that an M 4.1 on October 1, 2007." (April 7-8, 2024)
The total eclipse was viewable in this area around 19:30 UT April 8.
EMSC also reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is active on a weekly basis.
MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS
In addition to these events in the U.S. and Canada which were promoted by the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, an M 2.3 was reported by NEIC to have occurred in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas within minutes of local solar midnight on April 9, 2024. The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter for more than 4 minutes around 18:54 UT on April 8 and probably helped this subsequent earthquake in Arkansas. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter of significantly larger magnitude than today's occurred as an M 2.8 on January 23, 2021. An earthquake of M 2.4 and an aftershock of M 2.3 hit the area about 150 km northwest of this on January 7, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
An M 2.8 was also recorded on April 12, 2024 in the New Madrid region of Missouri. The total eclipse was seen at this epicenter at 19:00 UT on April 8 lasting 4 minutes and 11 seconds. This is a seismic area but the last earthquake of M>=2.8 in this area south of Saint Louis, Missouri within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 3.3 half a year ago on December 21, 2023.
STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES TALAUD ISLANDS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 9, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.6 in Talaud, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Tobelo, Indonesia. PHIVOLCS reported this earthquake of M 6.5 in Talaud, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II in the area(s) of Saranagani, City of Davao at Malungon and Glan.
BMG reported intensity IV in Ibu, Halmahera, Barat, Maluu; III in Kat Sangihe, Talaud, Siau, Halmeahera, Pulau Morotai, Tidore and Ternate among others, This is the strongest earthquake in the Molucca Sea and Talaud within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.0 on January 18, 2023 and may be an aftershock of that event. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.0-7.2 in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia. … While BMG did not expect a tsunami with this earthquake, PTWC suggested a minor tsunami is possible with this earthquake and tsunami warnings were made by BMG. In Manado the capital of North Sulawesi and in Melonguane the quake was felt strongly and forced many people to run from buildings. Residents reported feeling disoriented and dizzy in the area of Gorontalo and that it lasted a long time. The earthquake was also felt in the Maluku Islands. No major damage has been reported at this time. This earthquake occurred at the end of a C3.0 class solar flare (see flare listing below) near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal and/or SFE.
...
The last strong earthquake in the Molucca Sea occurred with M 6.3 on July 10, 2021." (January 18, 2023)
Forecast 162055 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 11, 2024. This epicenter is at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Fiji of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 09APR2024 17:58:13 2.8N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 09APR2024 09:48:01 2.7N 127.1E mw=6.6 ANSS NW of Tobelo Indonesia
O: 9APR2024 09:48:02 2.7N 127.1E MW=6.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 11APR2024 162055 3.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Unalaska. This earthquake, along with an M 3.6 in the Alaska Peninsula, occurred near local solar noon and were probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake with M>=4.9 in the Fox Islands was an M 5.6 on November 28, 2023, and like today's event occurred with an M 6.5 in Papua New Guinea. At the time this summary noted:
"The full moon arrived on November 27. It was accompanied by a strong M 6.5 in
New Guinea and an M 5.6 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska - events which were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with this full moon as noted in this and previous issues of this summary" (November 28, 2023)
and
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.5-5.6 in the area of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. News sources indicated the quake was felt throughout the Fox Islands and the Aleutians. No tsunami was expected or observed with this event. The mainshock occurred near local solar midnight, a time when tidal stresses maximize and may have been promoted by those stresses. The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on January 22, 2022, an aftershock of an M 6.8 on January 11, 2022. An event of slightly smaller size (M 5.5) occurred a year ago on November 21, 2022." (November 28, 2023)
Forecast 162237 had expected today's event within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around April 12, 2024. This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from recent major earthquakes in Mindanao and Talaud Islands (including today's) and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from these sources.
O: 10APR2024 01:55:15 53.1N 166.8W MB=4.9 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 12APR2024 162237 53.7N 167.0W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 9APR2024 23:03:03 54.2N 162.6W MB=3.6 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 7APR2024 161983 54.5N 163.5W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Jalisco, Mexico was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. The last earthquake of significantly larger magnitude than today's event within about 200 km of today's event in Jalisco occurred as an M 6.0 on December 22, 2021. At that time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 off the coast of Jalisco, western Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Jalisco, Mexico at Tomatlan, Cihiuatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and in Bucerias Nayarti and Colima, Mexico. This is the strongest earthquake in Jalsico, Mexico within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.6 on January 21, 2016 and prior to that an M 6.2 on February 22, 2105." (December 22, 2021)
Forecasts 161820, 161845 and 162092 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 50 km of these events with the eclipse in early April. This epicenter in Jalisco, Mexico is at the third node from recent strong earthquakes (including today's) in Mindanao and the Talaud Islands and the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 09APR2024 08:15:24 18.9N 107.5W ML=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 09APR2024 08:30:42 18.9N 107.5W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 09APR2024 16:50:03 18.9N 107.4W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 09APR2024 08:36:10 19.0N 107.4W ML=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
O: 9APR2024 08:31:46 18.8N 107.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO
P: 1APR2024 161820 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.3 CAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
P: 7APR2024 161845 20.0N 109.0W 3.5-5.2 ABBAA Gulf of California
P: 12APR2024 162092 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Puerto Rico in Guanica, Barina, Susua Alta, Macana, Llanos Tuna, Coto Laurel, Bayamon. It epicenter is at the antipode of TC Olga and was probably promoted by energy associated with that oceanic storm. This had been expected in this and previous issues of this summary as:
"TC Olga (21S) continued today in the area north of Western Australia with winds up to 045 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Indonesia. It is near antipodal to 19N 65W in the region of Puerto Rico, Caribbean and could enhance seismicity in that region in the next several days." (April 7-10, 2024)
Forecast 162106 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around April 13.
O: 9APR2024 20:53:33 18.0N 66.8W MD=3.7 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 13APR2024 162106 18.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.2 BAAAA Puerto Rico
Two minor earthquakes occurred in Southern Quebec, Canada today with M 2.2 and 0.3. This is another area which saw the total eclipse on April 8 was northern Maine and southern Quebec, Canada. These two minor earthquakes were located in the St. Lawrence Seaway are of Quebec by Earthquakes Canada on April 10, 2024 along the path of the total eclipse which was observed in the area around 19:32 UT. These events of M 2.2 and 0.3 were probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.
Forecast 161927 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely with the eclipse on April 8, 2024.
O: 10APR2024 07:27:03 47.4N 70.4W MB=0.3 ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC
O: 10APR2024 00:10:11 47.4N 70.4W MB=2.2 ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC
P: 8APR2024 161927 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Maine
STRONG EARTHQUAKE HITS NEW GUINEA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 8, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VI in New Guinea at Ransiki. This is the strongest earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on April 21, 2012. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.6-6.8 hit the region of northern New Guinea today sending panicked residents running from homes, schools and offices. While it was too small to have triggered a significant tsunami there was some damage reported but no immediate reports of injuries. Children in Manokwan, the city nearest the epicenter ran from their schools screaming and streets were filled with people fleeing their shaking buildings. ... " (April 21, 2012)
Like today's event the earthquake of April 21, 2012 also occurred with the first day of the new moon and was likely promoted by tidal stresses associated with that new moon as noted at the time:
"The new moon alignment occurred at 0700 UT today and this earthquake occurred near local solar noon on a subduction zone. These are ideal conditions for tidal triggering by the sun-moon-earth alignment." (April 21, 2012)
Forecast 161815 had expected this event in this area was likely around April 7, 2024. This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by enrgy from that source.
O: 09APR2024 04:29:45 1.5S 134.6E ML=4.3 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 09APR2024 05:14:10 1.6S 134.5E mb=4.9 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 9APR2024 00:02:53 1.7S 134.4E MW=6.0 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 7APR2024 161815 2.0S 133.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA West Irian, PNG
A moderate earthquake of M 4.0 occurred in the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan today. It was not reported felt. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with today's new moon and solar eclipse as it lies near the longitude of maximum stresses with that event new local solar noon, a time and location where such stresses were maximized with this new moon as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-9, 2024)
Forecasts 161873 and 162144 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely around April 7-13. This epicenter is at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from the M 7.6 of January 1, 2024 in Honshu, Japan and at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Is. event of M 6.7 of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. Other events at this distance from Macquarie today occurred in Northern Nevada (M 2.3) and Western Texas (M 2.5, 2.8).
O: 8APR2024 08:41:30 36.7N 71.3E MB=4.0 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 7APR2024 161873 37.0N 69.0E 3.8-5.3 AABAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
P: 13APR2024 162144 37.0N 70.0E 3.8-5.4 BAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
An M 2.3 was reported by NEIC to have occurred near Pleasant Plains, Arkansas within minutes of local solar midnight on April 9, 2024. The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter for more than 4 minutes around 18:54 UT on April 8 and probably helped this subsequent earthquake in Arkansas. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter of significantly larger magnitude than today's occurred as an M 2.8 on January 23, 2021. An earthquake of M 2.4 and an aftershock of M 2.3 hit the area about 150 km northwest of this on January 7, 2024. Forecast 162151 had expected this earthquake was likely around April 17 within about 50 km of today's epicenter. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mariana Islands of April 4 from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 9APR2024 06:28:59 35.4N 91.7W MD=2.3 ANSS PLEASANT PLAINS ARKANSAS
P: 17APR2024 162151 35.0N 92.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA New Madrid area
Light earthquakes of M 2.5 and 2.8 also occurred today in western Texas. They were not reported felt in this area. These epicenters were near the path of total eclipse of the sun half a day earlier and may also have been promoted by tidal stresses associated with that event.
Forecast 161891 had expected this activity was likely within about 25 km of the M 2.5 around April 7, 2024. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Is. event of M 6.7 of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other events at this distance from Macquarie today occurred in Northern Nevada (M 2.3) and Hindu Kush (M 2.5, 2.8).
O: 09APR2024 00:54:38 31.8N 104.5W ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 09APR2024 06:05:07 31.8N 103.7W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 7APR2024 161891 31.6N 103.6W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA SW U.S.A
MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE IN SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 7, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Southern Xinjiang, China. It was accompanied by a series of moderate aftershocks. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Southern Xinjiang, China of M>=5.4 occurred on March 23, 2021 with M 5.4 and on January 29, 2023 with M 5.7 about 200 km south of today's epicenter. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Southern Xinjiang, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Kuche and Aksu. The only earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-5.9 on March 8, 2012. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 5.8-6.1 hit the area of southern Xinjiang, China today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. The epicenter is in the Taklimakan Desert region northeast of Hotan and there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The earthquake was felt strongly in Hotan and officials are expecting damage reports from the prefectures of Aksu, Kashi, Hotan, Baya Fol and Ili. The quakes was felt in each of these regions according to Xinhua. Reports from this area are often delayed and some damage may have occurred which will be reported at a later time. The epicenter is near the border with Kyrgyzstan." (March 9, 2012, January 29, 2023)
Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was probably triggered by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The area was expected to see strong seismic enhancement at this time due to tidal effects of the new moon of April 8, 2024 as previously noted in this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-9, 2024)
Forecasts 161925 and 162198 had expected this earthquake was likely around April 3-12 within about 50 km of this epicenter. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Island quake of M 6.7 of March 3, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the M 6.7 in Tonga of March 27 and at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 07APR2024 09:45:28 41.8N 82.5E mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 07APR2024 14:20:57 41.8N 82.5E mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 07APR2024 08:46:18 41.9N 82.3E Mw=5.4 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 07APR2024 11:03:08 41.9N 82.3E mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 07APR2024 20:47:59 41.9N 82.1E Mw=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 07APR2024 23:16:27 41.9N 82.3E mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
O: 7APR2024 08:44:04 41.8N 82.3E MB=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 3APR2024 161925 42.0N 79.0E 4.0-5.5 BABAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
P: 12APR2024 162198 42.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
LIGHT ACTIVITY SHAKES CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 6, 2024
An earthquake of M 3.2 was also widely felt in the region of San Francisco, California today. NEIC reported intensity up to IV with this event was felt in the area of Berkeley, California. EMSC reported it was felt as a strong jolt in California in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Moraga, El Sobrante, Pinole, San Francisco, Concord, San Leandro, Benicia, San Bruno. Recent triggering forces which may have helped promote enhanced seismicity in the region of San Francisco at this time have included a strong geomagnetic storm at the end of March, 2024; the nor'easter in Northeastern U.S. of the past several days and the M 7.5 earthquake in Taiwan of April 3, 2024. This is unlikely a foreshock to a moderate to large regional earthquake as (in this area) such events are commonly associated with a strong solar flare(s) and the sun is currently quiet of such. Two lighter earthquakes today of M 2.5 and 2.1 also shook areas of the San Francisco Bay area, both to the south of today's eventi of M 3.2. Similar events of M 3.2 in the San Francisco Bay area occurred on February 22 and February 2, 2024 but the last event of stronger magnitude than M 3.2 in the northern area near today's epicenter was an M 3.7 on April 20, 2023 and an M 3.7 about 30 km south of this on October 28, 2023. At that time this summary noted:
"A series of unusual earthquakes occurred today with the new moon and solar eclipse of early April 20. These began with an M 6.3 next to the eclipse path in New Guinea. This was followed by the strongest earthquake in at least 35 years in the southern North American Continental slope area off South Carolina of M 4.5-4.7. This may have been a clathate eruption in an area where large clathate deposits are know to exist. Later in the day and within minutes of the new moon and eclipse an M 3.7-3.8 earthquake shook areas of San Francisco, California. These all implicate the new moon and eclipse as important triggers for this seismicity." (April 20, 2023)
Readers may note the similarity of new moon and solar eclipse with this previous event in San Francisco and current conditions of new moon and solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 as outlined in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 4-7. 2024)
Today's activity in the San Francisco area had been anticipated to occur near the new moon on April 8 within about 10 km of these epicenters. The smaller events had been forecast with similar precision to occur on April 6-8 in forecast 161865. This activity is near 103 degrees from recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao and Talaud Islands, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 6APR2024 18:12:37 37.9N 122.3W MW=3.2 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 8APR2024 161866 38.0N 122.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
NEIC reported the earthquake of M 2.5 in Central California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Central California in Gilroy.
O: 7APR2024 00:28:45 37.0N 121.6W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 8APR2024 161865 37.1N 121.5W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA Central California
O: 6APR2024 11:55:35 37.5N 121.9W MD=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 6APR2024 161865 37.4N 121.8W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
NEIC reported a series of earthquake aftershocks of M 4.8-5.0 in Taiwan were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Taiwan in Hualien, Yilan, Nantou and other counties of Taiwan. The largest of today's aftershocks was an M 5.2 felt with intensity up to V in Hualien, Taiwan. The strongest earthquake in the world today was the M 5.2 aftershock in Taiwan. This event was reported felt in Taiwan with intensity IV in Hualien, Yilan; III in Nantou, Taichung, II in Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Miaoli, Taoyuan and I in Tainan, Chiayi and Kaohsiung Counties, Taiwan. A listing of aftershocks today in Taiwan with M>=4.2 follows. Forecasts 161856 and 161857 had expected strongly enhanced seismicity in Taiwan around April 6-8.
O: 07APR2024 04:48:02 23.8N 121.6E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 10:47:12 23.9N 121.7E Mw=5.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 21:15:09 24.0N 121.8E mb=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 07:53:29 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 22:30:50 24.1N 121.6E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 13:17:53 24.2N 121.8E mb=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 15:43:09 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 15:53:11 24.2N 121.9E Mw=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 16:03:05 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 07APR2024 02:06:00 24.2N 121.8E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 09:07:57 24.3N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 15:46:26 24.3N 121.8E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 21:50:20 24.3N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 6APR2024 08:10:25 23.8N 121.6E MW=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
P: 6APR2024 161856 23.0N 121.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Taiwan
P: 8APR2024 161857 24.0N 121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Taiwan
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 off the coast of Washington State, U.S. NEIC reported it was lightly felt with intensity II along the Washington coast. This earthquake is the strongest recorded in this area off the coast of Washington State since an M 4.5 on March 6, 2024 and an M 4.1 on September 25, 2023. A strong M 6.0 about 150 km north of today's epicenter occurred on April 13, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 off the western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported intensity I-III in British Columbia at Port Hardy, Port MacNeill, Nanaimo, Sidney, Vancouver, White Rock and in Washington State at Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Ferndale and Port Townsend among others. The last earthquake in the Vancouver Island area within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.3 on December 25, 2019 and an M 6.0 on December 23, 2019 But the last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.5 on October 22, 2018." (April 13, 2023)
Forecast 161956 had expected today's event in this region was likely around
April 8, 2024.
O: 7APR2024 04:40:23 47.5N 129.1W MB=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
P: 8APR2024 161956 49.3N 129.0W 2.8-5.1 ABAAA Vancouver Island area
A light M 3.6-3.9 also lightly shook areas of Quebec, near Maniwaki, Canada today. The last earthquake in this area of Quebec with M>=3.9 reported by NEIC was an M 3.9 on May 9, 2020 and prior to that an M 4.1 on October 1, 2007. At the time of the 2020 event this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 3.9-4.3 was also widely felt in southern Quebec, Canada today. NEIC reported intensity IV in Quebec at Ferre-Neuve, Mont-Laurier, Shawville, and II-III in Maniwaki, Pembroke, Buckingham, Ottawa, Kanata, Eganville and Chesterville. The last earthquake of M>=4.3 in southern Quebec within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.4 on May 17, 2013." (May 9, 2020)
This epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2 and the Mariana Islands of April 5, 2024 and at the third node (120 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in the area of Mindanao, Philippines and the Loyalty Islands and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.5 of January 1, 2024 in Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 07APR2024 04:39:01 47.0N 76.2W MB=3.9 ECAN NNW OF MANIWAKI, QC
O: 7APR2024 04:39:00 47.0N 76.2W ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTHERN QUEBEC, CANADA
P: 6APR2024 161938 47.0N 76.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New York State
Aftershocks also continued in New Jersey, U.S. following the M 4.8 there on
April 5, 2024. NEIC reported an M 2.5 today was felt with intensity V in Gladstone, New Jersey. Forecast 161936 had expected this activity was likely around April 8.
O: 6APR2024 10:46:39 40.7N 74.7W ML=2.5 EMSC NEW JERSEY
P: 8APR2024 161936 40.0N 74.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA New York State
STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 5, 2024
The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.8 in the northern Mariana Islands. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the Maug Islands. EMSC reported strong shaking in the Northern Mariana Islands at Kagman II, San Vicente, Dandan, San Jose, Mangilao, Guam and Kagman Vlg, Saipan. This follows a series of strong earthquakes in the area of northern Mariana Islands and Volcano Islands, Japan in the past several months including an M 6.9 on November 24, 2023 on November 24, 2023. Major earthquakes in the past 35 years hit the region at intermediate and deep focus on July 29, 2016 (M 7.7); May 14, 2013 (M 6.8); October 31, 2007 (M 7.2) and August 23, 1995 (M 7.1).
Forecasts 161836 abd 161858 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter around April 3-7, 2024. This epicenter is at 142 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 5APR2024 11:03:15 19.1N 145.4E MW=6.8 EMSC MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA I
P: 3APR2024 161836 19.0N 146.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA No. Marianas
P: 7APR2024 161858 20.0N 146.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Volcano Islands
An earthquake of M 4.8 occurred on April 5, 2024 in the region of New Jersey. This event was widely felt along the northeastern coast of the United States. It was followed by several moderate aftershocks. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity VII in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. EMSC reported strong shaking in New Jersey at Whitehouse Station, Somerville, Califon, Bedminster, Far Hills, Bridgewater, High Bridge, Basking Ridge among others. Also reported with moderate shaking as far as Syracuse, West Kingston, New York City, Clifton Park, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Pennsylvania among others. In the previous issue of this summary this event had been discussed as:
"Regional press reported it was widely felt in New York and throughout much of northeastern U.S. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It was also associated with a strong geomagnetic storm which reached KP5 at this hour with maximum effects at this longitude. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by the passage of a strong nor'easter through the region over the past two days. Nor'easters of this type have been associated with previous regionally enhanced seismicity. They can also help promote moderate to strong seismicity along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. This relation may help explain the correlation between moderate earthquakes in this region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and New York. For example the previous strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years occurred on January 16, 1994 hours before the M 6.7 in Northridge and Los Angeles, California. These followed a major nor'easter which hit the area on January 4-6, 1994 and dumped as much s 13 inches of snow in the area. One of the three largest snowfall and nor'easters since record keeping began in southern Maine occurred on April 10, 1906 and dumped up to 15 inches of snow in the area. Today's storm matched that total snowfall. With this in mind a precautionary warning of possible enhanced seismicity in California is in effect for the next 10 days." (April 4, 2024)
Forecast 161936 had expected this activity in New Jersey was likely within about 100 km around April 8, 2024. These epicenter are at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Southern Vanuatu of March 27, 2024 the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 06APR2024 05:07:47 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.7 ANSS Gladstone New Jersey
O: 06APR2024 00:51:18 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.5 ANSS Gladstone New Jersey
O: 06APR2024 00:39:11 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.8 ANSS Bedminster New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 23:39:23 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.5 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 23:10:49 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.9 ANSS Bedminster New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 22:16:18 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.9 ANSS Bedminster New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 21:59:13 40.7N 74.7W mw=3.8 ANSS Gladstone New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 20:21:07 40.6N 74.7W ml=1.9 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 20:13:47 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 19:58:22 40.6N 74.7W ml=1.7 ANSS Bridgewater New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 18:40:20 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.8 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:32:13 40.6N 74.7W ml=2.2 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:21:55 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.9 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:18:48 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Chester New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:14:13 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Chester New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 16:49:49 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.8 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 16:31:50 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.8 ANSS Bedminster New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:37:10 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.8 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:33:15 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.9 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:27:56 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.9 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:20:20 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 14:23:20 40.7N 74.8W mr=4.8 ANSS Station New Jersey Earthquake
O: 5APR2024 21:59:13 40.7N 74.7W MW=3.8 EMSC NEW JERSEY
P: 8APR2024 161936 40.0N 74.0W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA New York State
An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred today in the India-Myanmar border region.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to M 5.8 in Sarupathar, India.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in India at Duliajan, Na Pukhuri, Sisibargaon, Tarapur, Old Ziro. The last earthquake in Myanmar within about 300 km of today's epicenter occurred on May 31, 2023 with M 5.8 but the last within about 200 km was an M 6.3 on June 7, 2000. A pair of events of M 5.8 and M 5.9 occurred about 200 km southwest of today's epicenter late May, 2014. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately large earthquake of M 5.9-6.0 hit the region of Myanmar and southern China today. Initial reports indicate it was felt along the China-Myanmar border near Yunnan Province in China and Myitkyina, capital of the Kachin state in North Myanmar. This may be an aftershock of the earthquake of M 5.6 that hit near this area a week ago injuring 13 people. Many people fled their homes and offices during the quake and web posted pictures showed people standing outside office buildings in Mang, Yingjiang county. The quakes was felt strongly in the epicentral area according to social media posters. EMSC reported light shaking as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. Light to moderate damage may have occurred in Kachang township, China. CENC gave the earthquake M 6.1. NEIC reported the quake was felt with intensity V-VII. The region has been hit by strong rainstorms in recent days, leftover from the tropical storm which formed last week in the Bay of Bengal, and the first tropical storm of the season. These storms have caused major damage in the region. The first tropical storms have the most impact on triggered seismicity as areas which have accumulated stress during quiet weather may release it with major storms. This earthquake was also highly stressed by yesterday's new moon tides." (May 30, 2014)
Forecast 161850 had expected today's event was likely within this area around
April 1.
O: 5APR2024 12:45:32 26.6N 97.0E MB=5.8 EMSC MYANMAR
P: 1APR2024 161850 25.0N 97.0E 4.0-5.8 BBAAA Myanmar
Aftershocks continued in central and northern Taiwan today. The largest of these was an M 5.0 felt with intensity up to V throughout much of the island with maximum shaking in Hualien, Yilan and Nantou counties. These area aftershocks of the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2.
Forecasts 161857 and 161856 had expected this activity in Taiwan was likely around April 4-6, 2024. This activity is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Macquarie Island M 6.7 of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 05APR2024 18:49:23 23.9N 122.0E Mw=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 20:26:26 23.9N 121.8E Mw=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 06:02:18 23.9N 121.8E ML=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 09:04:57 24.0N 121.7E Mw=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 21:34:12 24.0N 121.7E mb=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 10:08:50 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 13:34:31 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 16:14:51 24.1N 121.8E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 17:17:18 24.1N 121.6E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 20:12:11 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 22:53:17 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 09:53:36 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 12:59:12 24.2N 121.8E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 15:00:38 24.2N 121.8E mb=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 05APR2024 16:19:15 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 03:52:55 24.2N 121.7E mb=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 06APR2024 05:25:22 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 6APR2024 01:37:49 23.6N 122.0E MB=5.0 EMSC TAIWAN REGION
P: 4APR2024 161857 24.0N 121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA Taiwan
P: 6APR2024 161856 23.0N 121.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Taiwan
A moderately large earthquake also occurred off northern Honshu, Japan today with M 5.4 It was lightly felt in the region of northern Honshu. This may be a regional aftershock of the M 5.9 that occurred about 200 km southwest of this epicenter on April 1. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred in northern Honshu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in Northern Honshu in Kuji. The last earthquake with equal or larger magnitude within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on May 5, 2023 with M 5.9." (April 1, 2024)
Forecast 161920 had expected today's event within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around April 8, 2024. This epicenter is at 102 degrees from the M 6.7 in the region of Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 6APR2024 00:12:17 40.9N 143.2E MW=5.4 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 06APR2024 00:12:17 40.9N 143.2E mw=5.4 ANSS S of Honchō Japan
P: 8APR2024 161920 40.0N 143.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA Hokkaido, Japan
An M 5.6 also shook regions of northern Tonga where it may have been lightly felt in Neiafu, Tonga. Forecast 162013 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around April 5. This activity is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 7.5 in western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other activity at this distance from Honshu today includes a series in Iran and a light quake off the coast of Oregon.
O: 5APR2024 20:32:13 18.3S 174.6W MW=5.6 EMSC TONGA
O: 05APR2024 20:32:12 18.2S 174.2W mw=5.6 ANSS NNW of Neiafu Tonga
P: 5APR2024 162013 18.0S 174.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Tonga Islands
MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES NORTHEASTERN U.S.A.
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 4, 2024
An earthquake of M 4.7-4.8 occurred on April 5, 2024 in the region of New Jersey. This event was widely felt along the northeastern coast of the United States. It was followed by several moderate aftershocks. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity VII in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. EMSC reported strong shaking in New Jersey at Whitehouse Station, Somerville, Califon, Bedminster, Far Hills, Bridgewater, High Bridge, Basking Ridge among others. Also reported with moderate shaking as far as Syracuse, West Kingston, New York City, Clifton Park, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania among others. Regional press reported it was widely felt in New York and throughout much of northeastern U.S. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It was also associated with a strong geomagnetic storm which reached KP5 at this hour with maximum effects at this longitude. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by the passage of a strong nor'easter through the region over the past two days. Nor'easters of this type have been associated in this summary with previous regionally enhanced seismicity. They can also help promote moderate to strong seismicity along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. This relation may help explain the correlation between moderate earthquakes in this region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and New York. For example the previous strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years occurred on January 16, 1994 hours before the M 6.7 in Northridge and Los Angeles, California. These followed a major nor'easter which hit the area on January 4-6, 1994 and dumped as much s 13 inches of snow in the area. One of the three largest snowfall and nor'easters since record keeping began in southern Maine occurred on April 10, 1906 and dumped up to 15 inches of snow in the area. Today's storm matched that total snowfall. With this in mind a precautionary warning of possible enhanced seismicity in California is in effect for the next 10 days.
Forecast 161936 had expected this earthquake was likely within about 75 km was likely around April 8, 2024. These earthquakes are located at 142 degrees from the M 6.7 in Macquarie Islands of March 3, 2024 (and aftershocks) and at the third node (120 degrees) from the Vanuatu Islands event of M 6.7 of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 05APR2024 21:59:13 40.7N 74.7W mb=4.0 ANSS Gladstone New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 18:40:20 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.8 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:32:13 40.6N 74.7W ml=2.2 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:21:55 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.9 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:18:48 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Chester New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 17:14:13 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Chester New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 16:49:49 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.8 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 16:31:50 40.7N 74.7W ml=1.8 ANSS Bedminster New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:49:36 40.7N 74.8W ml=2.0 ANSS Long Valley New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:37:10 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.8 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:33:14 40.7N 74.8W ml=1.9 ANSS Califon New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 15:20:20 40.7N 74.7W ml=2.0 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 05APR2024 14:23:20 40.7N 74.8W mw=4.8 ANSS Whitehouse Station New Jersey
O: 5APR2024 14:23:21 40.7N 74.8W MB=4.7 ECAN OF NEWARK, NJ
P: 8APR2024 161936 40.0N 74.0W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA New York State
P: 8APR2024 161936 40.0N 76.0W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA New York State
The second strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in northern California followed by an M 4.3. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Northern California at Magalia, Paradise, Chico, Oroville, Blairsden Graeagle, Susanville, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Smartsville, Alta, Yuba City, Olivehurst, Colfax, Foresthill, Cool, Antelope, Citrus Heights, North Highlands, Folsom, Shingle Springs, Fair Oaks, Sacramento, Lockeford, Stockton. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.4, 4.2, 2.7 in Northern California were felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of Northern California in Belden. These earthquake occurred while a strong nor'easter was hitting New England. In a number of previous issues, this summary has noted the correspondence of significant earthquakes in northern California with nor'easters in New England. The most recent discussion followed a smaller nor'easter on March 26 as follows:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.7 off the coast of Oregon. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III along the coast of Oregon, especially in the Port Orford area. EMSC reported light shaking in Springfield, Oregon. A foreshock of M 3.0 hit the area within minutes of local solar noon about 12 hours earlier and was felt in the Port Orford, Oregon area. These earthquake occurred near local solar noon and midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses with the full moon of March 25
…
Earthquakes in this area often accompany or follow shortly after strong nor'easter storms in the northeastern U.S. Such a storm occurred over the past three days bringing ice and power outages throughout the area. This summary has noted this correlation on a number of previous occasions. For example on January 29, 2022 this summary noted:
"...This may have been promoted by movement of the North American plate associated with the massive nor'easter off the east coast of North America today. This system dumped a foot of snow on Boston, the most ever reported in that city in a 24-hour period. This summary had expected this type of seismic response to this storm in the previous issue as:
" ... a major nor'easter is beginning to progress up the eastern coast of the U.S. It may hit the Boston area with record snows today and on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Such nor'easters are often associated with a strong enhancement of seismicity along the western North American tectonic plate. A precautionary seismic watch is being called by this summary for this region through February 2, 2022." (January 27, 2022)
The last earthquakes with M>=5.7 off the coast of Oregon occurred on June 4, 2021 (M 5.9) and December 8, 2021 (M 5.8). This event also followed a full moon and was likely promoted by tidal stresses associated with that alignment as explained in this summary at the time:
"A strong series of earthquakes occurred off the coast of Oregon today at 120-130 West longitude. These events were reported lightly felt on the coast of Oregon including at Waldport, Eugene and Beaverton. The largest of these was M 5.8 which was felt with intensity II-III in Oregon in Depoe Bay, Newport, Florence, Waldport, Hammond, Tualatin, Medford, Cloverdale, Seaside, Sheridan, Forest Grove, Springfield, Portland and as far as southern Washington State.
Other moderately large events of M 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.8, 5.3 ... also were recorded in this series. The last earthquakes of M>=5.8 in this area off the coast of Oregon occurred in August and September, 2019 with M 6.3 and 5.9 and as an M 6.2 on August 22, 2018 and an M 5.9 on August 22, 2018. The M 6.3 on August 29, 2019 is the strongest event in this area in the past 30 years. Today's activity appears to be occurring in the volcanic vents off the coast of Oregon. It is likely that this series was promoted by high tidal stresses associated with the new moon/eclipse of December 4." (December 8, 2021, March 26, 2024)
Today's earthquake in Northern California is the strongest within about 150 km of that epicenter since an M 5.5 and 5.2 occurred on May 11, 2023 with a regional aftershock on September 8, 2023. In May, 2023 this summary discussed those earthquakes as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an 5.5 in Northern California. NEIC reported this earthquake was widely felt in northern California and Nevada with maximum intensity VI in Westwood, Chester and Greenville, California, V in Twain, Mineral, California and IV in Quincy Meadow Valley, Forest Ranch, Janesville and Magalia and Taylorsville and II-III in Forest Ranch, Mineral, Janesville, Magalia, Comptonville, Chico and as far as Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada and in southern Oregon.
...
The only event within about 150 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.5 in the past 35 years was an M 5.7 on May 24, 2013 within about 10 km of today's epicenter." (May 12, 2023)
Forecast 161942 had expected a moderate aftershock within about 25 km of today's epicenter was likely around April 3, 2024. These earthquakes are at 103 degrees from recent major earthquakes in the region of Talaud and Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from these sources.
O: 05APR2024 01:34:49 40.0N 121.3W mb=4.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 05APR2024 01:44:08 40.0N 121.3W MD=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 05APR2024 02:03:34 40.0N 121.3W MD=2.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 5APR2024 01:34:25 40.0N 121.3W MW=4.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 3APR2024 161942 40.2N 121.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Northern California
A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 followed by an M 3.4 seconds later occurred today in the Fox Islands, Alaska. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 and 4.2 in Unalaska, Alaska was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Unalaska, Alaska. An earthquake of M 5.6 hit near this epicenter on November 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.5-5.6 in the area of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. News sources indicated the quake was felt throughout the Fox Islands and the Aleutians. No tsunami was expected or observed with this event. The mainshock occurred near local solar midnight, a time when tidal stresses maximize and may have been promoted by those stresses. The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on January 22, 2022, an aftershock of an M 6.8 on January 11, 2022. An event of slightly smaller size (M 5.5) occurred a year ago on November 21, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.6 and 6.8 on January 11, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"Strong earthquakes of M 6.8 and M 6.4 shook the region of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska today. NEIC reported the M 6.8 was felt with intensity VI in Nikolski; IV in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, False Pass and II-III in Akutan, Atka, Cold Bay, and Adak, Alaska. The M 6.4 aftershock was reported with intensity IV in Nikolski, Alaska and III in Unalaska. An aftershock of M 5.8 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Nikolski and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in the Fox Islands with M>=6.8 was an M 6.9 on July 27, 2015 about 150 km west of today's epicenter." (January 11-12, 2022; November 21, 2022, November 28, 2023)
Forecast 161969 had expected this event was likely within about 50 km around April 3, 2024. These events are at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other events at this distance from Taiwan today occurred as an M 4.2 in eastern Iran.
O: 04APR2024 19:59:06 53.4N 167.3W ML=3.4 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 4APR2024 19:57:02 53.5N 167.4W MB=4.4 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 3APR2024 161969 53.7N 167.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
Two series of moderate earthquake occurred today in the region of the central and mid-Atlantic Ridge today. These are at different epicenters (but close to) the series of events in the region in late March at the antipode of Tropical Cyclone Megan as discussed in this summary on March 29, 2024:
"A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today near local solar noon today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge and included events of M 4.7, 4.9, 5.0 and 5.2. This is about 300 km south of the recent earthquakes in the area as reported in the previous issue of this summary:
"The remarkable series of moderate earthquakes at antipodal locations to Tropical Storms Megan and Neville in the Indian Ocean continued today. These occurred with an M 3.9 in the Gulf of Mexico and an M 4.6 in the northern Mid-Atlantic.
The stronger of these was the M 4.8 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ocean. This event is slightly south of the M 5.5 on March 25, 2024. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the North Atlantic Ridge occurred as an M 6.0 on September 18, 2015 and prior to that an M 6.0 on September 5, 2013. A smaller M 4.6 hit the area to the south of this yesterday. This summary speculated it may have been triggered by antipodal focusing of energy associated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Megan as follows:
"An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:
"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)
Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022." (March 25, 2024)
The M 4.8 today is about 150 km south of the M 5.5 on March 25 and is the strongest within about 150 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.2 on August 17m 2020. Further seismicity in this area of the Atlantic antipodal to the past of
TC Megan is considered likely in the next several days." (March 29, 2024)
TC Megan passed directly over the antipode of today's epicenters on March 17 as noted in this summary at the time:
"A tropical cyclone may be forming north of western Australia. This system is currently located at 13S 136E south of Papua New Guinea ..." (March 17, 2024)
Readers should note that the epicenter cited in mid-March for TC Megan (see above) at 13S 136E is antipodal to 13N 44W, the epicenter of the strong activity in the Northern Mid-Atlantic today. It is likely that antipodal focusing from TC Megan helped promoted the volcanism associated with today's events in the North Atlantic." (March 29, 2024)
A new series today occurred in the Central Mid-Atlantic and included events of M 5.2, 5.1, .... This activity is the strongest within about 150 km of these events since an M 5.3 on February 15, 2023 and an M 5.8 on September 17, 2020. This epicenter is near the antipode of an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted focused energy at the antipode of that event.
Forecast 161785 had expected today's events were likely within about 100 km around April 4, 2024. These earthquakes are at 143 degrees from the M 7.5 in
Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and were likely promoted by energy from that source. They are also at this distance from recent earthquakes in southern Vanuatu of M 6.7 on March 27, 2024 and from the Mariana Islands M 6.9 of April 5, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the Xinjiang quake of January 22, 2024 and near the antipode of the M 6.9 in New Guinea and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 04APR2024 23:37:31 8.0N 38.2W Mw=5.2 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 04APR2024 23:46:41 8.0N 38.1W mb=5.1 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 04APR2024 23:16:57 8.1N 38.2W mb=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 04APR2024 23:18:25 8.1N 38.2W mb=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 4APR2024 23:43:55 7.9N 38.1W MB=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 4APR2024 161785 8.0N 37.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg
The M 4.9 and 5.0 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic had been anticipated in forecast 161832 to occur within about 25 km around April 4, 2024.
O: 05APR2024 01:44:15 14.9N 45.0W mb=4.9 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 5APR2024 02:30:04 14.9N 45.0W MB=5.0 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 4APR2024 161832 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN HONSHU, JAPAN
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 3, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the region of eastern Honshu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Minami-Soma, Honshu, Japan. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Japan at Minuma, Nakahara, Tokyo. No major damage was reported with this earthquake. The last earthquake of M>=6.1 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on March 16, 2022 with M 7.3. Today's event caused some concern of a repeat of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami of M>9. That event however was probably triggered by several strong X-class flares and the current solar conditions are quiet, so a repeat appears unlikely at this time. At the time of March 16, 2022 event this summary noted:
"A major earthquake of M 7.3 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan followed an M 6.4 minutes earlier. Today's mainshock killed four in Fukushima, Japan and did minor damage throughout the area. More than 97 were injured in this earthquake but millions lost power. Some trains came off their tracks but no injuries were reported with these incidents. High Speed trains were temporarily shut down. A tsunami warning was issued and waves of up to 20 cm were reported. No damage was reported at nuclear facilities with these earthquakes. Some residents of Fukushima were evacuated for fear of tsunamis. This is the strongest earthquake in this area since a similar M 7.3 on February 13, 2021. An M 9.3+ earthquake shook this area and triggered a major Pacific-wide tsunami NEIC reported maximum intensity IX with the M 7.3 with damage was felt in Namie, Fukushima with VIII in Haramachi, Soma, Watan, Natori, Shiogama, Miyagi and lesser shaking throughout most of eastern Honshu, Japan. The M 6.5 foreshock was reported with maximum intensity VII in Miyagi and V in Fukushima with lesser shaking in Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo Prefectures, Japan. These earthquakes occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and were probably promoted by strong tidal and geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour. Today's earthquake followed a major geomagnetic storm of the past three days. A series of M-class solar flares have been occurring over the past day and a moderate geomagnetic sudden commencement storm began about 14:00 UT today, coincident with the earthquakes in Japan and may have helped trigger this activity." (March 16, 2022)
Forecast 161889 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter around April 4, 2024.
O: 4APR2024 03:16:31 37.7N 141.8E MW=6.1 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
P: 4APR2024 161889 38.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
Moderate aftershocks of the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2-3, 2024 continued today.
Many of these were felt with light to moderated intensity up to IV in the region of Hualien, Taiwan. The latest of these was an M 4.8 felt with intensity IV in Hualien with lighter intensity throughout much of Taiwan.
Forecast 161857 had expected continuing moderate to strong aftershocks in Taiwan at this time.
O: 03APR2024 09:08:18 23.8N 121.5E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:22:39 23.8N 121.5E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 18:29:48 23.8N 121.8E Mw=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 19:46:52 23.8N 121.8E Mw=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 01:29:07 23.8N 121.6E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 17:39:11 23.9N 121.7E Mw=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 19:07:24 23.9N 121.8E mb=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 22:46:34 23.9N 121.8E mb=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 08:17:12 24.0N 121.7E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 08:56:29 24.0N 121.7E mb=4.7 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:15:02 24.0N 121.6E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:20:09 24.0N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 10:56:36 24.0N 121.8E Mw=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 11:51:36 24.0N 121.6E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 12:02:07 24.0N 121.6E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 03:14:29 24.0N 121.7E mb=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:40:38 24.1N 121.6E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:53:42 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 14:49:14 24.1N 121.9E mb=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 15:55:12 24.1N 121.7E mb=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 17:18:59 24.1N 121.8E Mw=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 21:56:11 24.1N 121.8E mb=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 07:05:19 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 09:28:51 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 10:38:55 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 11:22:30 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 13:24:30 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 13:52:04 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 14:29:09 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 15:20:04 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 15:39:10 24.2N 121.7E Mw=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 15:42:36 24.2N 121.7E Mw=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 18:30:45 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 18:55:58 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 21:19:16 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 00:18:09 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 00:32:40 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 02:04:21 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 03:10:11 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 03:31:23 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 04:11:47 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 05:00:29 24.2N 121.8E Mw=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 05:16:56 24.2N 121.8E mb=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 14:17:03 24.3N 121.8E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 20:26:57 24.3N 121.7E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 20:29:18 24.3N 121.8E mb=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 04APR2024 02:02:55 24.3N 121.8E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 3APR2024 08:38:01 23.7N 121.6E MB=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
P: 4APR2024 161857 24.0N 121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA Taiwan
MAJOR EARTHQUAKE DAMAGING IN TAIWAN
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 2, 2024
A major M 7.4 earthquake damaged much of the Island of Taiwan today. International Press reports indicated that this event and several strong aftershocks killed at least 7 while injuring more than 700. The quake occurred about 20 km south of Hualien and damaged and toppled buildings while causing many damaging landslides. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in at least 25 years - since September 20, 1999 (M 7.7) - the strongest event in Taiwan in the past 35 years. Major earthquakes have most recently hit with M>=7.5 in Taiwan on November 14, 1986 (M 7.8); July 24, 1978 (M 8.0); April 24, 1972 (M 7.7) and January 25, 1972 (M 7.7). JMA gave today's event M 7.7 and reported several minor tsunami waves. A tsunami warning was also made for Taiwan but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) reported that no damaging tsunami waves had been reported nor were any now expected. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IX (major damage) in the area southwest of Hualien City, Taiwan, EMSC reported it was also felt in mainland China as a double quake in Nanjing City nearly 1000 km from the epicenter, in Wuxi City with mild shaking; Shanghai City, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Zhonggeng, Xiamen, and Quanzhou. PHIVOLCS reported it at M 7.5 was felt in the Philippines with intensity II in Itbayat, Batanes, and I in Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, and Sabtang, Batanes. This event may be related to the upcoming solar eclipse of April 8, 2024. It is interesting to note that the total eclipse path through North America is near 103 degrees from Taiwan throughout and some enhanced seismicity is the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada may be expected following this event in Taiwan. The most likely area affected by strong energy from Taiwan in the U.S. is southern and Baja California which is near 103 degrees from today's epicenter and subject to far-field seismic triggering at this time. This distance also passes through areas of Utah and portions of Ontario, Nunuvat and Quebec, Canada. It is likely that the recent geomagnetic storm helped promote this earthquake in Taiwan. The storm occurred at the end of March, 2024 and was one of the largest in recent years as reported in this summary. It had been expected to affect most strongly areas near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes. Taiwan is located about 10 degrees north of the local geomagnetic equator. The timing is also suspicious as maximum ionospheric ring current intensities occur about 4-9 days after such storms near 10 degrees either side of the geomagnetic equator.
A foreshock in Taiwan with M 4.2 occurred about 100 km west of today's mainshock about four hours before the mainshock. Moderate to strong aftershocks of today's M 7.4 are expected for the next several days. NEIC reported the foreshock was felt with intensity II in Pizitou, Taiwan.
CWB gives the following maximum intensities per County in Taiwan as:
Hualien County 7
Yilan County 6
Nantou County 5
Taichung County 5
Kaohsiung County 4
Changhua County 5
Taitung County 4
Yunlin County 4
Taipei County 5
Chiayi County 4
Miaoli County 6
Taoyuan County 5
Tainan County 4
Hsinchu County 5
Penghu County 3
Pingtung County 4
Lienchiang County 2
Far-field earthquake triggering is possible with earthquakes of M 7.5 or greater. In the case of Taiwan, the most likely triggering zones - near 144 degrees and 103 degrees from Taiwan do not contain many areas of high seismicity and far-field triggering is likely to be muted. Following is a listing of potential triggering sites with this earthquake:
180 degrees: Brazil, Argentina,
144 degrees: Panama, Colombia, South Sandwich Islands, East Pacific Rise, eastern Caribbean, Venezuela
120 degrees: Western Mexico, Michoacan, Jalisco, SE U.S., Northern Mid-Atlantic,
103 degrees: Southern, Baja California, Utah, Nunuvat, Ontario, Quebec Canada, NE U.S., South Africa, Spain, Morocco, Portugal,
90 degrees: Northwest U.S., Italy, Mediterranean, East Africa Rift,
72 degrees: Tonga, Fiji, Kermadec Is. Turkey,
60 degrees: Iran, Fox Islands,
52 degrees: Rat, Andreanof Is, Pakistan
Tsunamis from today's event were located in Hualien with 1-3 meters, Taitung (0.3-1 meter); in Philippines with 0.3-1 meter at Basco.
Forecasts 161195 had expected today's earthquake within about 25 km was likely at the end of March or early April, 2024. The foreshocks to the southwest had been expected in forecast 161857 within about 50 km. These earthquakes are located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 03APR2024 06:28:46 23.5N 120.3E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 2APR2024 19:26:33 23.4N 120.2E MW=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
P: 4APR2024 161857 24.0N 121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA Taiwan
O: 03APR2024 04:08:08 23.7N 121.8E mb=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:50:46 23.8N 121.6E mb=5.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:39:37 23.8N 121.8E ML=5.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:53:57 23.8N 121.6E mb=5.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:45:35 23.8N 121.8E mb=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:57:18 23.8N 121.6E Mw=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 02APR2024 23:58:09 23.9N 121.6E Mw=7.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:49:39 23.9N 121.9E mb=5.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 02:38:29 23.9N 121.6E mb=4.9 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:12:30 23.9N 121.6E ML=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:37:07 23.9N 121.5E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 05:22:07 23.9N 121.6E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 05:38:42 23.9N 121.6E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 06:31:34 23.9N 121.6E mb=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:11:27 24.0N 121.8E mb=6.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:23:39 24.0N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:43:57 24.0N 121.8E mb=5.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:17:42 24.0N 121.8E mb=5.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 02:14:37 24.0N 121.9E mB=5.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 04:34:44 24.0N 121.7E Mw=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 05:23:51 24.0N 121.7E mb=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:11:13 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:15:35 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:45:44 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 02:13:39 24.1N 121.8E mb=4.7 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 02:35:07 24.1N 121.6E ML=4.0 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:20:54 24.1N 121.6E mb=4.7 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 04:21:16 24.1N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:35:41 24.2N 121.7E ML=5.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 00:46:44 24.2N 121.8E mb=5.7 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 01:09:40 24.2N 121.7E mb=5.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 02:28:18 24.2N 121.8E mb=5.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:01:41 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:22:04 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 03:35:21 24.2N 121.9E mb=5.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 04:48:43 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.1 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 05:28:04 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.6 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 05:33:21 24.2N 121.8E ML=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 03APR2024 06:09:23 24.2N 121.7E ML=4.2 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 3APR2024 06:33:58 24.2N 121.9E MB=5.0 EMSC TAIWAN
P: 28MAR2024 161595 24.0N 121.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Taiwan
P: 31MAR2024 161595 24.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Taiwan
A strong earthquake also occurred today southeast of Taiwan in the area of the Northern Mariana Islands. NEIC reported this event of M 6.2 was felt with maximum intensity IV ENE of Saipan. Like the earthquake in Taiwan, this event lies about 10 degrees north of the local geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by strong ionospheric currents following the geomagnetic storm of late March, 2024. This is the strongest earthquake in the Mariana Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.4 on August 28, 2018 and prior to that an M 6.6 on February 5, 2005. Forecasts 161835 and 161571 had expected this activity in the Mariana Islands was likely in late March or early April, 2024.
More significant activity in this region may be expected in the next several days.
O: 02APR2024 22:16:48 15.8N 147.0E mb=5.4 EMSC MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
O: 2APR2024 09:54:13 15.7N 147.0E MB=6.0 EMSC MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
O: 2APR2024 09:54:09 15.8N 146.8E MB=6.2 ANSS MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
P: 2APR2024 161835 17.0N 147.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA No. Marianas
P: 24MAR2024 161571 17.0N 147.0E 4.0-5.4 CBAAA No. Marianas
An unusual M 3.0 occurred today in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border about an hour prior to the mainshock in Taiwan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Chireno, Texas. This continues a series of light to moderate earthquakes near the antipode of Tropical Storm Neville and may be related to those earlier events. It may also be a precursor to the event in Taiwan. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in eastern Texas was an M 3.2 on January 20, 2019. Today's event was preceded 20 hours earlier by an M 2.8 about 200 km southwest of today's event. Forecast 161648 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 150 km of this epicenter was likely in lat March or early April, 2024.
O: 2APR2024 22:17:27 31.5N 94.4W ML=2.8 EMSC EASTERN TEXAS
O: 2APR2024 22:17:27 31.5N 94.4W ML=3.0 ANSS EASTERN TEXAS
O: 2APR2024 02:03:19 30.1N 96.6W ML=2.8 ANSS EASTERN TEXAS
P: 23MAR2024 161648 33.0N 95.0W 2.0-4.3 CBAAA Southeast U.S.
A strong nor'easter is likely to occur in the northeastern U.S. over the next two days. Besides promoting regional seismicity in the northeastern U.S. such storms are often associated with enhanced seismicity along the Pacific-North American transition zone as previously detailed in this summary. The current storm, however is traveling up the Appalachian mountains and does not appear to be likely to have the effects of ocean approaching storms. While possible a triggered moderate to strong earthquake in the western U.S. or Canada seems unlikely at this time with this storm. Enhanced earthquakes in the Baja or Southern California area, however are still considered likely as this region is at 103 degrees from the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2.
MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE HITS NORTHERN HONSHU, JAPAN
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 1, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred in northern Honshu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in Northern Honshu in Kuji. The last earthquake with equal or larger magnitude within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on May 5, 2023 with M 5.9. At the time of this earthquake this summary noted in this regard:
The strong seismicity in the region near Honshu, Japan which began with an M 6.2 yesterday in northwestern Honshu continued today. The largest of these was an M 5.9 south of Hokkaido but an aftershock off northwestern Honshu of M 5.6-5.8 also occurred with additional damage and casualties.
"The aftershock of M 5.6-5.8 also occurred today off the northwest coast of Honshu, Japan. This follows an M 6.2 reported in the previous issue of this summary. Today's aftershock did some damage in the region and killed at least one person. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Ishikawa and Niigata with II-III in Nagano, Kyoto, Shizuoka and Tokushima Prefectures, Japan.
This activity appears to be related to the full moon of May 5 and accompanying lunar eclipse as noted in this and previous issues of this summary as:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.2 occurred in western Japan today in the Ishikawa Prefecture. No tsunami warning was issued and none was observed. No abnormalities were reported at the Shika power plant or in the Kashiwazaki-Karina plant in Niigata Prefecture. NEIC reported maximum intensity VIII in Suzu, Ishikawa and IV in Niigata and Ishikawa with II-III shaking in Nagano, Gifu, Tokyo, Saitama, Kawagawa and Aichi Prefectures. This earthquake occurred within about an hour of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with today's full moon and lunar eclipse which maximize near this hour as previous reported in this summary:
…
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in western Honshu, Japan was an M 6.2 on November 22, 2014 with the last of larger magnitude in this region an 6.5-6.6 on July 16, 2007." (May 5, 2023)
Forecast 161666 had expected this event in this area was likely towards the end of March, 2024. This epicenter is at 101 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Macquarie Island area of March 3, 2024. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by energy from that event. The second largest earthquake of the day today was an M 5.5 in the Northern East Pacific Rise. This event is also at 101 degrees from Macquarie Island.
O: 1APR2024 19:24:35 40.2N 141.6E MW=5.9 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
P: 28MAR2024 161666 41.0N 143.0E 3.5-5.5 BAAAA Hokkaido, Japan
O: 01APR2024 15:31:09 8.3N 103.4W mb=4.5 EMSC NORTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
O: 1APR2024 14:45:17 8.4N 103.3W MW=5.5 EMSC NORTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake in the Kodiak, Alaska area since an M 4.1 on November 6, 2023. The last earthquake in the Kodiak area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.5 on January 25, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake in the Kodiak Island area since an M 4.6 on October 12, 2022. The only earthquakes of significantly larger magnitude in the Kodiak area in the past 2.5 years was an M 4.9 on January 3, 2021 and an M 4.8 on January 11, 2022." (January 25, 2023)
Forecast 161722 had expected today's Kodiak event was likely towards the end of March, 2024.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Nanwalek.
O: 1APR2024 07:18:19 58.9N 152.7W ML=4.0 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 26MAR2024 161722 60.2N 153.2W 3.2-4.9 BBAAA Central Alaska
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN BALLENY ISLANDS ANTIPODAL TO ICELANDIC VOLCANISM
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 31, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Balleny Islands south of New Zealand. The epicenter of this unfelt earthquake is exactly antipodal to the strong volcanic eruption in southern Iceland which has been ongoing for several weeks. It is likely that today's earthquake in the Balleny Islands was promoted by antipodal focusing of energy from the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Compare the eruption coordinates (63N 24W) with the epicenter of the M 5.9 in the Balleny Islands today (63S 156E) for antipodality. The last earthquake in the Balleny Islands with M>=5.9 occurred on July 6, 2023 also in connection with a volcanic eruption in Iceland. At the time this summary noted this relation as:
"The volcanic swarm of earthquakes in Iceland continued today near Reykjavik where many of the moderate quakes in this swarm were felt today. A volcanic warning has been issued by Icelandic authorites as more than 2000 light to moderate quakes have occurred in this region in the past two days.
...
NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.2-4.5 in Iceland was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Iceland in Keflavik, Suournes. The antipode of today's activity in Iceland is in the Balleny Islands south of Australia and New Zealand at 63S 156E. Some enhanced seismicity in this area is likely with the swarm in Iceland.
...
The strongest earthquake of the day occurred near the antipode of the tremors in Iceland. This event of M 5.9 in the Balleny Islands was not reported felt in this remote epicentral area. This event occurred simultaneously with Solar Flare 7970, the strongest solar of the day and was probably promoted by Solar Flare Effects (SFE) associated with that flare." (July 6, 2023)
Also on January 11, 2024, a strong volcanic eruption in Iceland was related in this summary to the Balleny Islands as:
"An earthquake of M 4.5 occurred today in northeastern Iceland. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Hofn, Iceland. This follows a pair of antipodal earthquake in the Balleny Islands two day ago. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"A series of moderate to strong earthquakes hit today at epicenters which were the antipodes of active volcanism. The strongest of these was an M 5.6-6.0 in the Balleny Islands south of New Zealand. This is exactly opposite on the earth to Iceland where volcanism has been active over the past several weeks and months.
...
The earthquake in the Balleny Islands was the strongest in that region in at least three years. A smaller M 5.5 hit the area on June 27, 2011. The last earthquakes of similar or larger magnitude in the region occurred on April 12, and April 16, 2007 with M 6.0 and 5.8.
The Balleny Islands are a remote sparsely populated region and today's earthquake was not reported felt in the region. Followers of the P103 theory may be interested to note that this epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the mainshock in Japan of March 11. This suggest that some triggering is possible at this distance from great earthquake because seismic energy is concentrated at the surface at this distance." (July 21, 2011)
It is important to note that this summary written nearly 13 years ago is completely congrueous with the current situation following a major quake in Japan at 103 degrees and a major eruption near the antipode in Iceland." (January 8, 2024)
The earthquake in Iceland was the beginning of a new eruption. Bubbling lava could be seen on video on the web. Another area where a volcanic eruption is occurring is in Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia. This volcano is on Flores Island. Thousands have been evacuated following several days of eruption in this area." (January 11, 2024)
Forecast 161777 had expected enhanced seismicity in the area of the Balleny and Macquarie Island was likely at the end of March, 2024. A strong earthquake hit this region northeast of today's epicenter with M 6.7 on March 3, 2024 with a moderately strong aftershock of M 5.5 on March 25 with the strong geomagnetic storm of March 24-25. It is likely that today's event of M 5.9 in the Balleny Islands was promoted by stress redistribution with these event in Macquarie as well as with the major geomagnetic storm of late March, 2024.
O: 31MAR2024 17:01:52 62.8S 155.8E MW=5.9 EMSC BALLENY ISLANDS REGION
P: 26MAR2024 161777 59.0S 158.0E 3.0-4.9 BCBAA Macquarie Island
A strong M-class solar flare (M3.9) occurred on April 1, 2024 beginning about 1:13 UT and maximizing around 01:32 UT. It was accompanied by an M 5.3 in Papua New Guinea in the Bougainville area which occurred at 01:39 UT. This epicenter was at sub-solar conditions at the time of this flare and occurred near local solar noon. It is highly likely that the earthquake in New Guinea was promoted by Solar Flare Effects (SFE) associated with this flare.
Flare data:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
170 0113 0132 0157 M3.9 (April 1, 2024) 6.2E-02
Forecast 161549 had expected this earthquake in New Guinea within about 100 km to occur in late March. This epicenter is at 101-102 degrees from the M 7.5 in
Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. A moderate earthquake today in Crete of M 4.8 was also at this distance from Brazil.
O: 1APR2024 01:39:04 6.2S 155.1E MB=5.3 EMSC BOUGAINVILLE REGION, P.N.G.
P: 24MAR2024 161549 7.0S 155.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA Solomon Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Sverdrup Island area of Northern Canada, Nunavut. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event is near the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by the very strong geomagnetic storm of late March, 2024. That storm was described in this summary as:
"The geomagnetic field saw severe storm conditions today. The AP level was 64. High latitudes saw severe storm conditions with AP 100. Middle latitudes were at strong storm conditions with AP 43. The last time high latitude AP was at 100 or greater was on November 4, 2021 when it reached 131. Planetary AP was 69 on that date. At that time this summary noted in regard to possible seismic triggering:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Ceram, Indonesia. BMG reported it was felt with intensity V in Sawai; IV in Wahai; III in Ambon and Masohi and Saparua, Indonesia. This continues a strong activation of the region of Indonesia which has accompanied the current geomagnetic storm. Indonesia is located on the geomagnetic equator and is often activated during such storms. The last earthquake within Seram, Indonesia within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.7 occurred on June 15, 2021 and September 25, 2019 with M 5.9 and M 6,5 respectively. " (November 4, 2021)
and
"The last time high latitude AP exceeded 120 was on December 15, 2006 when it hit AP 120 with global AP at 104. The earthquake in 2006 was followed several days later by an M 7.0 in Taiwan. The last time the AP disturbance at high latitudes exceeded today's index of 131 was on September 11-12 (AP 131 and 136).
The storm in September, 2005 was accompanied by an M 7.7 in New Ireland and an M 6.4 in the Nias region of Indonesia. This history suggests that a major earthquake is likely in the next several days. In general, strong geomagnetic storms see major earthquakes at the time of the storm's commencement or about 4-5 days later as the ionospheric ring currents at high latitude and about 10 degrees from the geomagnetic equator reemerge after the disturbance. This often includes a strong to major earthquake. At this time such an event appears most likely near the geomagnetic equator or at high latitudes ... (November 5, 2021, March 25, 2024)
Today's event in Nunavut is the strongest within about 300 km of this epicenter since an M 5.0 on April 15, 2009 and an M 5.2 on August 14, 2001 - the only such events in the past 35 years. In both cases these earthquakes accompanied strong geomagnetic storms at high latitudes.
Forecast 161733 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely at the end of March, 2024. This epicenter is located at 101 degrees from the M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the Banda Sea M 7.1 of November 8, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 31MAR2024 15:04:37 78.8N 94.5W MB=4.9 EMSC SVERDRUP ISL., NUNAVUT, CANADA
P: 26MAR2024 161733 76.0N 107.0W 4.0-5.6 BCAAA Arctic Ocean Region
MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE IN RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIANS, ALASKA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 30, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This earthquake was not reported felt in this epicentral area. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the Rat Islands was an M 6.3 on December 14, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada or the world today was an M 6.3 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote region. A smaller earthquake of M 5.3 hit the Rat Islands on December 10, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.3 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote epicentral area. The last earthquake with M>=5.3 in the Rat Islands was an M 6.3 half a year ago on June 4, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The event of M 6.3 in the Rat Islands was not reported felt in this remote area. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 6.4 on April 2, 2019. These appear to be aftershocks of the M 7.9 that hit about 50 km southeast of today's epicenter on June 23, 2014. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was likely promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It may also have been promoted by the recent geomagnetic storm." (June 5, 2022)
Today's event also occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon of December 8." (December 14, 2022)
Forecast 161712 had expected today's event in the Rat Islands within about
150 km was likely around March 28, 2024.
O: 30MAR2024 16:28:58 52.1N 178.4E MW=5.8 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 28MAR2024 161712 52.0N 175.0E 4.0-5.8 AABAA Rat Islands
An unusual earthquake of M 3.0 occurred in the region of northern Ohio today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Maple Ridge, Ohio. The last earthquake in Ohio within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=3 occurred as an M 3.6 on August 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted this event as:
"An unusually large earthquake of M 3.7-4.3 shook areas of Ohio today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Ohio at Geneva, Madison, Rock Creek, Austinburg, Thompson, Perry, Montville, Rome, Ashtabula, Jefferson and as far as New York, Ontario, Indiana with intensity II-IV. It follows a series of foreshocks in the region on August 24, 2023." (August 24, 2023)
When an M 4.2 hit the area on July 17, 2021 this summary noted:
"As often occurs the significant earthquake off the coast of Northern California was preceded several hours earlier by a significant earthquake in the northeastern U.S. In this case an M 4.2 occurred in Lake Erie, Ohio and was lightly felt in the area. Two earthquakes of equal or larger magnitude have occurred in the Lake Erie area of Ohio in the past 30 years - an M 4.4 on January 26, 2001 and an M 4.5 on September 25, 1998." (July 17, 2021)
As with that event today's quake in Ohio was closely associated with a strong M 5.9 along the North American-Pacific rim in the Rat Islands (see above).
Forecast 161684 had expected this event in this area was likely around March 28.
O: 30MAR2024 08:42:40 40.9N 81.1W ML=3.0 EMSC OHIO
P: 28MAR2024 161684 42.0N 80.0W 2.0-4.4 ABAAA Ohio/Lake Erie
An M9.4 class solar flare occurred today beginning about 21:01 UT and maximizing around 21:15 UT March 30. The strongest earthquake immediately associated with this flare was an M 4.4 in Minahasa, Sulawesi at 21:15 UT. Earthquakes of M 5.1 in New Britain, New Guinea and an M 2.3 on the Virginia-North Carolina border also occurred during the course of this flare (among others). The timing of this flare may enhance seismicity along the western coast of North America in the area from California, Oregon and Washington states which were near local noon at the time of the flare. Flare data for this event follows:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 2101 2116 2215 M9.4 (March 30, 2024) 2.7E-01
A strong series of moderate earthquakes occurred with M 4.9, 5.1, 5.3 and 5.5 in Central Tonga and Fiji today. These events were not reported felt in this remote region.
Forecast 161759 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely around
March 28, 2024.
O: 30MAR2024 14:38:27 19.7S 175.8W mb=4.9 EMSC TONGA
O: 30MAR2024 17:35:49 19.7S 175.9W mb=5.1 EMSC TONGA
O: 30MAR2024 16:44:25 19.6S 175.8W MW=5.3 EMSC TONGA
O: 31MAR2024 03:01:45 19.8S 176.0W MW=5.5 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 28MAR2024 161759 20.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA Tonga Islands
NORTH ATLANTIC SEISMICITY EXPANDS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 29, 2024
A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today near local solar noon today
in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge and included events of M 4.7, 4.9, 5.0 and 5.2. This is about 300 km south of the recent earthquakes in the area as reported in the previous issue of this summary:
"The remarkable series of moderate earthquakes at antipodal locations to Tropical Storms Megan and Neville in the Indian Ocean continued today. These occurred with an M 3.9 in the Gulf of Mexico and an M 4.6 in the northern Mid-Atlantic.
The stronger of these was the M 4.8 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ocean. This event is slightly south of the M 5.5 on March 25, 2024. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the North Atlantic Ridge occurred as an M 6.0 on September 18, 2015 and prior to that an M 6.0 on September 5, 2013. A smaller M 4.6 hit the area to the south of this yesterday. This summary speculated it may have been triggered by antipodal focusing of energy associated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Megan as follows:
"An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:
"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)
Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported
within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022." (March 25, 2024)
The M 4.8 today is about 150 km south of the M 5.5 on March 25 and is the strongest within about 150 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.2 on August 17m 2020. Further seismicity in this area of the Atlantic antipodal to the past of
TC Megan is considered likely in the next several days." (March 29, 2024)
TC Megan passed directly over the antipode of today's epicenters on March 17 as noted in this summary at the time:
"A tropical cyclone may be forming north of western Australia. This system is currently located at 13S 136E south of Papua New Guinea ..." (March 17, 2024)
Readers should note that the epicenter cited in mid-March for TC Megan (see above) at 13S 136E is antipodal to 13N 44W, the epicenter of the strong activity in the Northern Mid-Atlantic today. It is likely that antipodal focusing from TC Megan helped promoted the volcanism associated with today's events in the North Atlantic.
Forecast 161569 had expected today's activity was likely within about 200 km in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge was likely at the end of March, 2024.
Like the M 5.9 in Greece today, this activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. It is also at 143 degrees from the Vanuatu event of M 6.7 on March 27, 2024 and at 105 degrees from the Xinjiang China earthquake of January 22, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29MAR2024 16:20:57 12.8N 44.8W mb=4.9 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 29MAR2024 17:58:36 12.8N 44.9W Mw=5.2 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 29MAR2024 16:47:59 12.9N 45.1W mb=4.7 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 29MAR2024 16:19:38 12.8N 45.0W MB=5.0 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 27MAR2024 161569 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 ACAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Another unusual earthquake also occurred today along the antipodal path of TC Neville. Today's earthquake occurred in the Tamaulipas area of Mexico. Today's earthquake is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 4.2 on June 5, 2023 and May 16, 2023 (M 5.0) and prior to that on June 25, 2013 (M 4.0). When the M 5.0 occurred west of today's epicenter on May 16, 2023, this summary noted:
"The M 5.0 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been triggered by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in more than 35 years.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mexico in Tlalnepantla." (May 16, 2023)
This epicenter is north the volcanic area of central Mexico. It is likely that it was promoted by antipodal effects associated with TC Neville as reported in previous issues of this summary as for example:
"An earthquake of M 4.2 also occurred today in the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Cyclone Neville passed over the antipode of this epicenter in the Gulf of Mexico three days ago in the area of the South Indian Ocean. This had been emphasized in the previous issue of this summary when an unusual earthquake in northern Mexico also followed this pattern as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S., Canada or vicinity today was an M 3.9 in northern Mexico in the Nuevo Leon region. This is the largest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 4.0 on March 18, 2014. It is likely that antipodal energy from Tropical Cyclone Neville helped promote this event. TC Neville passed at the antipode to this event on March 26-27, 2024 at about 25S 82E (compare with the epicenter in Mexico of 26N 99W for antipodality). At the time the expected effects of TC Neville were outlined in this summary as:
"TC Neville (18S) continued today in the area North of W. Australia with winds up to 85 kts. This system is expected to track to the west over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Sumatra and Java during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the Yucatan, Honduras and Guatemala and could help trigger further antipodal seismicity in this area in the next several days." (March 25, 2024, March 29, 2024)
Today's event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. Forecast 161575 had expected enhanced seismicity near this epicenter was likely around March 29.
O: 29MAR2024 08:52:12 22.9N 99.4W ML=3.8 EMSC TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO
P: 29MAR2024 161575 19.0N 99.0W 3.5-5.1 ACAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.6 also occurred today in the Bismarck Sea. The last earthquake significantly larger magnitude in the Bismarck Sea occurred on March 1, 2023. Today's event is probably an aftershock of that event which was described in this summary at the time as:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.5 in the Bismarck Sea near Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported this deep focus earthquake was felt with intensity II in Kainantu, Papua New Guinea. The Bismarck Sea epicenter is located along the geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by the current geomagnetic storm - the strongest in nearly six years - as it occurred near local solar noon. An M 6.3 hit the Bismarck Sea on May 9, 2022 about 400 km northwest of today's epicenter but the last earthquake within about 300 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.5 occurred on October 10, 2018 with M 7.0. This event may have been triggered by stress redistribution from an M 6.2 in New Britain of February 25, 2023." (March 1, 2023)
Like the event on March 1, 2023, today's epicenter follows a strong M 6.9
in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted by stress redistribution following that earthquake.
Forecasts 161541 and 161540 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely at the end of March, 2024.
O: 29MAR2024 09:57:05 4.5S 149.6E MW=5.6 EMSC BISMARCK SEA
P: 22MAR2024 161541 5.0S 150.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA New Ireland
P: 28MAR2024 161540 3.0S 148.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA New Ireland
A moderate earthquake occurred with M 5.4 in the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand today. The last earthquake of larger magnitude in the Kermadec Islands occurred on February 9, 2024 with M 6.1 At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake in this region of the Kermadec Islands with M>=6.1 occurred on April 24, 2023 (M 7.1) and March 16, 2023 (M 7.0)." (February 9, 2024)
Forecast 161753 had expected this event within about 100 km in the northern Kermadec Islands was likely around March 26, 2024.
O: 29MAR2024 14:41:00 28.0S 178.0W MW=5.4 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 26MAR2024 161753 28.0S 177.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
A strong earthquake of M 5.9 shook the area of Greece today. This was reported in the previous issue of this summary as:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8-5.9 in Greece. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in Filiatra, Greece. EMSC reported strong shaking in Greece in Filiatra, Kyparissia, Tholo, Spiantza, Epitalio, Pyrgos, Vytineika, Gargalianoi, Dounaiika, Amaliada, Vasilikos, Amaliada, Savalia, Schinolakka, Pylos and as far as 230 km from the epicenter in Athens, Greece among other communities. No major damage was reported. A foreshock a minute before the mainshock was felt with moderate intensity in Greece at Filiatra, Tholo, Epitalio, Schinolakka, Pylos, Dounmaiika, Vasilikos, Amaliada, Pantokratoras, Xifytas and as far as 400 km from the epicenter in Athens and Heraklion. This is the strongest earthquake to occur in southern Greece within about 200 km of today's epicenter since an M 6.8 on October 24, 2018 and a series of event of M 6.7 on February 14, 2008; M 6.1 on February 20, 2008 and June 8, 2008. At the time this summary noted:
"A series of moderate to strong earthquakes hit the Ionian Sea of Greece today.
The strongest of these was an M 6.8 but the series included a number of events of M>=5. As the epicenter occurred under the Ionian Sea about 40 km from the nearest habitation, it was not as damaging as it may have been. NEIC reported maximum intensity VI in Zakinthos, Greece in Lithakia, Zakinthos, Argostolion, Pirgos Ilia, Makrisia. Intensity V was reported within about 300 km of the epicenter at Penteli, Attiki, Ambelakia, Aryirades, Kerkira, Sparti Lakonia, Leukas Levkas, Agrinion, Patrai Ahaia, Gargalianoi, Kiparissa, Kardamas, Planos Zakinthos, Mpokhali, Katastarion, Makhairadon, Greece. Other communities within about 350 km of the epicenter also reported light (II-III) to moderate (IV) shaking. The mainshock and most of the larger events occurred within minutes of local solar midnight. Tidal stresses maximize at this hour and with the full moon yesterday, it is likely that tidal stresses were important in the occurrence of this activity at this time in the Ionian Sea. This summary had noted tidal stresses which could trigger earthquakes in the past two issues ... " (October 25, 2018) as:
and
"A strong earthquake and aftershocks (M 6.7, 6.0) was felt widely in the region of southern Greece today with maximum intensity V. This earthquake with an epicenter SSW of Kalamata, Greece was felt with intensity V at Kalamata and
Pirgos, Greece. NEIC reported intensity IV in Greece at Ilion, ayioi Theodoroi,
Voula, Tripoli, Amarousion, Arkhaia Epidauros, Galatos, Iraklion, Kato Akhaia,
Khora, Megara, Moskhaton, Nea Smirni, Palaion Faliron, Patrai, Piraieus. Intensity III was felt within about 200 km of the epicenter and intensity II within about 300 km of the epicenter. The earthquake was felt as far away as Malta in Sliema, San Swann, Xghajra, Valletta, Birkirkara and Birzebugia and in Italy at Catania more than 600 km from the epicenter. In Egypt the quake was felt with intensity III at al-Iskandariyah more than 900 km away. Associated Press also reported the quake was felt in Cairo, Egypt and the southern Italian regions of Pulia and Calabria. People fled their homes and offices and schools were evacuated by only minor damage was reported to buildings. No victims were reported. The depth and location off the coast of this epicenter may have helped mitigate the damage. The M 6.0-6.4 aftershock two hours after the mainshock was reported with intensity VIII at Vlakhiotis, Greece; intensity V in Greece at
Yithion, Neapoli Voion, Kissamos and Ilioupoli and with intensity IV at Nea
Ionia, Oatrai, Pilos, Piraieus and Sparti, Greece. This aftershock was also reported felt in Malta and Italy. An aftershock of M 4.6 was reported felt with intensity II in Greece at Athinai and Rafina. The last major earthquake to kill
people in Greece killed more than 100 in September, 1999." (February 14, 2008)
Forecasts 161622 had expected today's event in Greece within about 50 km of this epicenter was likely in late March. This epicenter is located at 145 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. A series of minor earthquakes in Connecticut today including those of M 2.1, 1.6, 1.8 also occurred at this distance from Macquarie Island and may have been promoted by similar energies." (March 29, 2024)
Like the events in the North Atlantic today this activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 29MAR2024 07:11:52 37.2N 21.2E mb=4.1 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
O: 29MAR2024 07:12:47 37.3N 21.3E mw=5.8 ANSS NW of Filiatrá Greece
O: 29MAR2024 07:12:49 37.3N 21.3E MW=5.9 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
P: 24MAR2024 161622 37.0N 21.0E 3.0-4.8 BAAAA No. Greece
P: 27MAR2024 161622 39.0N 20.0E 3.0-4.6 ABAAA No. Greece
O: 28MAR2024 12:20:23 41.4N 72.0W ml=1.8 ANSS ESE of Ledyard Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:12:04 41.4N 72.0W ml=1.6 ANSS Old Mystic Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:03:55 41.4N 72.0W ml=2.1 ANSS Old Mystic Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:03:55 41.4N 72.0W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
P: 22MAR2024 161676 41.0N 71.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA New England
The earthquake in Greece was followed today by an M 4.8 in Eastern Turkey. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Eastern Turkey in Akcakiraz, Elazig, Olgunlar, Safran, Sursuru, Universite, Yakacik, Sanayi, Fikripasa, Peyas, Bagcilar, Mevlana Halit, Kelesabdioglu, Karakopru and as far as 300 km from the epicenter in Syria.
The last earthquake in eastern Turkey within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.8 occurred on January 25, 2024 with M 5.0. Forecast 161654 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km of today's epicenter was likely at the end of March.
O: 30MAR2024 00:25:07 38.5N 39.4E MW=4.8 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
P: 24MAR2024 161654 39.0N 40.0E 3.5-5.2 CAAAA Turkey
STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SOUTHERN GREECE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 28, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8-5.9 in Greece. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in Filiatra, Greece.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Greece in Filiatra, Kyparissia, Tholo, Spiantza, Epitalio, Pyrgos, Vytineika, Gargalianoi, Dounaiika, Amaliada, Vasilikos, Amaliada, Savalia, Schinolakka, Pylos and as far as 230 km from the epicenter in Athens, Greece among other communities. No major damage was reported. A foreshock a minute before the mainshock was felt with moderate intensity in Greece at Filiatra, Tholo, Epitalio, Schinolakka, Pylos, Dounmaiika, Vasilikos, Amaliada, Pantokratoras, Xifytas and as far as 400 km from the epicenter in Athens and Heraklion. This is the strongest earthquake to occur in southern Greece within about 200 km of today's epicenter since an M 6.8 on October 24, 2018 and a series of event of M 6.7 on February 14, 2008; M 6.1 on February 20, 2008 and June 8, 2008. At the time this summary noted:
"A series of moderate to strong earthquakes hit the Ionian Sea of Greece today. The strongest of these was an M 6.8 but the series included a number of events of M>=5. As the epicenter occurred under the Ionian Sea about 40 km from the nearest habitation, it was not as damaging as it may have been. NEIC reported maximum intensity VI in Zakinthos, Greece in Lithakia, Zakinthos, Argostolion, Pirgos Ilia, Makrisia. Intensity V was
reported within about 300 km of the epicenter at Penteli, Attiki, Ambelakia, Aryirades, Kerkira, Sparti Lakonia, Leukas Levkas, Agrinion, Patrai Ahaia, Gargalianoi, Kiparissa, Kardamas, Planos Zakinthos, Mpokhali, Katastarion, Makhairadon, Greece. Other communities within about 350 km of the epicenter also reported light (II-III) to moderate (IV) shaking. The mainshock and most of the larger events occurred within minutes of local
solar midnight. Tidal stresses maximize at this hour and with the full moon yesterday, it is likely that tidal stresses were important in the occurrence
of this activity at this time in the Ionian Sea. This summary had noted tidal stresses which could trigger earthquakes in the past two issues ... " (October 25, 2018) as:
and
"A strong earthquake and aftershocks (M 6.7, 6.0) was felt widely in the region of southern Greece today with maximum intensity V. This earthquake with an
epicenter SSW of Kalamata, Greece was felt with intensity V at Kalamata and Pirgos, Greece. NEIC reported intensity IV in Greece at Ilion, ayioi Theodoroi, Voula, Tripoli, Amarousion, Arkhaia Epidauros, Galatos, Iraklion, Kato Akhaia, Khora, Megara, Moskhaton, Nea Smirni, Palaion Faliron, Patrai, Piraieus. Intensity III was felt within about 200 km of the epicenter and intensity II within about 300 km of the epicenter. The earthquake was felt as far away as Malta in Sliema, San Swann, Xghajra, Valletta, Birkirkara and Birzebugia and in Italy at Catania more than 600 km from the epicenter. In Egypt the quake was felt with intensity III at al-Iskandariyah more than 900 km away. Associated Press also reported the quake was felt in Cairo, Egypt and the southern Italian regions of Pulia and Calabria. People fled their homes and offices and schools were evacuated by only minor damage was reported to buildings. No victims were reported. The depth and location off the coast of this epicenter may have helped mitigate the damage. The M 6.0-6.4 aftershock two hours after the mainshock was reported with intensity VIII at Vlakhiotis, Greece; intensity V in Greece at
Yithion, Neapoli Voion, Kissamos and Ilioupoli and with intensity IV at Nea Ionia, Oatrai, Pilos, Piraieus and Sparti, Greece. This aftershock was also
reported felt in Malta and Italy. An aftershock of M 4.6 was reported felt with intensity II in Greece at Athinai and Rafina. The last major earthquake to kill people in Greece killed more than 100 in September, 1999." (February 14, 2008)
Forecasts 161622 had expected today's event in Greece within about 50 km of this epicenter was likely in late March. This epicenter is located at 145 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. A series of minor earthquakes in Connecticut today including those of M 2.1, 1.6, 1.8 also occurred at this distance from Macquarie Island and may have been promoted by similar energies.
O: 29MAR2024 07:11:52 37.2N 21.2E mb=4.1 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
O: 29MAR2024 07:12:47 37.3N 21.3E mw=5.8 ANSS NW of Filiatrá Greece
O: 29MAR2024 07:12:49 37.3N 21.3E MW=5.9 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
P: 24MAR2024 161622 37.0N 21.0E 3.0-4.8 BAAAA No. Greece
P: 27MAR2024 161622 39.0N 20.0E 3.0-4.6 ABAAA No. Greece
O: 28MAR2024 12:20:23 41.4N 72.0W ml=1.8 ANSS ESE of Ledyard Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:12:04 41.4N 72.0W ml=1.6 ANSS Old Mystic Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:03:55 41.4N 72.0W ml=2.1 ANSS Old Mystic Connecticut
O: 28MAR2024 12:03:55 41.4N 72.0W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
P: 22MAR2024 161676 41.0N 71.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA New England
The remarkable series of moderate earthquakes at antipodal locations to Tropical Storms Megan and Neville in the Indian Ocean continued today. These occurred with an M 3.9 in the Gulf of Mexico and an M 4.6 in the northern Mid-Atlantic.
The stronger of these was the M 4.8 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ocean. This event is slightly south of the M 5.5 on March 25, 2024. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the North Atlantic Ridge occurred as an M 6.0 on September 18, 2015 and prior to that an M 6.0 on September 5, 2013. A smaller M 4.6 hit the area to the south of this yesterday. This summary speculated it may have been triggered by antipodal focusing of energy associated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Megan as follows:
"An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:
"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)
Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022." (March 25, 2024)
The M 4.8 today is about 150 km south of the M 5.5 on March 25 and is the strongest within about 150 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.2 on August 17m 2020. Further seismicity in this area of the Atlantic antipodal to the past of TC Megan is considered likely in the next several days.
Forecast 161569 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge around March 27.
O: 28MAR2024 13:21:16 15.2N 45.3W MB=4.8 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 27MAR2024 161569 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
An earthquake of M 4.2 also occurred today in the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Cyclone Neville passed over the antipode of this epicenter in the Gulf of Mexico three days ago in the area of the South Indian Ocean. This had been emphasized in the previous issue of this summary when an unusual earthquake in northern Mexico also followed this pattern as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S., Canada or vicinity today was an M 3.9 in northern Mexico in the Nuevo Leon region. This is the largest earthquake
within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 4.0 on March 18, 2014. It is likely that antipodal energy from Tropical Cyclone Neville helped promote
this event. TC Neville passed at the antipode to this event on March 24-25, 2024 at about 21S 86E (compare with the epicenter in the Gulf of Mexico of 21N 94W for antipodality). At the time the expected effects of TC Neville were outlined in this summary as:
"TC Neville (18S) continued today in the area North of W. Australia with winds up to 85 kts. This system is expected to track to the west over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Sumatra and Java during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the Yucatan, Honduras and Guatemala and could help trigger further antipodal seismicity in this area in the next several days." (March 25, 2024)
Today's earthquake is the strongest (at M 4.2) within the Gulf of Mexico within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.3 on September 3, 2013. The only event of significantly larger magnitude in this area in the past 35 years was an M 5.6 on May 23, 2007. At the time this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 5.6 hit off the coast of southern Texas and northeast of Tuxpam de Rgz, Mexico in the Gulf of Mexico today. This is a very unusual earthquake and the strongest to occur in this region in more than 15 years. NEIC reported that this earthquake was felt with intensity IV and III at Austin, Texas nearly 1000 km to the west of the epicenter. The quake was also felt with intensity IV in Mexico at Xalapa and Madero and with intensity III at Altamira, Poza Rica, Progreso, Tampico and Tuxpam in northeastern Mexico along the coast with the Gulf of Mexico. This earthquake was located offshore from the port city of Tampico in the Gulf state of Veracruz, Mexico." (May 23, 2007)
Forecast 161575 had expected regional seismic enhancement was likely in the area around March 29, 2024.
O: 29MAR2024 01:59:09 21.4N 96.0W ML=4.2 EMSC GULF OF MEXICO
P: 29MAR2024 161575 19.0N 99.0W 3.5-5.1 ACCAA Oaxaca, Mexico
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.7 in the Unimak Island region of the Aleutians, Alaska. This appears to be an aftershock of an M 4.1 in the Unimak area of March 22, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in the Unimak Island region of Alaska. This appears to be an aftershock of an M 4.6
which hit six hours earlier in the Unimak Island area." (March 22, 2024)
Both today's earthquake and that of March 22 occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
Forecast 161717 had expected today's event in the Unimak Island area was likely within about 100 km around March 29. This activity is located at the fifth node (72 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in Talaud, New Guinea, Xinjiang and Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 28MAR2024 11:18:12 53.2N 164.1W ML=3.1 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
O: 28MAR2024 11:13:09 53.3N 164.2W ML=3.7 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 29MAR2024 161717 54.0N 164.9W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES NORTHERN ITALY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 27, 2024
An unusual M 4.4-4.5 earthquake occurred today in the region of northern Italy. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Preone, Italy. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate to strong intensity in Italy at Ovaro, Meduno, Travesio, Bordano, Gemona del Friuli, Paluzza, Majano, Maniago, San Daniele del Griuli, Montereale Valcellina, and as far as Croatia, Austria, and Czechia among others.
The last earthquake of M>=4.5 within about 150 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 4.5 on June 9, 2012. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"A new epicenter in northern Italy saw a moderate earthquake today. This event
of M 4.5 was felt with the following intensities in Italy in Friuli-Venezia Giulia at Aviano (4), Budoia (5), Cordenons (4), Fontanafredda (3), Maniago (4), Pordenone (4), Roveredoin Piano (3), Sacile (3), San Giorgiodella Richinvelda (3), San Quirino (4), and Udine (2); in Lombardei Gardone at Val Trompia (3), in Veneto at Belluno (3), Farra d'Alpago (2), Noventa Vicentina (2), Oderzo (2), Ormelle (3), San Dona di Piave (3), Treviso (2), Venice (2), Verona (2). It was also felt in Slovenia in Gorenjska at Bled (2), and in Goriska at Tolmin (3). EMSC reported light shaking in Innsbruck, Austria with intensity II and at Ljubljana, Slovenia. EMSC also reported moderate shaking in Sacile, Fontanafredda, San Michele al Tagliamento, Treviso, Marcon, Venice, Pardova, Verona, and Aviano, Italy. The only earthquake of similar or larger magnitude within 100 km of this epicenter in the past 22 years was an M 4.8 on April 20, 1994." (June 9, 2012)
Forecast 161660 had expected today's event in northern Italy within about 50 km was likely around March 27, 2024. This epicenter is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.9 in New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and at 102 degrees from the M 6.8 in Talaud of January 8, 2024 and was likely promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 27MAR2024 21:19:37 46.4N 12.9E MB=4.5 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 27MAR2024 161660 46.0N 13.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA Austria
The strongest earthquake in the U.S., Canada or vicinity today was an M 3.9 in northern Mexico in the Nuevo Leon region. This is the largest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 4.0 on March 18, 2014. It is likely that antipodal energy from Tropical Cyclone Neville helped promote this event. TC Neville passed at the antipode to this event on March 26-27, 2024 at about 25S 82E (compare with the epicenter in Mexico of 26N 99W for antipodality). At the time the expected effects of TC Neville were outlined in this summary as:
"TC Neville (18S) continued today in the area North of W. Australia with winds up to 85 kts. This system is expected to track to the west over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Sumatra and Java during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the Yucatan, Honduras and Guatemala and could help trigger further antipodal seismicity in this area in the next several days." (March 25, 2024)
Forecast 161589 had expected enhanced seismicity north of this in late March.
O: 27MAR2024 19:12:21 26.1N 99.9W ML=3.9 EMSC NUEVO LEON, MEXICO
P: 29MAR2024 161589 28.0N 97.0W 3.0-4.4 ABBAA Northern Mexico
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the southern
Vanuatu region. This is an aftershock of the M 6.7 which shook that area on March 27, 2024 as described in the previous issue of this summary as:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the area of the Loyalty Islands south of Vanuatu. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.1 on May 20, 2023 - an aftershock of an M 7.7 on May 19, 2023.
...
Today's event in Vanuatu occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with the full moon of March 25 (see below) and/or by geomagnetic stresses associated with the severe geomagnetic storm of the past several days. Vanuatu is located near the geomagnetic equator and often sees enhanced seismicity with major geomagnetic storms." (March 27, 2024)
Today's aftershock occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
Forecasts 161752 and 161861 had expected today's event was likely within about 200 km of today's epicenter was likely around March 26-29.
O: 27MAR2024 13:49:18 20.7S 173.9E MW=5.4 EMSC VANUATU REGION
P: 29MAR2024 161761 21.0S 176.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Tonga/Fiji
STRONG QUAKES IN VANUATU AND OFF COAST OF OREGON
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 26, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the area of the Loyalty Islands south of Vanuatu. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.1 on May 20, 2023 - an aftershock of an M 7.7 on May 19, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"A major to great earthquake occurred today in the region of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in New Caledonia at We Iles, Noumea, Paita, Norfold Island, Suva, Fiji and Sydney, New South Wasles, Australia. This earthquake occurred at the peak of an M2.3 solar flare but was probably triggered by an M8.0 flare which maximized within a couple of minutes of local solar noon at the epicenter an hour earlier. Solar Flare Effects (SFE) on seismicity is most prominent at local solar noon when the epicenter is directly beneath the sun. The second flare appears to have triggered the actual earthquake of M 7.7." (May 19, 2023)
Today's event in Vanuatu occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with the full moon of March 25 (see below) and/or by geomagnetic stresses associated with the severe geomagnetic storm of the past several days. Vanuatu is located near the geomagnetic equator and often sees enhanced seismicity with major geomagnetic storms.
Forecast 161752 had expected today's event was likely within about 200 km of today's epicenter was likely around March 26.
O: 27MAR2024 01:28:20 21.0S 173.7E MW=6.7 EMSC VANUATU REGION
P: 26MAR2024 161752 22.0S 172.0E 4.0-5.7 AABAA Loyalty Islands
A regional foreshock of M 5.4 occurred in Tonga about 1000 km to the east of the M 6.7 earlier in the day. This event occurred near local solar midnight and may also have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. Forecast 161759 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around March 28, 2024.
O: 26MAR2024 09:37:14 20.7S 174.0W MW=5.4 EMSC TONGA
P: 28MAR2024 161759 20.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Tonga Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.7 off the coast of Oregon. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III along the coast of Oregon, especially in the Port Orford area. EMSC reported light shaking in Springfield, Oregon. A foreshock of M 3.0 hit the area within minutes of local solar noon about 12 hours earlier and was felt in the Port Orford, Oregon area. These earthquake occurred near local solar noon and midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses with the full moon of March 25 as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon arrived on March 25, 2024 at 07:00 UT. Longitudes near local solar noon are near 105W while those at solar midnight are near 75E. These include in the west portions of the South-east Pacific Rise, western Mexico and central North America; in the east areas of central Asia are included in this longitude zone. These are the areas most likely to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. As these include limited areas of high seismicity the likelihood of a major earthquake within about 4 days of March 25 would normally be deemed moderate to low. But this full moon will coincide with a major geomagnetic storm and this may help promote a major earthquake at this time." (March 23-25, 2024)
Earthquakes in this area often accompany or follow shortly after strong nor'easter storms in the northeastern U.S. Such a storm occurred over the past three days bringing ice and power outages throughout the area. This summary has noted this correlation on a number of previous occasions. For example on January 29, 2022 this summary noted:
"...This may have been promoted by movement of the North American plate associated with the massive nor'easter off the east coast of North America today. This system dumped a foot of snow on Boston, the most ever reported in that city in a 24-hour period. This summary had expected this type of seismic response to this storm in the previous issue as:
" ... a major nor'easter is beginning to progress up the eastern coast of the U.S. It may hit the Boston area with record snows today and on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Such nor'easters are often associated with a strong enhancement of seismicity along the western North American tectonic plate. A precautionary seismic watch is being called by this summary for this region through February 2, 2022." (January 27, 2022)
The last earthquakes with M>=5.7 off the coast of Oregon occurred on June 4, 2021 (M 5.9) and December 8, 2021 (M 5.8). This event also followed a full moon and was likely promoted by tidal stresses associated with that alignment as explained in this summary at the time:
"A strong series of earthquakes occurred off the coast of Oregon today at 120-130 West longitude. These events were reported lightly felt on the coast of Oregon including at Waldport, Eugene and Beaverton. The largest of these was M 5.8 which was felt with intensity II-III in Oregon in Depoe Bay, Newport, Florence, Waldport, Hammond, Tualatin, Medford, Cloverdale, Seaside, Sheridan, Forest Grove, Springfield, Portland and as far as southern Washington State.
Other moderately large events of M 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.8, 5.3 ... also were recorded in this series. The last earthquakes of M>=5.8 in this area off the coast of Oregon occurred in August and September, 2019 with M 6.3 and 5.9 and as an M 6.2 on August 22, 2018 and an M 5.9 on August 22, 2018. The M 6.3 on August 29, 2019 is the strongest event in this area in the past 30 years. Today's activity appears to be occurring in the volcanic vents off the coast of Oregon. It is likely that this series was promoted by high tidal stresses associated with the new moon/eclipse of December 4." (December 8, 2021)
A foreshock of M 3.0 occurred within minutes of local solar noon today. It was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This foreshock may have brought on the major series which followed.
Forecast 161682 had expected today's activity within about 25 km was likely in late March, 2024. This activity is at 104 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Banda Sea of Indonesia of November 8, 2023 and near this distance from recent major earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the New Guinea quake of March 23, 2024 and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Brazil where an M 6.7 occurred on January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy associated with those sources.
O: 27MAR2024 03:23:04 42.3N 126.6W Mw=5.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 27MAR2024 03:34:31 42.3N 126.5W ML=3.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 27MAR2024 03:49:16 42.3N 126.5W mb=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 27MAR2024 03:14:25 42.4N 126.5W mb=3.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 27MAR2024 03:25:34 42.4N 126.5W mb=4.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 26MAR2024 20:15:21 42.7N 127.4W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 27MAR2024 03:22:05 42.3N 126.6W MB=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
P: 22MAR2024 161682 42.5N 126.8W 3.0-5.1 BAAAA Off Coast of Oregon
The series of moderate earthquakes in the central mid-Atlantic which included an M 5.5 and 4.6 near the antipode of TC Megan's landfall in Australia several days earlier with an M 5.1 north of Ascension Island. The last earthquake in this region near Ascension Island with equal or larger magnitude was an M 5.4 on January 25, 2024 and prior to that an M 5.3 on October 1, 2022. This epicenter is near the geomagnetic equator and this may have been promoted by geomagnetic stresses with the recent geomagnetic storm. This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was also probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Continued enhanced seismicity is likely in this area in the next several days.
Forecast 161533 had expected enhanced seismicity in the Central Mid-Atlantic was likely in late March.
O: 26MAR2024 13:14:10 1.5S 15.4W MB=5.1 EMSC NORTH OF ASCENSION ISLAND
P: 21MAR2024 161533 1.0S 20.0W 4.0-5.9 BACAA Central Mid-Atlantic
MODERATELY STRONG AFTERSHOCK IN MACQUARIE ISLANDS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 25, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 aftershock in the Macquarie Island region south of New Zealand. It follows a series of moderate to strong earthquakes in the region in early March and late February, 2024 which included an M 5.4 on February; M 6.7 on March 3, and M 5.9 on March 5. Readers should note the similar conditions on March 4 as currently (solar-lunar alignment - and strong geomagnetic storm). At the time of the mainshock this summary noted:
"The geomagnetic field saw minor storm conditions today. The AP level was 29. High latitudes saw minor storm conditions with AP 49. Middle latitudes were at active conditions with AP 20.
On March 1, 2024 this summary noted in anticipation of this:
"Active conditions in the geomagnetic field could lead to enhanced seismicity at high auroral latitudes and near the geomagnetic equator. Recent seismicity in these regions in the Macquarie Island area south of New Zealand of M 5.5 on February 28; in Sumatra and Indonesia may help provide clues as to where such geomagnetic induced seismicity is likely with a strong geomagnetic storm at this time. This is most likely around March 3-4, 2024 according to SWPC." (March 1, 2024).
The AP reading of 29 today is the most disturbed the ionosphere has been since December 18, 2023 when it reached AP 36. The storm began as a sudden commencement event at about 16:15 UT according to data from SWPC reaching KP 7. At the time of the sudden commencement of this storm a strong earthquake of M 6.7 occurred in the Macquarie Island region south of New Zealand. It appears very likely that this event was triggered by the onset of this geomagnetic storm. Today's event in the Macquarie Island area is the strongest in the world since an M 7.0 in Southern Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 (nearly 6 weeks). Two other events of M>=6.7 have hit in the world during the year 2024 - an M 7.6 in western Honshu, Japan on January 1, 2024 and an M 6.7 in the Talaud Islands of January 8, 2024.
This earthquake of M 6.7 is the strongest located within about 300 km of this epicenter in the Macquarie Island region in the past 35 years at least." (March 3, 2024) A foreshock in the Macquarie Island area of M 5.4 occurred on February 28, 2024.
"The M 6.0 in the Macquarie Island area was the strongest within about 250 km of that epicenter since an M 6.0 on April 12, 2007. The only event in this region in the past 35 years of significantly larger magnitude was an M 6.3-6.5 on November 5, 1994. Moderate earthquakes in the Macquarie Island area more recently occurred on June 8 (M 4.8) and as an M 5.3 on June 5, 2023." (June 9, 2023)
It is likely that today's event in Macquarie was promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that event as noted in this and previous issues" (March 3, 2024)
Forecast 161777 had expected today's event within about 15 km was likely in the Macquarie Island region around March 26. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and at 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 25MAR2024 17:00:04 59.0S 158.3E MW=5.5 EMSC MACQUARIE ISLAND REGION
P: 26MAR2024 161777 59.0S 158.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA Macquarie Island
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.7 off the coast of Oregon. This event occurred in an area which was strongly affected by the full moon of March 25 and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. This may be followed by further enhanced seismicity off the coast of Oregon - much associated with the current strong high-latitude geomagnetic storms. This summary had expected seismicity in this region would accelerate with the current full moon as noted in this and previous issues as:
"The full moon arrived on March 25, 2024 at 07:00 UT. Longitudes near local solar midnight are near 105W while those at solar noon are near 75E. These include in the west portions of the South-east Pacific Rise, western Mexico and central North America; in the east areas of central Asia are included in this longitude zone. These are the areas most likely to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. As these include limited areas of high seismicity the likelihood of a major earthquake within about 4 days of March 25 would normally be deemed moderate to low. But this full moon will coincide with a major geomagnetic storm and this may help promote a major earthquake at this time." (March 19-24, 2024)
Forecast 161682 had expected today's activity off the coast of Oregon was likely around March 22, 2024. This epicenter is at the third node from the M 6.7 in the Macquarie Islands of March 3, 2024 and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26MAR2024 00:30:03 43.4N 127.0W MB=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
P: 22MAR2024 161682 42.5N 126.8W 3.0-5.1 BAAAA Off Coast of Oregon
STRONGEST HIGH-LATITUDE GEOMAGNETIC STORM IN NEARLY 2.5 YEARS THREATENS GLOBAL SEISMICITY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 24, 2024
The geomagnetic field saw severe storm conditions today. The AP level was 64. High latitudes saw severe storm conditions with AP 100. Middle latitudes were at strong storm conditions with AP 43. The last time high latitude AP was at 100 or greater was on November 4, 2021 when it reached 131. Planetary AP was 69 on that date. At that time this summary noted in regard to possible seismic triggering:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Ceram, Indonesia. BMG reported it was felt with intensity V in Sawai; IV in Wahai; III in Ambon and Masohi and Saparua, Indonesia. This continues a strong activation of the region of Indonesia which has accompanied the current geomagnetic storm. Indonesia is located on the geomagnetic equator and is often activated during such storms. The last earthquake within Seram, Indonesia within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.7 occurred on June 15, 2021 and September 25, 2019 with M 5.9 and M 6,5 respectively. " November 4, 2021)
and
"The last time high latitude AP exceeded 120 was on December 15, 2006 when it hit AP 120 with global AP at 104. The earthquake in 2006 was followed several days later by an M 7.0 in Taiwan. The last time the AP disturbance at high latitudes exceeded today's index of 131 was on September 11-12 (AP 131 and 136).
The storm in September, 2005 was accompanied by an M 7.7 in New Ireland and an M 6.4 in the Nias region of Indonesia. This history suggests that a major earthquake is likely in the next several days. In general, strong geomagnetic storms see major earthquakes at the time of the storm's commencement or about 4-5 days later as the ionospheric ring currents at high latitude and about 10 degrees from the geomagnetic equator reemerge after the disturbance. This often includes a strong to major earthquake. At this time such an event appears most likely near the geomagnetic equator or at high latitudes ... (November 5, 2021)
A strong M 6.2 followed this geomagnetic storm in the Molucca Sea of Indonesia on November 6, 2021. A similar M 6.2 hit Nicaragua on November 9, 2021 with an M 6.6 on November 10, 2021 in Taiwan. These were probably promoted by effects associated with this geomagnetic storm. Similar seismicity is considered likely in the next three days following today's storm.
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the North Atlantic Ridge occurred as an M 6.0 on September 18, 2015 and prior to that an M 6.0 on September 5, 2013. A smaller M 4.6 hit the area to the south of this yesterday. This summary speculated it may have been triggered by antipodal focusing of energy associated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Megan as follows:
"An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:
"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)
Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022.
Forecast 161569 had expected this event in this area was likely around March 27.
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (March 24, 2024)
The precise location of the landfall of TC Megan on March 19, 2024 was 16.5S 136E with the exact antipode at 16.5N 44W. This area appears to be particularly vulnerable to energy associated with Tropical Cyclones as noted in this summary when the last event of M>=5.5 occurred on September 18, 2015:
"The relation of seismicity to triggering phenomena was underscored today when an M 5.6-6.0 earthquake hit in the Northern Mid-Atlantic ocean floor. Two major promoters of this earthquake were Tropical Depression Nine which crossed over this epicenter today ...
... The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the Northern Atlantic of M>=5.5 occurred as events of M 5.9 on September 5, 2013 and prior to that as an M 5.5 on December 8, 2008. The last earthquake of M>=6 in this region occurred on October 1, 1998 with M 6.0, the only such event in the past 25 years in the area. All but one of the 11 earthquakes in this portion of the Atlantic have occurred during hurricane season (September through December) in the past 25 years, further suggesting regional seismic activation during the Hurricane season. This storm had been noted in the previous summary as a possible seismic trigger" (September 18, 2015)
Today's earthquake occurred near local solar midnight within several hours of today's full moon and was likely promoted by associated strong tidal stresses and/or the current geomagnetic storm which was strong at the time of this earthquake with KP reaching up to 5 about 05-06:00 UT. Full moon tidal
effects were expected to maximize (as per this report) as:
"The full moon will arrive on March 25, 2024 at 07:00 UT. Longitudes near local solar noon are near 105W while those at solar midnight are near 75E. These include in the west portions of the South-east Pacific Rise, western Mexico and central North America; in the east areas of central Asia are included in this longitude zone. These are the areas most likely to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. As these include limited areas of high seismicity the likelihood of a major earthquake within about 4 days of March 25 would normally be deemed moderate to low. But this full moon will coincide with a major geomagnetic storm and this may help promote a major earthquake at this time." (March 17-24. 2024)
Forecast 161569 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter between March 21 and 27, 2024. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 25MAR2024 05:22:18 16.6N 46.5W MW=5.5 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 21MAR2024 161569 17.0N 47.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
P: 27MAR2024 161569 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
MAJOR QUAKE SHAKES PAPUA NEW GUINEA WITH SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 23, 2024
A major earthquake of M 6.9-7.0 occurred today in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported to have been felt with intensity VIII in Ambunti, New Guinea.
EMSC reported intensity IV-V in Madang Province and light shaking in Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua, New Guinea. Aftershocks of M 5.1 and 5.2 were also felt in New Guinea at Ambunti. It is likely that this event was promoted by the major geomagnetic storm today as it occurred at the height of that storm on the geomagnetic equator in an area where a major earthquake was expected at this time as noted in the previous summary:
"The full moon will arrive on March 25, 2024 at 07:00 UT. Longitudes near local solar noon are near 105W while those at solar midnight are near 75E. These include in the west portions of the South-east Pacific Rise, western Mexico and central North America; in the east areas of central Asia are included in this longitude zone. These are the areas most likely to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. As these include limited areas of high seismicity the likelihood of a major earthquake within about 4 days of March 25 would normally be deemed moderate to low. But this full moon will coincide with a major geomagnetic storm and this may help promote a major earthquake at this time." (March 23, 2024)
and by the geomagnetic storm today which maximized with KP around 7 at 09:00 UT (see external effects section of this report below) as reported in previous issues of this summary:
"It is likely that the current geomagnetic storms along with an expected severe geomagnetic storm in the next two days will help promote enhanced seismicity near the equator especially in Indonesia ..." (March 23-24, 2024)
Today's event may be an aftershock of a similar M 6.9-7.0 on April 2, 2023 as it occurred about 25 km from that epicenter. At that time this summary noted in this regard:
"A series of moderately strong to major earthquakes occurred today. These included an M 5.5 in the Flores Sea; an M 5.6 north of Borneo; an M 7.0 in Papua New Guinea and an M 6.5 in Kamchatka, Russia. Much of this activity occurred in southern and eastern New Guinea near the geomagnetic equator or at high latitudes and may have been promoted by the current geomagnetic storm as reported in this summary:
"The geomagnetic field saw disturbed conditions today. The AP level was 15. High latitudes also saw slight disturbance with AP 17. Middle latitudes were disturbed with AP 13. This continues a moderate geomagnetic storm which may bring freshly enhanced seismicity to areas near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes." (April 2-3, 2023)
Another factor promoting this activity in Indonesia was probably the occurrence of Tropical Cyclone Herman south of this area at this time. This summary had noted this possibility in this and previous issues as:
"TC HERMAN (17S) continued today in the area south of Sumbawa, Indonesia with winds up to 45 kts. This storm is expected to track to the southeast and reversing to southwest in the next several days. It could enhance regional seismicity in Central Indonesia from Flores to Sumatra while in the area." (April 1-3, 2023)
For example, the M 6.7 in February, 1971 was preceded a month earlier by an M 8.1 in New Guinea at 3S 140E. This area - at 103 degrees from Los Angeles, California - has shown several swarms in recent days and could generate a strong earthquake at this time. " (January 25, 2023)
...
The last earthquake of M>=7.0 within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 7.2 on September 8, 2002 and an M 7.0 on July 17, 1998, the only such regional events in the past 35 years." (April 2, 2023)
Readers should note the environmental conditions with the event of April 2, 2023 - including a geomagnetic storm, a regional Tropical Cyclone and a full moon were similar to those today.
Forecast 161545 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km around the end of March. This epicenter is at 144 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 24MAR2024 03:26:37 4.0S 143.0E mb=5.2 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:22:06 4.1S 143.1E Mw=6.9 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:40:26 4.1S 143.3E mb=5.1 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:22:04 4.1S 143.2E MW=6.9 ANSS AMBUNTI PAPUA NEW GUINEA
P: 28MAR2024 161545 5.0S 144.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Papua New Guinea
A moderately strong earthquake also occurred today in Indonesia in the Savu Sea with M 5.8-6.1. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.8 in Indonesia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Indonesia in Kuta, Bali. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Indonesia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Indonesia in Pagar Alam. BGM reported it with M 6.1 was felt with intensity III in Kab Flores at Wulanggitang, Sikka at Paga, Lela, Nita, Alok, Nelle, Kewapante, Bola, Waiblama, Alok Barat, Koting, Hewokloang, Kangae; in Ende, Detusoko, Wewaria, Wolowaru, Detukeli, Ndona Timur, Ndori, in Timur at Rindi, Rote Ndao at Lobalain, Ndao Nuse; Sabu Raijua at Hawu Mehara, and in Wajo at Bola, Indonesia. It occurred near local solar noon and was also probably promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with the full moon of March 25 (see above). The last moderate or larger earthquake in the Savu Sea was an M 4.6 on September 3, 2023. The last event with M>=5.8 in this region within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 7.3 on December 14, 2021. At the time this summary noted:
"A major earthquake of M 7.3-7.6 occurred today in the Flores Sea of Central Indonesia. NEIC reported maximum intensity IX (damage) in Timur at Ende Nusa Tenggara; VIII in Maumere, VII in Ruteng and VI in Sulawesi at Kendari and V in Mima; IV in Makasar, and lesser shaking at Mataram, Singkang, Kupang.
BMG gave this event M 7.4 and reported intensity IV in Ruteng, Labuan Bajo, Larantuka, Maumere, Adonara, Lembata; III in Tambolaka, Waikabubak, Waingapu and II-III in Makassar, Takalar and Pangkep, Indonesia. This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
It was followed by a strong aftershock series. A tsunami warning was issued but later withdrawn when no significant increases in sea level were observed. Residents fled from their homes during the earthquake which was strongest in the Sulawesi and Flores areas near the town of Larantuka. At least one person was injured in Manggarai on Flores in the quake and some minor damage was reported in South Sulawesi to a school and several homes on Selayar island. This is the strongest earthquake in the Flores Sea area within about 300 km since an M 7.9 at great depth on June 17, 1996. A shallow focus event (like today's) occurred southwest of today's epicenter on December 12, 1992." (December 14, 2021)
Forecast 161536 had expected today's event was likely in this area around March 24.
O: 23MAR2024 14:02:06 9.1S 122.8E ML=4.1 EMSC SAVU SEA
O: 24MAR2024 03:04:08 9.6S 122.1E MW=5.8 EMSC SAVU SEA
O: 24MAR2024 03:04:08 9.6S 122.1E MW=6.1 BMG SAVU SEA
P: 24MAR2024 161536 8.0S 123.0E 4.0-5.6 ABAAA Flores Island area
An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:
"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)
Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported
within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022.
Forecast 161569 had expected this event in this area was likely around March 27.
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23MAR2024 09:00:10 13.2N 45.1W MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 27MAR2024 161569 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 BBAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY
For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range. This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's.
ASIA
O: 23MAR2024 19:57:49 28.1N 54.3E mb=4.4 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
O: 24MAR2024 00:12:21 27.5N 55.6E MB=4.2 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
P: 28MAR2024 161593 28.0N 56.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA So. Iran/Persian Gulf
O: 23MAR2024 13:32:36 32.3N 82.2E ML=3.5 EMSC WESTERN XIZANG
P: 23MAR2024 161657 30.0N 82.0E 3.8-5.7 ACAAA Xizang
O: 23MAR2024 19:54:38 36.3N 69.4E MB=4.0 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 22MAR2024 161612 36.0N 69.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 24MAR2024 03:26:37 4.0S 143.0E mb=5.2 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:22:06 4.1S 143.1E Mw=6.9 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:40:26 4.1S 143.3E mb=5.1 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 20:22:04 4.1S 143.2E MW=6.9 ANSS AMBUNTI PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 23MAR2024 22:50:06 4.1S 143.1E MB=5.2 EMSC NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
P: 28MAR2024 161545 5.0S 144.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Papua New Guinea
P: 28MAR2024 161545 5.0S 144.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 23MAR2024 14:02:06 9.1S 122.8E ML=4.1 EMSC SAVU SEA
O: 24MAR2024 03:04:08 9.6S 122.1E MW=5.8 EMSC SAVU SEA
P: 24MAR2024 161536 8.0S 123.0E 4.0-5.6 ABAAA Flores Island area
O: 23MAR2024 21:20:16 4.2S 134.5E ML=4.4 EMSC NEAR S COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
O: 23MAR2024 21:20:16 4.2S 134.5E ML=5.1 BMG NEAR S COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 24MAR2024 161551 2.0S 134.0E 4.0-5.5 ACAAA West Irian, PNG
P: 30MAR2024 161551 5.0S 134.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA West Irian, PNG
BMG reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Irian Jaya, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Irian Jaya, Indonesia with IV in Kab. Teluk Bintumi at Meyado, Bintuni, Merdey, Aranday, Moskona, Tembuni, Tuhiba, Dataran Beimes, Biscoop, Tomu, Weriagar, Moskona and in Kab. Manokwari at Dataran Isim and Pengunungan Arfak at Didohu, Testega, Indonesia.
O: 23MAR2024 23:47:16 0.1S 123.1E MB=4.9 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 26MAR2024 161525 0.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.6 BABAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 23MAR2024 13:20:28 4.5S 102.8E MW=5.3 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 23MAR2024 161548 4.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 23MAR2024 18:23:05 5.0N 127.3E MB=4.3 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 25MAR2024 161525 5.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 23MAR2024 08:08:45 5.7S 112.5E ML=4.0 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 23MAR2024 07:04:18 5.8S 112.3E ML=4.2 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 23MAR2024 23:14:58 5.8S 112.3E ML=4.4 EMSC JAVA SEA
P: 13MAR2024 161280 9.0S 113.0E 4.0-5.4 CCAAA So. of Bali
O: 23MAR2024 07:29:08 7.1S 105.1E MB=5.0 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 25MAR2024 161546 7.0S 106.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. of Java
O: 23MAR2024 18:47:00 8.4N 127.1E ML=4.1 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
P: 31MAR2024 161525 8.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA Halmahera
P: 25MAR2024 161520 9.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Central Philippines
O: 24MAR2024 06:22:26 8.8N 126.4E MB=5.2 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 25MAR2024 161520 9.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Central Philippines
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Marihatag.
PHIVOLCS reported intensity IV in Hnatuan and Marihatag, Surigao del Sur; III in City of Bislig and City of Tandag, Surigao del sur; City of Butuan and City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte with lesser shiking in Suriago del Norte and Davao Oriental, Philippines.
O: 24MAR2024 00:30:54 9.7S 154.7E MB=5.1 EMSC D'ENTRECASTEAUX ISLANDS REGION
P: 26MAR2024 161549 9.0S 157.0E 4.0-5.4 AACAA Solomon Islands
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 24MAR2024 05:46:47 5.5S 79.8W ML=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN PERU
P: 29MAR2024 161535 4.0S 80.0W 4.0-5.6 BBAAA Ecuador
O: 23MAR2024 13:35:27 8.4S 75.0W ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
P: 22MAR2024 161532 8.0S 74.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Brazil
O: 23MAR2024 15:44:35 12.6S 76.6W ML=4.0 EMSC NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU
P: 17MAR2024 161471 13.0S 77.0W 4.0-5.8 CAAAA Central Peru
O: 23MAR2024 22:35:15 6.1S 79.6W MB=4.2 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
P: 16MAR2024 161277 6.0S 79.0W 4.0-5.6 CAAAA No. Peru
O: 23MAR2024 18:15:48 16.6N 100.5W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 23MAR2024 161575 17.0N 100.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 23MAR2024 17:17:06 18.6N 67.4W MD=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 23MAR2024 16:34:39 18.8N 67.5W MD=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 23MAR2024 10:52:47 18.1N 66.3W MD=3.6 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 23MAR2024 20:19:39 18.5N 67.4W MD=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 21MAR2024 161580 20.0N 68.0W 3.0-4.5 ABAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 24MAR2024 00:13:48 18.5N 73.4W ML=3.0 EMSC HAITI REGION
P: 24MAR2024 161580 20.0N 73.0W 3.0-4.6 ABAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 23MAR2024 18:34:48 18.9N 65.4W MD=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 22MAR2024 161579 20.0N 65.0W 3.0-4.7 ABAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 24MAR2024 02:08:14 21.2S 68.4W MB=4.3 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 23MAR2024 17:23:16 22.2S 70.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
P: 24MAR2024 161751 22.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Coast No. Chile
EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Northern Chile in Tarapaca at Iquique, Alto Hospicio, Arica.
A foreshock of M 4.0 was felt with moderate intensity up to III in Tocopilla, Chile.
O: 23MAR2024 19:36:15 24.2S 67.2W ML=4.2 EMSC SALTA, ARGENTINA
O: 23MAR2024 14:29:25 24.3S 67.2W mb=4.8 EMSC SALTA, ARGENTINA
P: 24MAR2024 161749 23.0S 66.0W 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Argentina
O: 23MAR2024 23:11:52 28.9S 70.5W MB=4.3 EMSC ATACAMA, CHILE
P: 23MAR2024 161750 29.0S 70.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 23MAR2024 23:20:43 64.7N 17.4W ML=3.8 EMSC ICELAND
P: 22MAR2024 161725 65.0N 17.0W 3.0-4.5 AAAAA Iceland area
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 23MAR2024 09:00:10 13.2N 45.1W MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 27MAR2024 161569 15.0N 45.0W 4.0-5.6 BBAAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
O: 23MAR2024 23:20:43 64.7N 17.4W ML=3.8 EMSC ICELAND
P: 22MAR2024 161725 65.0N 17.0W 3.0-4.5 AAAAA Iceland area
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
No earthquakes of M>=4 were recorded in the regions of Zealandia or Australia
today.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 23MAR2024 23:30:16 27.3N 140.1E MB=4.2 EMSC BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 22MAR2024 161581 27.0N 140.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Bonin Islands
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 23MAR2024 20:48:24 32.8N 115.8W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 24MAR2024 05:15:12 33.1N 115.9W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23MAR2024 19:28:48 32.5N 115.3W ML=2.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 24MAR2024 161638 32.9N 115.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 24MAR2024 06:35:13 30.6N 116.3W ML=3.3 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 25MAR2024 161633 30.2N 116.1W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 23MAR2024 07:25:14 36.6N 121.3W MD=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 23MAR2024 22:29:39 36.4N 121.0W MD=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 26MAR2024 161602 36.2N 120.8W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA Central California
O: 23MAR2024 09:11:43 37.1N 116.2W ML=2.3 EMSC NEVADA
P: 23MAR2024 161599 36.7N 117.2W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 23MAR2024 17:01:16 37.2N 119.4W MD=2.5 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 25MAR2024 161600 37.3N 119.4W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 23MAR2024 22:24:00 38.1N 121.9W MD=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 24MAR2024 161605 37.7N 121.9W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
O: 24MAR2024 05:32:49 38.8N 121.4W MD=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 24MAR2024 161605 37.7N 121.9W 2.5-4.8 ABAAA Central California
O: 23MAR2024 21:49:43 38.8N 122.9W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23MAR2024 21:52:59 38.8N 122.9W MD=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 23MAR2024 161606 38.7N 122.7W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA Central California
O: 23MAR2024 20:27:59 42.0N 119.7W ML=2.5 EMSC NEVADA
O: 23MAR2024 15:37:12 41.9N 119.6W ML=3.1 EMSC NEVADA
P: 23MAR2024 161661 41.3N 118.7W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA California/Nevada area
ALASKA
O: 24MAR2024 05:07:46 51.6N 177.9E ML=3.8 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 24MAR2024 161712 52.0N 179.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Rat Islands
O: 23MAR2024 09:39:20 65.0N 164.2W ML=3.2 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 23MAR2024 09:31:17 44.6N 115.2W ML=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
P: 24MAR2024 161673 44.4N 115.1W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Montana/Idaho
O: 23MAR2024 10:51:28 47.7N 120.1W ML=2.2 EMSC WASHINGTON
P: 27MAR2024 161695 47.7N 120.3W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA Washington state, U.S.
O: 23MAR2024 22:55:22 48.9N 122.6W ML=2.0 EMSC WASHINGTON
P: 26MAR2024 161696 49.0N 123.0W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA Washington state, U.S.
O: 22MAR2024 22:56:02 52.7N 132.3W MB=3.1 ECAN OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE, BC
P: 27MAR2024 161703 53.0N 133.0W 3.0-5.1 BAAAA British Colombia
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 23MAR2024 23:52:54 31.4N 103.9W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 23MAR2024 21:49:54 31.6N 104.3W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 23MAR2024 10:43:39 31.7N 104.1W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 23MAR2024 15:25:53 31.4N 103.7W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24MAR2024 161636 31.4N 103.8W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 23MAR2024 21:54:59 32.1N 101.1W ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 23MAR2024 07:36:02 32.3N 101.9W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24MAR2024 161635 32.4N 101.5W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 23MAR2024 08:24:51 34.3N 97.6W ML=2.4 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 21MAR2024 161649 35.0N 97.0W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA Southern Plains
O: 23MAR2024 16:58:46 36.4N 95.4W ML=2.5 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 25MAR2024 161649 35.0N 96.0W 2.0-4.1 ABAAA Southern Plains
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Foyil.
O: 24MAR2024 20:31:24 47.6N 70.2W MB=0.7 ECAN OF LA MALBAIE, QC
O: 24MAR2024 03:02:58 47.7N 70.0W MB=0.8 ECAN OF LA MALBAIE, QC
O: 25MAR2024 09:43:15 47.5N 70.0W MB=1.6 ECAN OF LA POCATIèRE, QC
P: 25MAR2024 161671 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Maine
O: 24MAR2024 02:41:24 50.3N 63.3W MB=1.0 ECAN OF HAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE, QC
O: 22MAR2024 14:23:24 48.3N 65.9W MB=2.3 ECAN OF CASCAPéDIA--SAINT-JULES, QC
P: 30MAR2024 161664 49.0N 66.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA E. of Maine
HAWAII
O: 23MAR2024 07:45:18 19.2N 155.5W ML=3.2 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 25MAR2024 161561 19.3N 155.2W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.1 and 3.2 in Hawaii were felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Hawaii in Pahala.
STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES JAVA, INDONESIA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 22, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4 north of Java, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Paciran, Indonesia. BMG reported it at M 6.5 was felt with intensity VI in Gresik at Sangkapura and IV-V in Kab. Mageland, Boyolali, Klaten, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Sragen, Grobogan, Blora, Rembang, Pati, Kudus, Jepara, Demak and Semarang. This event may have been promoted by the passage of Tropical Cyclone 18S (Neville) to the south of this epicenter. This storm passed directly south of Java at 112E on March 20 and was expected to enhance seismicity in Java as noted in this summary at the time:
"TC 18S continued today in the area North of W. Australia with winds up to 40 kts. This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Sumatra and Java during this period. It is now expected to track to the west and to dissipate today (March 18). It is currently nearly antipodal to Puerto Rico the Virgin Islands and could help trigger further antipodal seismicity in the northern Caribbean at that time. (March 20, 2024)
A second triggering factor in today's event north of Java was a strong geomagnetic storm which maximized at the time of this earthquake. Java lies near the geomagnetic equator and was probably strongly affected by this storm of March 21 which had planetary AP of 27 and high latitude AP 45 maximizing with KP 7 around 12:00 UT. In previous issues of this summary it had been noted as:
"The geomagnetic field was the most disturbed today since AP at high latitudes reached 49 on March 3, 2024 with global AP 29 on that date and prior to that when global AP reached 36 on December 17, 2023. It is likely that today's geomagnetic storm will help promote enhanced seismicity near auroral latitudes and the geomagnetic equator especially in Indonesia which was near local solar midnight when the storm commenced." (March 22, 2024)
The last earthquake in the region of Java or the Java Sea within about 250 km of today's epicenters with M>=6.4 occurred on April 14, 2023 with M 7.0 at a deep focal depth of M 7.0. A similar deep focus quake (624 km depth) hit the area on September 2, 1992. Today's event is the largest shallow or intermediate focus earthquake in this area in at least 35 years. The mainshock was followed by a series of moderate aftershocks.
Forecast 161280 had expected today's activity to the south of this was likely
in mid-March, 2024.
O: 23MAR2024 00:49:42 5.6S 112.7E ML=4.1 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 09:12:50 5.7S 112.5E ML=4.4 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 10:54:45 5.7S 112.4E ML=4.0 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 23MAR2024 01:59:06 5.7S 112.4E ML=4.3 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 23MAR2024 06:28:38 5.7S 112.5E ML=4.2 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 10:26:50 5.8S 112.4E ML=4.0 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 10:57:23 5.8S 112.3E mb=4.6 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 16:12:22 5.8S 112.3E ML=4.1 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 21:42:02 5.8S 112.3E ML=4.1 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 08:52:59 5.9S 112.4E Mw=6.4 EMSC JAVA SEA
O: 22MAR2024 09:19:27 6.0S 112.5E MB=4.5 EMSC JAVA SEA
P: 13MAR2024 161280 9.0S 113.0E 4.0-5.4 CCAAA So. of Bali
A moderate earthquake of M 4.8-5.6 was also widely felt in South Island, New Zealand today. GEONET reported this event with M 5.6 was felt with weak ntensity in the area southwest of Haast, South Island. 1559 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter including 739 with weak intensity; 706 light; 99 moderate; 7 strong; 1 severe and 7 extreme. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in South Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of South Island, New Zealand in Arthurs Point. The last earthquake reported by NEIC within about 200 km of this epicenter in South Island with M>=5.6 occurred on May 5, 2015 with M 5.6. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-6.0 in South Island, New Zealand. GeoNet reported this earthquake was felt with severe intensity northwest of Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand. Felt with strong intensity in Queenstown, Mount Barker, Arrowtown, Bannockburn, and Invercargill, South Island and moderate intensity at Milton, Macandrew Bay, Mataura, Lumsden, Oamaru, Te Anau, Kingston, Alexandra, and most other communities in South Island and as far north as Wellington, Newtown, Tikokino, and Inglewood, North Island. NEIC gave the event M 5.6 and reported intensity II in Christchurch and III in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. The last earthquake of M>=6.0 in southern South Island, New Zealand occurred as an M 5.8 on December 7, 2001 with M 5.8, the only such earthquake within 100 km of today's epicenter of M>=5.6 in the past 25 years. ...
This activity was associated with the full moon alignment and was probably
promoted by tidal effects.” (May 5, 2015)
Forecast 161777 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely
around March 22.
O: 22MAR2024 10:36:34 44.4S 168.0E MW=4.8 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 22MAR2024 10:36:34 44.4S 168.0E MS=5.6 GEONET South Island, New Zealand
P: 22MAR2024 161777 44.0S 168.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
A series of moderate earthquakes (M 4.5, 4.4, 4.6) also occurred today in the Red Sea east of Sudan. An M 4.5 hit this area on February 15, 2024 but the last regional event within the Red Sea with M>=4.6 was an M 4.9 in a similar series on January 9, 2023. This activity is near the geomagnetic equator and may have been promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm of March 21. Forecast 161578 had expected today's activity was likely within about 200 km around March 25.
O: 22MAR2024 23:10:34 17.2N 40.5E MB=4.5 EMSC RED SEA
O: 22MAR2024 23:57:26 17.2N 40.5E mb=4.6 EMSC RED SEA
O: 23MAR2024 01:26:55 17.4N 40.5E mb=4.4 EMSC RED SEA
P: 25MAR2024 161578 19.0N 39.0E 3.0-5.4 BBBAA Sudan
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in the Unimak Island region of Alaska. This appears to be an aftershock of an M 4.6 which hit six hours earlier in the Unimak Island area. Forecast 161717 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 21.
O: 22MAR2024 11:51:34 53.4N 163.7W MB=4.1 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 21MAR2024 161717 52.5N 163.7W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
An earthquake of M 4.1 also occurred in Alberta, Canada today. It was not reported felt in this remote area. It appears to be at the same epicenter as an M 4.0 on January 31, 2024. The last earthquake of larger magnitude than M 4.1
in Alberta was an M 5.0 on March 16, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred as an M 4.5, 4.8 and 5.1 in Alberta, Canada. These were reported by NEIC with intensity V in Alberta in Grimshaw and IV in Peace River with II-III shaking in Falher, High Prairie, Fairview, Valleyview, Spirit River, Slave Lake, Fox Creek, Grand Prairie, Barrhead and Athabasca. These events are apparently aftershocks of an M 5.3 which hit the same epicenter on November 30, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.3 in Alberta, Canada. The mainshock was felt widely in Alberta with maximum intensity IV in Peace River, Falher, High Prairie, Manning, Fairview, and III in Grimshaw, Valleyview, Slave Lake, Spirit River and Sexsmith. It was followed by an aftershock of M 4.5 which was reported felt with intensity IV in Alberta at Slave Lake, Whitecourt and II-III in Peace River, High Prairie, Fairview, Grande Prairie, Athabasca, High Leven and Wood Buffalo and in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Foreshocks of M 4.6 and 4.9 to the M 5.3 was felt in the same area as the mainshock with maximum intensity IV in Alberta at Peace River, High Prairie, Spirit River, Sexsmith, Slave Lake and in Dawson, BC. This activity is a continuation of events which hit the area on November 22-24, 2022. That included an M 4.5 which previous to the M 5.3 today was the largest earthquake in the area in more than 35 years as noted in this summary at the time:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in Alberta,
Canada. This event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's new moon. These maximize near local sola midnight. The mainshock was followed by an M 3.8 aftershock near Reno, Alberta. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Alberta, Canada in at least 35 years. Smaller quakes hit about 200 km to the south of this as an M 4.2 on January 12, 2016 and an M 4.0 on June 13, 2015." (November 30, 2022, March 17, 2023)
Forecast 161699 had expected today's event was likely in Alberta to the northwest around March 25, 2024.
O: 22MAR2024 22:26:30 54.3N 117.4W ML=4.1 EMSC ALBERTA, CANADA
P: 25MAR2024 161699 56.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 BBBAA Alberta
LIGHT QUAKE RESUMES SEISMIC SERIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 9, 2024
A M 2.8 earthquake was lightly felt in South Carolina today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in South Carolina was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of South Carolina in Elgin. This continues a series in the area which continued throughout much of the year 2023. It is the strongest earthquake in this area in more than a year - since an M 2.9 on February 18, 2023. This series began in December, 2021 with an M 3.6. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"A series of earthquakes also occurred today in South Carolina. The largest of these was an M 3.3-3.6 (EMSC). NEIC reported the mainshock at M 3.3 was felt with intensity IV in South Carolina with intensity IV in Lugoff and Elgin and III in Columbia, Camden, Rembert, Ridgeway, Blythewood. An aftershock of M 2.5 was felt in South Carolina at Lugoff, Elgin, Columbia, Camden, Ridgeway, Blythewood, and other areas of South Carolina.
The only earthquake of M>3.6 in South Carolina in the past 10 years was an M 4.1 on February 15, 2014 and prior to that an M 4.4 on November 11, 2002 and August 21, 1992 also with M 4.4." (December 28, 2021)
Forecast 161123 had expected today's event in South Carolina was likely within about 50 km around March 9, 2024.
O: 9MAR2024 14:27:02 34.1N 80.7W ML=2.8 EMSC SOUTH CAROLINA
P: 9MAR2024 161123 34.0N 80.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Southeast U.S.
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the area of Fiji. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in Fiji was an M 5.8 on March 2, 2024. Today's earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour and which are associated with the new moon of March 10 as noted in this and previous summaries:
"The new moon will arrive at 09:00 on March 10, 2024. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 45 East while those at local solar midnight are near 135 West longitude. These include Hawaii and areas of eastern Alaska and western Canada and to a lesser extent areas off the coast of Oregon and California while in the east they include Eastern Turkey where an M 7.7 hit on February 6, 2023 as well as Greece and areas off southern Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time. A moderate to large aftershock is possible in Turkey at this time." (March 5-9, 2024)
The M 5.8 on March 2 occurred within minutes of local solar noon as noted
at the time in this summary:
"An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred in the region of Fiji today. It was not reported felt in this area. This event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour and perhaps by stresses associated with the full moon" (March 2, 2024)
Forecast 161221 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 8, 2024.
O: 9MAR2024 12:01:08 18.0S 178.4W MB=5.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 8MAR2024 161221 19.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Tonga Islands
STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SOUTHERN MINDANAO, PHILIPINES
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 8, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in southern Mindanao, Philippines. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Mindanao at Pondaguitan. EMSC reported strong shaking in Mindanao at Mati, Davao City, Polomolok, Panabo, Tagum. PHIVOLVS reported intensity IV in Sarangani at Malungon; Davao Occidental at Sarangani and Don Marcelino and the City of Davao and with intensity III in Davao del Sur at City of digo, Sta. Cruz and Matnao; in Davao del Norte in the City to Tagum; Davao de Oro in Nabunturan and Pantukan; in Sarangani at Glan; in South Cotabato at Tupi and the city of Koronadal and in Sultan Kudarat in Lutayan. Lesser ahaking was reported in Davao del Sur, General Santos City, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, Philippines. BMG reported intensity III in Sangihe and Marore, in Talaud in Loring, Beo, Rainis, Essang, Nanusa, Kabaruan, Melonguane, Gemeh, Damau, Salibabu, Kalonga, Miangas, Pulutan, Moronge, with lesser shaking in Sangiheat Tabukan, Nsa, among others. The last earthquake with M>=6 in Mindanao, Philippines within about 150 km of today's epicenter occurred on October 4, 2023 with M 6.4. Both are at intermediate depths around 125 km depth. At the time of the October, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4 off southern Mindanao, Philippines. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VI in Southern Mindanao in Katangawan, Polomolok, V in Mati, Panabo, IV in Buayan, Davao, Biao, and lesser shaking in Dalurong, Rosario and Libertad. PHIVOLCS reported intensity V in the City of Digos, Davao Del Sur; Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Malita, Santa Maria and Sarangani, Davao Occidental and Glan, Kiamba, Maitum and Malungon, Sarangani and IV in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, City of Tagum, Davao del Norte; Matanao, Davao Del Sur, City of Davao, Manay and City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Alabel, Maasim and Malapatan, Sarangani, City of Ckoronadal Polomolon, T'Boli and Tupi, Southe Cotabato, City of General Santos, Esperanza, Lebak, Lutayan and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Lesser shaking was felt in many areas of Mindanao. The last earthquake of M>=6.4 in southern Mindanao withini about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 7.1 on August 11, 2021. At that time this summary noted:
"A major earthquake of M 7.1 shook the region of Mindanao, Philippines today.
... No major damage was reported and the risk of a significant tsunami was considered minimal. A minor tsunami was reported by PTWC with height 0.05 m in Bitung Indonesia and 0.04 m in Davao, Philippines. The last non-deep focus earthquake of M>=7.1 in the region of Mindanao occurred as an M 7.2 on March 5, 2002 but the last of equal or larger magnitude within about 250 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 7.4 twenty years ago on January 1, 2001 and an M 7.3 and 7.1 on May 17, 1992. Deep focus earthquake hit about 350 km to the east of today's epicenter with M 7.6 on July 23, 2010 and an M 7.1 on February 5, 2005." (August 11, 2021, October 4, 2023)
Forecasts 161258 and 161262 had expected today's event in this area was likely
around March 12.
O: 8MAR2024 09:11:46 5.9N 126.9E MW=6.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 12MAR2024 161258 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA Central Philippines
P: 12MAR2024 161262 5.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES COSTA RICA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 7, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Costa Rica. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Costa Rica at Tamarindo. EMSC reported a booming noise and strong jolts in Costa Rica at Cabo Velas and Tierras Morenas. A similar M 5.7 occurred on June 10, 2021 about 150 km southeast of today's epicenter near Costa Rica, the only event with equal or greater magnitude in the area in the past four years. That event was closely associated with a solar eclipse also on June 10, 2021.
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Costa Rica. NEIC reported it was felt in Costa Rica with maximum intensity VI at Chacanita, Puntarenas,V in Esparta and IV in Jaco and Atenas. Lesser shaking occurred in Samara, AGuanacasts, Papuera, Santa Cruz, Miramar, Juntas, and Santiago, Alajuela. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in Costa Rica was an M 6.0 on August 24, 2020." (June 10, 2021)
Forecasts 160987 and 161043 had expected enhanced seismicity in Costa Rica and Nicaragua was likely around March 7, 2024.
O: 7MAR2024 08:20:12 9.8N 86.4W MW=5.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
P: 7MAR2024 160987 9.0N 85.0W 3.5-5.1 AABAA Costa Rica
P: 7MAR2024 161043 11.0N 86.0W 3.5-5.1 ABAAA Nicaragua
An earthquake of M 5.2 with aftershock of M 5.0 also rattled Southern Qinghai, China today. This is the strongest earthquake in Southern Qinghai, China since an M 5.5-5.9 on August 14, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake was also recorded in southern Qinghai, China today with M 5.5. It was not initially reported felt but was likely damaging
in the epicentral area. Reports from this area of China are often delayed by several days, so check later for damage reports. The epicenter is in a lightly populated plateau and there were no local reports of damage from this earthquake. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.7 on March 19, 2021 and an M 5.9 on October 17, 2016. No events of M>5.9 have been recorded in the area in the past 30 years." (August 14, 2022)
Forecast 161132 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km of
today's epicenter was likely around March 9, 2024.
O: 07MAR2024 10:09:16 33.4N 93.0E mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
O: 7MAR2024 10:06:30 33.6N 93.0E MB=5.2 EMSC SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
P: 9MAR2024 161132 33.0N 92.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
An unusual earthquake of M 3.4 occurred today in eastern Quebec, Canada. It was followed by aftershocks of M 2.7 and 2.7 but was not reported felt. The only earthquake of M>=3.4 within about 200 km of this epicenter in Eastern Quebec in the past four years was an M 3.5 on January 29, 2024.
Forecast 161138 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely around March 4, 2024. This epicenter is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.6 in Mindanao, Philippines of December 2, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 07MAR2024 07:59:36 50.7N 63.3W ML=2.7 EMSC EASTERN QUEBEC, CANADA
O: 07MAR2024 08:24:40 50.7N 63.3W ML=2.7 EMSC EASTERN QUEBEC, CANADA
O: 7MAR2024 07:56:08 50.7N 63.3W ML=3.4 EMSC EASTERN QUEBEC, CANADA
P: 4MAR2024 161138 49.0N 66.0W 2.0-4.1 BBBAA E. of Maine
MODERATE SWARM IN VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 6, 2024
The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5-4.6 in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported light intensity was felt in Tofino, Canada. This event was accompanied by a moderate swarm of events of M 3.0-4.0. The mainshock occurred within minutes of local solar midnight - a time when tidal and geomagnetic stresses maximize - and was probably promoted by such stresses.
The last earthquake with M>-4.6 within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred on April 13, 2023 (M 6.0) and August 8, 2022 (M 4.6). At the
time of the April, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 off the western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reporte intensity I-III in British Columbia at Port Hardy, Port MacNeill, Nanaimo, Sidney, Vancouver, White Rock and in Washington State at Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Ferndale and Port Townsend among others. The last earthquake in the Vancouver Island area within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.3 on December 25, 2019 and an M 6.0 on December 23, 2019 But the last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.5 on October 22, 2018." (April 13, 2023)
Forecast 161171 had expected today's event in this region was likely around March 8. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from the
M 6.7 in Macquarie Island area of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from that that source. A series of light earthquakes in Western Texas and in southern Texas shared this distance to Macquarie today.
O: 06MAR2024 10:25:37 48.0N 129.0W MB=3.2 ECAN OF TOFINO, BC
O: 06MAR2024 09:02:39 49.3N 129.9W MB=3.7 ECAN OF PORT ALICE, BC
O: 06MAR2024 08:41:27 48.0N 129.0W MB=4.6 ECAN OF TOFINO, BC
O: 06MAR2024 08:38:19 48.0N 128.9W MB=3.3 ECAN OF TOFINO, BC
O: 06MAR2024 07:15:48 48.0N 129.0W MB=3.6 ECAN OF TOFINO, BC
O: 6MAR2024 08:41:29 48.1N 129.0W MB=4.5 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
O: 6MAR2024 07:13:25 48.1N 129.1W MB=3.6 ECAN OF TOFINO, BC
P: 8MAR2024 161171 49.2N 129.1W 2.8-5.3 ABAAA Vancouver Island area
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today however was an M 4.8 in the Unimak Island region of Alaska.
This event was not reported felt in this remote epicentral area. The last earthquake of M>=4.8 in the Unimak Island area was an M 4.9 on September 12, 2023 and prior to that an M 5.0 on August 14, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.0 in Unimak Island, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported and aftershock of M 4.2 in Unimak Island, Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Unimak Island, Alaska in Akutan. This activity occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with the upcoming new moon. This is the strongest earthquake in the Unimak area since an M 5.1 on September 9 and January 11, 2021. No events of significantly larger magnitude have hit this area in the past 3.5
years." (August 14, 2023)
Forecast 161191 had expected today's event was likely within the Unimak Island area within about 50 km of today's epicenter around March 7.
O: 6MAR2024 15:25:09 53.7N 163.3W MB=4.8 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 7MAR2024 161191 54.1N 162.8W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
The most active area of the world today was the area of northern Mindanao, Philippines where a swarm of earthquakes including two of M 5.1 occurred. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Kinablangan.
EMSC reported light shaking in Davao City, Mindanao. PHIVOLCS reported intensity III in Surigao del Sur in Lingig; II in City of Bislig; in Davao Oriental at Baganga, Caraga and Manay; and in Davao de Oro in Maragusan Mabunturan, Montevista, Monkayo and Pantukan. These are aftershocks of an M 7.6 of December 2, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The M 7.6 in Mindanao today is the strongest in the Philippines in the region of Mindanao within about 300 km of today's epicenter since an M 7.6 on August 31, 2012, the only such event in this area in at least 35 years. Other events of M >=7.5 hit somewhat further
to the south of today's epicenter on July 23, 2010, March 5, 2002 and January 1, 2001 (all with M 7.5)." (December 2, 2023)
Forecast 160991 had expected today's seismic enhancement in Mindanao was likely around March 7. These epicenters are at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from the M 6.7 in Macquarie of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy associated with that event.
O: 06MAR2024 21:39:28 7.9N 127.1E mb=5.1 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
O: 06MAR2024 16:54:46 8.6N 126.8E mb=4.4 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 06MAR2024 14:51:05 8.7N 126.5E ML=4.1 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 06MAR2024 20:08:08 8.7N 126.5E mb=4.8 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 06MAR2024 09:19:11 8.8N 126.9E ML=4.3 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 6MAR2024 20:19:45 7.9N 126.9E MB=5.1 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 7MAR2024 160991 8.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
STRONG MACQUARIE IS. AFTERSHOCK
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 5, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9-6.1 in the Macquarie Island area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This is an aftershock of an M 6.7 that hit the area on March 4 and an M 5.5 of February 28, 2024. Further aftershocks of this type may be expected in the next several weeks. Forecast 161249 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km in the Macquarie Islands around March 4. When the M 6.7 hit this summary noted in this regard:
"Forecast 161249 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in the Macquarie Island area around March 4, 2024. It is near the antipode of the energetic volcanic eruption in southern Iceland and may have been promoted by energy from that source. It is also at 102 degrees from the events of M 6.7 in Brazil of late January 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (March 4, 2024)
O: 5MAR2024 19:52:53 59.1S 158.9E MW=5.9 EMSC MACQUARIE ISLAND REGION
P: 4MAR2024 161249 60.0S 160.0E 3.0-6.0 AAAAA Macquarie Is.
An earthquake of M 4.8 south of Iceland in the Reykjanes Ridge also occurred today. This activity is part of the current volcanism in the area of the North Atlantic and Iceland. The M 6.7 and 5.9-6.1 in the Macquarie Islands today is likely to further enhanced seismicity at this antipodal area.
Forecast 161186 had expected today's event in the north Mid-Atlantic was likely
within about 50 km around March 4, 2024.
O: 5MAR2024 09:29:23 56.9N 33.7W MB=4.8 EMSC REYKJANES RIDGE
P: 4MAR2024 161186 57.0N 33.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA North Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Two unusual earthquake occurred today in eastern U.S. The larger of these was an M 2.8 in Illinois but an M 2.7 also occurred in northern Texas. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Illinois was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Illinois in Pinckneyville. The last earthquake in Illinois within about 100 km of today's epicenter was an M 3.1 on December 18, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"An unusually large M 3.1 earthquake shook areas of Illinois (US) today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Waltonville, Illinois.
NEIC also reported light shaking in Wayne County, Illinois near Mount Vernon. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Du Quoin, Illinois. An earthquake of M 3.6 hit about 300 km north of this epicenter on November 15, 2023 but the last event of M>=3.1 in Illinois within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on September 19, 2017 and September 9, 2017 with M 3.8 and 3.1. Avid readers of this summary may recognize these dates as the time of the last major X-flare as described in this summary on December 14-15, 2023. At the time of the M 3.1 on September 9, 2017, this summary noted:
"An unusual M 3.2 earthquake today shook areas of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Illinois at Mount Carmel, Bone Gap, Browns, West Salem, Albion, Owensville, Allendale, Ellery, Grayville, Saint Francisville, Lawrenceville, Greenup, Marion, Nokomis; in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and in Indiana at Evansville, Vicennes, Princeton, Owensville.
This epicenter is within kms of the point of maximum solar eclipse of the
August 21, 2017. The last earthquake in Illinois within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 3.4 on May 30, 2015 and prior to that similar quakes on November 20, 2012 and June 5, 2008. A moderate quake of M 5.4 hit today's epicenter on April 18, 2008 and today's event may be an aftershock of that. Forecast 110474 had expected this earthquake in mid-September. The M 8.2 in Mexico hours earlier may have helped promote this event in Illinois. " (September 9, 2017, December 18, 2023)
Forecast 161092 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely
around March 2.
O: 5MAR2024 16:34:45 38.1N 89.3W ML=2.8 EMSC ILLINOIS
P: 2MAR2024 161092 38.0N 90.0W 2.0-4.4 BAAAA New Madrid area
The last earthquake of M>=2.7 within about 100 km of today's epicenter in
northern Texas was an M 3.7 on December 9, 2013 about 100 km southeast of today's epicenter. No other earthquakes in this region of northern Texas west of 98 West longitude have occurred in the past 35 years with M>=2.7. At the time of the event in December, 2013, this summary noted:
"Another light to moderate earthquake was widely felt in northern Texas today. This event of M 3.7 is the strongest within 100 km of this epicenter in at least 25 years and represents a migration of the regional seismicity to the west. The current swarm which has been blamed on fracking and well injection technology began on June 24, 2012 about 100 km southeast of today's epicenter with M 3.5 and has gradually migrated to the north and west over the past 1.5 years with the latest an M 3.6 near Fort Worth about 50 km east of today's epicenter which occurred near Mineral Wells, Texas." (December 9, 2013)
Forecast 161124 had expected regional seismic enhancement in this area was
likely around March 6.
O: 6MAR2024 00:01:43 33.3N 98.7W ML=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN TEXAS
P: 6MAR2024 161124 34.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 AABAA Southern Plains
MODERATE QUAKES SHAKE TURKEY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 4, 2024
Two moderate earthquakes occurred in Turkey today. This is consistent with the expectation of this area becoming active with the new moon of March 10 as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive at 09:00 on March 10, 2024. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 45 East while those at local solar midnight are near 135 West longitude. These include Hawaii and areas of eastern Alaska and western Canada and to a lesser extent areas off the coast of Oregon and California while in the east they include Eastern Turkey where an M 7.7 hit on February 6, 2023 as well as Greece and areas off southern Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time. A moderate to large aftershock is possible in Turkey at this time" (March 2-3, 2024)
These two earthquakes occurred near local solar noon and midnight and were likely promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
EMSC reported the earthquake of M 4.4 in Central Turkey was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Central Turkey in Yesilyurt, Kizilcoaba, Helete, Niyazi, Fevzi Pasa, Cakmak, 19 Mayis, and as far as Syria. Forecast 161127 had expected this earthquake in central Turkey was likely around March 3.
O: 4MAR2024 08:26:06 38.2N 37.5E MW=4.4 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
P: 3MAR2024 161127 38.0N 36.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA Turkey
The M 4.8 in Western Turkey was widely felt in the general region of Istanbul, Turkey where a major earthquake is considered likely in the near future.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3-4.8 in Western Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Western Turkey in Hamdibey. The last earthquake within about 100 km of today's epicenter in western Turkey with M>=4.7 occurred on December 4, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 5.1 was widely felt in the area of Istanbul, Turkey today. NEIC reported intensity up to VI in Mudanya, Turkey. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking with this earthquake was felt in Turkey at Mudanya, Nilufer, Gorukle, Osmangazi, Demirtas, Gemlik, Kurtul, Mahmudiye, Cali, Bursa, and as far as Edremit, Burhaniye, Bolme, Gomer more than 200 km from the epicenter. A foreshock of M 3.1 occurred five minutes before the mainshock. EMSC reported it was felt with light intensity in Turkey at Mudanya, Nilufer, Gorukle, Icmeler among others. A series of light aftershocks followed the mainshock and were felt lightly in the epicentral area. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.1 was an M 5.7 on September 26, 2019." (December 4, 2023)
Forecast 161129 had expected this event was likely within about 50 km around
March 4, 2024. This epicenter is at 144 degrees from the Macquarie Island M 6.7 of March 3, 2024 and at 102 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 4MAR2024 18:38:56 40.1N 27.5E ML=4.8 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
P: 4MAR2024 161129 40.0N 27.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Turkey
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in southeastern Iran.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in southeastern Iran with equal or larger magnitude occurred nearly six years ago on September 7, 2018 with M 5.6 and prior to that a series in mid-May, 2013 beginning with an M 6.1 on May 11, 2013 - eleven years ago.
Forecast 161067 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely in early March.
O: 5MAR2024 04:20:13 27.1N 59.4E MB=5.4 EMSC SOUTHEASTERN IRAN
P: 1MAR2024 161067 29.0N 58.0E 3.5-5.3 BBBAA So. Iran/Persian Gulf
The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today were of M 3.7. These occurred near Dawson, Yukon Territory, Canada and in northern Nevada. The event in Yukon, Canada is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.5 on October 5, 2022 and an M 3.9 on October 29, 2021. It was not reported felt in this area. Forecast 161202 had expected this event was likely within about 50 km around March 5.
O: 4MAR2024 01:30:23 64.6N 138.4W MB=3.7 ECAN OF DAWSON, YT
P: 5MAR2024 161202 65.0N 139.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA Northern Alaska
The earthquake in northern Nevada of M 3.7-3.8 is the strongest within about
100 km of that epicenter since an M 4.5 about 100 km south of this epicenter on July 19, 2023. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Nevada in Crescent Valley. The last event within 100 km of larger magnitude was an M 4.0 on January 24, 2014. When the M 4.5 occurred on July 29, 2023 this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.4-4.6 also occurred today 6 in north-central Nevada. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Eureka and II-III in Austin, Tonopah, Wellington, Glenbrook, Colfax (California) and Henderson. In the past 35 years earthquakes of M 4.5-4.6 have been located within about 100 km of today's epicenter on September 10, 2019 and January 15, 1993." (July 19, 2023)
Forecast 161136 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km of today's epicenter was likely in early March.
O: 4MAR2024 21:02:45 40.3N 116.4W ML=3.7 EMSC NEVADA
O: 4MAR2024 21:02:45 40.3N 116.4W ML=3.8 ANSS NEVADA
P: 1MAR2024 161136 40.0N 117.9W 2.5-4.5 BABAA California/Nevada area
STRONG QUAKE IN MACQUARIE AREA HITS WITH STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 3, 2024
The geomagnetic field saw minor storm conditions today. The AP level was 29. High latitudes saw minor storm conditions with AP 49. Middle latitudes were at active conditions with AP 20.
On March 1, 2024 this summary noted in anticipation of this:
"Active conditions in the geomagnetic field could lead to enhanced seismicity at high auroral latitudes and near the geomagnetic equator. Recent seismicity in these regions in the Macquarie Island area south of New Zealand of M 5.5 on February 28; in Sumatra and Indonesia may help provide clues as to where such geomagnetic induced seismicity is likely with a strong geomagnetic storm at this time. This is most likely around March 3-4, 2024 according to SWPC." (March 1, 2024).
The AP reading of 29 today is the most disturbed the ionosphere has been since December 18, 2023 when it reached AP 36. The storm began as a sudden commencement event at about 16:15 UT according to data from SWPC reaching KP 7. At the time of the sudden commencement of this storm a strong earthquake of M 6.7 occurred in the Macquarie Island region south of New Zealand. It appears very likely that this event was triggered by the onset of this geomagnetic storm. Today's event in the Macquarie Island area is the strongest in the world since an M 7.0 in Southern Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 (nearly 6 weeks). Two other events of M>=6.7 have hit in the world during the year 2024 - an M 7.6 in western Honshu, Japan on January 1, 2024 and an M 6.7 in the Talaud Islands of January 8, 2024.
This earthquake of M 6.7 is the strongest located within about 300 km of this epicenter in the Macquarie Island region in the past 35 years at least. A foreshock in the Macquarie Island area of M 5.4 occurred on February 28, 2024.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the Macquarie Islands south of New Zealand. This event was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Macquarie Islands within about 500 km of this epicenter with M>=5.4 was an M 6.0 on June 9, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The M 6.0 in the Macquarie Island area was the strongest within about 250 km of that epicenter since an M 6.0 on April 12, 2007. The only event in this region in the past 35 years of significantly larger magnitude was an M 6.3-6.5 on November 5, 1994. Moderate earthquakes in the Macquarie Island area more recently occurred on June 8 (M 4.8) and as an M 5.3 on June 5, 2023." (June 9, 2023)
It is likely that today's event in Macquarie was promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that event as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-27, 2024)
Further enhancement of seismicity in these regions is still expected in the next several days. In particular this includes region of the western Aleutians in the Rat and Andreanof Islands in the north and in the New Zealand/Tonga arc in the south. This region has shown several unusual and moderate earthquakes in the past several days including an M 5.1 in Methven, South Island, New Zealand yesterday as noted in the previous issue of this summary:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.6-5.1 was felt today in central South Island New Zealand. NEIC reported intensity up to III near Methven, New Zealand. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Christchurch, New Zealand. ... The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.1 occurred on September 19, 2023 with M 5.6 and prior to that as aftershocks in November 2016 of an M 7.8 about 150 km northeast of this of November 13, 2016. At the time of the September, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-6.2 in central South Island, New Zealand. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Canterbury at Rolleston and IV in Oamaru, Timaru, Lincoln, Christchurch with lesser shaking of II-III in Ashburton, Lyttelton, Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Waikato and Denedin Otago. GEONET reported it at M 6.2 and that it was felt with light intensity in the area of Central South Island, New Zealand. Of 14338 felt reports 4779 reports of light and 6786 of weak intensity with 1749 of moderate shaking and 169 with strong 2 with severe and 11 with extreme intensity came from the area. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on February 14, 2016 with M 5.8. The last of M>=6.2 was the Christchurch earthquake of M 7.0 of September 3, 2010 about 100 km north of today's epicenter." (September 19, 2023)
Today's event was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred at the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment" (February 27, 2024)
Today's epicenter is near 100 degrees from the M 7.6 in western Japan of January
1. 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (February 28, 2024)
Forecast 161249 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in the Macquarie Island area around March 4, 2024. It is near the antipode of the energetic volcanic eruption in southern Iceland and may have been promoted by energy from that source. It is also at 102 degrees from the events of M 6.7 in Brazil of late January 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source..
O: 3MAR2024 16:16:57 59.4S 159.0E MW=6.7 EMSC MACQUARIE ISLAND REGION
P: 4MAR2024 161249 60.0S 160.0E 3.0-6.0 AAAAA Macquarie Is.
An earthquake of M 5.5 also occurred south of Sumatra today. This is located near the geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by geomagnetic stresses with the day's geomagnetic storm. BMG reported this earthquake of M 5.6 in Bengkulu, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Bengkulu, Indonesia in Bengkulu at Enggano and II in Ogan Komering, Ulu, Muara Enim, Lahat, Lawang, Alam, Kaur, Seluma and Kepahiang among others. The antipode of this epicenter in Sumatra is in northern Colombia, a region which has been active in recent days with a series of moderate events in late February starting February 20, 2024. Additional seismic enhancement is likely in this area in coming days. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in southern Sumatra with M>=5.5 occurred as an M 6.2 on April 15, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported the earthquake South of Sumatra of M 5.5-6.2 was felt with maximum intensity VII in Pagar Alam, Sumatra; IV in Lampung at Kota Bumi, Pringsewu and Bandar and in Jakarta with light intensity. That agency reported moderate intensity in the Bengkulu area and throughout much of Southern Sumatra without providing details. The last earthquake in Southern Sumatra within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.5 occurred with M 6.2 on August 23, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an 6.2-6.3 in Southern Sumatra. The mainshock was felt with intensity VI in Baturaga, V in Kota Bumi, Pagar Alam Sumatra with II-IIII in Bandar Lampung, Jakarta. The mainshock was followed by aftershocks felt with light intensity in Baturaja, Sumatra. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Sumatra within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.2 on February 10, 2021. The last earthquake of M>6.2 in this range of today's epiencer was an M 6.3 on May 10, 2005. A great earthquake of M 8.5 hit about 300 km to the northwest of this on September 12, 2007. All events in the general area of today's epicenter since then have been aftershocks of that great quake." (August 23, 2022, April 15, 2023)
Forecast 161016 had expected today's activity within about 100 km was likely south of Sumatra around March 3, 2024. This epicenter is at 51.4 degrees (node 7) from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and from the M 7.6 in western Honshu of January 1, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 03MAR2024 15:07:43 5.0S 103.1E mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
O: 04MAR2024 06:55:12 5.0S 102.7E mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
O: 4MAR2024 02:48:24 5.6S 102.3E MB=5.5 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 3MAR2024 161016 5.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA So. of Sumatera
ALASKA REGION CONTINUES ACTIVE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 2, 2024
The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4-5.0 in the Unimak Island area of Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity in King Cove, Alaska. An unfelt earthquake of M 4.9 also occurred today in the Rat Islands, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 150 km of the M 5.0 in the Alaska Peninsula with M>=5 occurred on September 22, 2023 (M 5.0) and September 21, 2023 (M 5.4). At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.4 in the Alaska Peninsula Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Sand Point and King Cove and III in False Pass, Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake in the region of the Alaska Peninsula since an M 5.6 on August 3, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world, the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.6 in the Unimak Island area of Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Sand Point, King Cove and II-III in False Pass, Chignik Lagoon, Alaska.
This is the strongest aftershock to date of the M 7.2-7.4 of July 16, 2023 in the Alaska Peninsula about 50 km east of today's epicenter. It is the second largest earthquake in this area since an M 6.1 on July 28 and July 29, 2020. In the past 15 years many of the strongest earthquakes in this region have occurred in mid- to late-July and early August, perhaps indicating a seasonal triggering component. All events in the region with M>=6 since 2008 have occurred in late July including an M 6.1 on July 16, 2011; an M 6.0 on July 19, 2018; an M 6.1 on July 28, 2020 and an M 7.2 on July 16, 2023." (August 3, 2023, September 21, 2023)
Forecast 161192 had expected today's activity in the Alaska Peninsula within about 25 km was likely around March 3.
O: 02MAR2024 19:17:42 54.5N 161.8W Mw=4.4 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 02MAR2024 08:02:29 54.7N 161.6W mb=5.0 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 2MAR2024 08:02:28 54.4N 161.5W MB=4.4 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 3MAR2024 161192 54.3N 161.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
The M 4.9 in the Rat Islands continues a series of moderate sized events in that region which began on February 28 with M 5.5 and continued on March 1, 2024 with M 4.2. At that time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Rat Islands of M>=5.5 was an M 5.7 on June 8, 2023. Two events of M 6.3 hit the area in June and December, 2022. At the time of the June, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported a report of VII intensity in the area generally light intensity II-III in this remote epicentral area. The mainshock was followed by aftershocks of M 4.6, 4.2 and 4.6 which were not felt. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 6.3 on December 14, 2022 and an M 6.3 a year ago on June 4, 2022." (February 28, 2024)
Forecasts 161188 and 160916 had expected this activity was likely within about
50 km around February 27-March 3.
O: 2MAR2024 07:50:42 51.3N 177.8E MB=4.9 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 3MAR2024 161188 51.0N 179.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Rat Islands
P: 27FEB2024 160916 51.0N 179.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Rat Islands
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the area south of the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. It was followed by an M 4.9 aftershock about 3 hours later. The last earthquake in the Kermadec Islands within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.4 occurred on November 14, 2023 also with M 5.4.
The last of larger magnitude was an M 6.6 on September 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The M 6.6 in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand today was widely felt in North Island, New Zealand - unlike most strong earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands. NEIC reported maximum intensity for the M 6.6 at IV in Gisborne at Te Karaka and II-III in the Bay of Plenty at Opotiki, Whakatane, in North Shore, Auckland, Napier, Hawke's Bay, in Manawatu-Wanganui at Palmerston North and Shannon, and more than 1000 km away in Wellington at Porirua, Lower Hutt and Wellington.
This is the strongest earthquake in the Kermadec Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.6 on August 14, 2022 and an M 7.4 on June 18, 2020." (September 8, 2023)
Forecast 160970 had expected today's event in this area was likely around
February 29. Today’s event of M 5.4 occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
O: 03MAR2024 02:01:08 32.5S 177.9W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 2MAR2024 23:14:46 32.5S 177.8W MB=5.4 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 29FEB2024 160970 33.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
In addition to the events in the Kermadec Islands, two other regions of
New Zealand also saw significant felt seismicity today. These included an event off North Islands of M 4.6-5.0 and an event in South Island of M 4.4. The enhanced seismicity in New Zealand at 120 degrees from the Xinjiang, China quake of January 22, 2024 suggests triggering from that event and possibly from the M 5.4 in the Macquarie earthquake of February 28. These are at high latitudes and may see additional seismic enhancement with the geomagnetic storm expected today or tomorrow.
Forecast 161242 and 161249 had expected today's activity within about 50
km of these epicenters in New Zealand was likely in early March. Today’s event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
O: 2MAR2024 11:31:19 37.8S 176.5E MB=4.6 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 02MAR2024 11:31:21 37.8S 176.5E MS=5.0 GEONET North Island, New Zealand
P: 4MAR2024 161242 38.0S 176.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA North Island, N.Z.
GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with light intensity in the area of Gisborne and northern North Island. Nearly 900 people reported feeling this earthquake. Strong shaking occurred along much of the east coast of North Island, New Zealand. It was felt throughout most of North Island but not at all on South Island with 601 reporting weak intensity, 265 light, 27 moderate and 5 strong and 1 severe.
O: 2MAR2024 18:00:55 45.0S 167.6E MB=4.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 02MAR2024 18:00:59 45.1S 167.4E MS=4.4 GEONET South Island, New Zealand
P: 5MAR2024 161249 45.0S 167.0E 3.0-5.0 BAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with weak intensity in the area southwest of Te Anau, South Island. 68 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter with 48 weak, 19 light, 0 moderate, 0 strong, 1 severe and 0 extreme shaking. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in South Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of South Island, New Zealand in Te Anau.
MODERATE QUAKES SHAKE HONSHU, JAPAN; MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 1, 2024
A moderate mainshock in SE Japan of M 5.1 was reported with intensity up to VIII in Ohara, Japan. NEIC reported these aftershocks of M 5.1, 4.6 and M 4.5 in SE Honshu, Japan were felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of SE Honshu, Japan in Ohara and Shinmachi. EMSC reported strong shaking with the mainshock in Kawasaki, Japan. Moderate earthquakes are not uncommon in this region of Honshu, Japan near Tokyo. But a series of such events has occurred in the region in the past week which could be precursory to a larger upcoming event. This is a region to keep an eye on for further seismic enhancement. Today's M 5.1 occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecasts 160830 and 161100 had expected this seismic enhancement was likely in late February or early March.
O: 01MAR2024 18:40:29 35.2N 140.3E mb=4.6 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 1MAR2024 16:49:07 35.3N 140.2E MB=5.1 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP
P: 3MAR2024 161100 36.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
P: 28FEB2024 160830 36.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
A moderate quake of M 5.3 also shook the region of Northern Mindanao, Philippines today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Northern Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Northern Mindanao, Philippines in Aras-asan. PHIVOLCS reported it was felt with intensity IV in Cagwait and City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur; II in City of Bislig, and I in San Francisco, Southern Leyte, Philippines. EMSC reported slight shaking in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. An M 5.4 hit the area on February 29, 2024. These events are aftershocks of an M 7.6 that shook the area on December 2, 2023.
Forecast 161037 had expected continued seismic enhancement in the area was likely around March 3.
O: 02MAR2024 05:09:48 8.9N 126.9E mb=4.6 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 1MAR2024 09:29:00 8.8N 126.7E MW=5.3 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3MAR2024 161037 10.0N 127.0E 3.5-5.2 ABAAA Luzon, Philippines
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Owen Fracture south of Iran. This event was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Owen Fracture Zone within about 250 km of this epicenter with M>=5.9 occurred as an M 6.2 on April 29, 2019. At that time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an unusual M 6.2 in the Carlsberg Ridge south of Iran. This is a remote area and this event was not reported felt. Only three other earthquakes of M>=6.2 have hit within about 300 km of this epicenter in the past 30 years - an M 6.5 on May 26, 1995; an M 6.4 on October 1, 1996 and the last an M 6.2 more than 12 years ago on January 17, 2007." (April 29, 2019)
Forecast 160759 had expected regional seismic enhancement to the north of today's epicenter was likely at the end of February, 2024.
O: 1MAR2024 17:29:46 11.6N 57.7E MW=5.9 EMSC OWEN FRACTURE ZONE REGION
P: 24FEB2024 160759 15.0N 57.0E 3.5-5.3 BCAAA Arabian Sea
An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred in the region of Fiji today. It was not reported felt in this area. This event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour and perhaps by stresses associated with the full moon of February 24 as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 22-29, 2024)
Forecast 160958 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around February 28.
O: 2MAR2024 00:26:44 20.5S 178.4W MW=5.8 EMSC FIJI REGION
O: 02MAR2024 00:39:41 20.5S 178.4W mb=4.6 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 28FEB2024 160958 21.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Tonga Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 aftershock in the Rat Islands, Aleutians. An M 5.5 hit near this epicenter on February 28, 2024. None of this activity has been reported felt in this remote area.
Forecast 161188 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 3. As noted in the previous issues of this summary, the Aleutians often show enhanced seismicity in early March with increases storminess in the region:
"Another area which often shows enhanced seismicity in early March is the Aleutian Islands where an M 5.5 occurred on February 28 and an M 5.0 aftershock occurred today. This is at auroral latitudes and is subject to strong disturbances in the geomagnetic field." (March 1, 2024)
O: 1MAR2024 19:43:03 51.9N 178.3E MB=4.2 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 3MAR2024 161188 51.0N 179.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Rat Islands
CHANGE IN GLOBAL SEISMICITY MAY BE COMING IN NEXT FEW DAYS
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Global seismicity remained muted today. But this lull in seismicity around
the world, which included no earthquakes of M>6.3 during the month may be reaching a turning point. Global seismicity during the past five weeks following the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 has been dominated by far-field seismicity related to that event. In particular, larger events during this period have tended to concentrate at or near 103 degrees from Xinjiang. This is at the beginning of the seismic shadow zone for body waves. Energy is reflected and refracted off internal earth boundaries and returns to the surface in large amount at this distance from strong earthquakes and is often seen to coincide with a series of notable earthquakes near 103 degrees from the mainshock epicenter - as in this case. The largest earthquake during this 5-week period was an M 6.3 in the Southeast Pacific Rise nearly antipodal to the Xinjiang quake. Due to the near-spherical shape of the earth surface wave energy is focused at the antipode and can result in ground displacement amplitudes nearly as much as in the epicentral zone. This ground movement can help trigger antipodal seismicity where a seismic zone exists. Active conditions in the geomagnetic field could lead to enhanced seismicity at high auroral latitudes and near the geomagnetic equator. Recent seismicity in these regions in the Macquarie Island area south of New Zealand of M 5.5 on February 28; in Sumatrai and Indonesia may help provide clues as to where such geomagnetic induced seismicity is likely with a strong geomagnetic storm at this time. This is most likely around March 3-4, 2024 according to SWPC.
Another area which often shows enhanced seismicity in early March is the Aleutian Islands where an M 5.5 occurred on February 28 and an M 5.0 aftershock occurred today. This is at auroral latitudes and is subject to strong disturbances in the geomagnetic field. The event of M 5.5 in the Macquarie Island area is located at the antipode of the active volcanism in Iceland at this time which local researchers believe may be ready for a further eruption in the next several days. All these areas are likely to see enhanced seismicity through the next five days, especially with a strong geomagnetic storm.
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.0 in the western
Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. It occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake in the Andreanof Islands with M>-5 was an M 6.1 on December 21, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The last earthquake in the Andreanof Islands of M>=6.7 was an M 7.0 on August 30, 2013. An earthquake of M 6.4 last occurred in the area on August 15, 2018 and September 4, 2013. At the time of the M 6.4 on August 15, 2018 this summary noted:
"The M 6.6 in the Andreanof Islands is the strongest in the U.S. since the M 6.9 in Hawaii of May 4, 2018 and the strongest in Alaska since the M 7.9 in the Gulf of Alaska of January 23, 2018. Earthquakes of M>=6.6 have hit the region of the western Andreanof Islands on three occasions since 1990 - an M 6.6 on May 2, 2008; an M 6.9 on March 20, 1999 and events of M 7.9 and 7.3 on June 10, 1996." (August 15, 2018, October 16, 2023, December 21, 2023)
Forecast 160905 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around February 27, 2024.
O: 29FEB2024 09:22:21 51.1N 177.4W MW=5.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 27FEB2024 160905 51.3N 176.8W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
A strong series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today off the coast of northern California. This began with an M 4.1 and 4.3 near 07:32 UT although there were two foreshocks minutes before these. This larger activity appears to have been promoted by SFE from flare 3540 - a C1.8 event which also began at 07:32 UT (SWPC data). Following are data from the flare observation by from SWPC:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3540 0732 0739 0745 C1.8 (February 29, 2024) 1.2E-03
Off coast of No. California M 4.3, 4.1, 07:32 UT
This series of events off Northern California was covered in the previous issues of this summary in part as:
"NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.9... off the coast of northern California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of off the coast of northern California in Crescent City. Forecast 160881 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around February 26, 2024. This activity is at 103 degrees from the recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources." (February 29, 2024)
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 and 4.9 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of off the coast of Northern California in Indianola and Crescent City.
O: 29FEB2024 10:49:21 41.2N 127.3W mb=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:08:37 41.3N 127.3W ML=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:23:56 41.3N 127.6W ML=3.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:31:56 41.3N 127.5W mb=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 09:14:13 41.3N 127.3W ML=3.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:42:47 41.4N 127.3W mb=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 10:28:56 41.4N 127.3W Mw=4.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 10:25:59 41.2N 127.3W ML=3.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
P: 26FEB2024 160881 40.3N 127.2W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
STRESS PULSE HITS NORTHWESTERN NORTH AMERICAN PLATE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Rat Islands of M>=5.5 was an M 5.7 on June 8, 2023. Two events of M 6.3 hit the area in June and December, 2022. At the time of the June, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported a report of VII intensity in the area generally light intensity II-III in this remote epicentral area. The mainshock was followed by aftershocks of M 4.6, 4.2 and 4.6 which were not felt. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 6.3 on December 14, 2022 and an M 6.3 a year ago on June 4, 2022. At that time this summary noted in this regard:
"The event of M 6.3 in the Rat Islands was not reported felt in this remote area. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 6.4 on April 2, 2019. These appear to be aftershocks of the M 7.9 that hit about 50 km southeast of today's epicenter on June 23, 2014. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was likely promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It may also have been promoted by the recent geomagnetic storm." (June 5, 2022, June 8, 2023)
It was probably triggered by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24, 2024 as it lies at the longitude of maximum tidal stresses with that alignment as previously reported in this summary:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-27, 2024)
Further enhancement of seismicity in these regions is still expected in the next several days. In particular this includes region of the western Aleutians in the Rat and Andreanof Islands in the north and in the New Zealand/Tonga arc in the south. This region has shown several unusual and moderate earthquakes in the past several days including an M 5.1 in Methven, South Island, New Zealand yesterday ... " February 28, 2024)
This area of the Aleutians is often very active as spring winds and storms in the area promote strong earthquakes in the region. This is normal in the first two weeks of March.
Forecast 160916 had expected today's event within about 100 km in the Rat Islands was likely around February 27.
O: 28FEB2024 15:50:22 51.9N 179.6E MW=5.5 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 27FEB2024 160916 51.0N 179.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Rat Islands
A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred off the coast of northern California today. These included an M 4.9 and a number of smaller foreshocks and aftershocks. In the previous issue of this summary a theory of connectiveness between earthquakes in Idaho and off Northern California was resurrected. When the M 6.5 occurred in Idaho on March 31, 2020 and again in the previous summary, it was noted:
"The earthquakes in Salt Lake City, Utah and Idaho are around 8 degrees from the
M 7.1 in Ridgecrest, California of July 6, 2019. A stress pulse from that event may be considered a possibility for distant triggering in both cases. A series of earthquakes near the Mendocino fault zone and inland near 40-44 degrees north latitude have occurred in the past two weeks. This summary had speculated that these were related and the earthquake in Idaho tends to reinforce that speculation. This had been noted shortly after the Utah event as:
"This may be part of the activation of the Mendocino fault zone inland between 39 and 41 North Latitude. This has recently include events of M 5.8 off Northern California, an M 5.7 in Salt Lake City, Utah and a number of M>=4 events in northern California." (March 21, 2020, April 2, 2020)
In the current situation, a stress pulse may also be responsible for the coincidence of the M 4.9 in Idaho and today's events off northern California. The largest earthquake in the western hemisphere in the past two months was an M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024. Coincidentally or not the earthquakes in Idaho and off northern California may be related to this event in Brazil. If a stress pulse had emanated from the epicenter in Brazil and traveled at 1.78 degrees/day it would have been at the epicenters in Idaho and California within minutes of the occurrence of these events of M 4.9. To bolster this hypothesis, the strongest swarm in North America in the past two months - a series in the Gulf of California included an M 4.5 on February 18, 2024 at 1.79 degrees/day from Brazil and an M 5.4 and 5.2 in the Central Mid-Atlantic of February 12, 2024 is also within 0.02 degrees/day of this velocity from Brazil. There is also some evidence that a speed twice this (3.60 degrees/day) may also be seismoeffective although this is murkier and does not contain such significant earthquakes. For reference 1.80 degrees per day is equivalent to 200 km per day.
The last earthquake within about 100 km of today's series with M>=4.9 occurred as an M 5.5 on May 18, 2020. At the time this summary noted:
"The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter in northern California with M>=5.5 occurred on July 24, 2018 with M 5.6." (May 18, 2020)
Today's activity occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with the full moon of February 24, 2024.
NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.9... off the coast of northern California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of off the coast of northern California in Crescent City. Forecast 160881 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around February 26, 2024. This activity is at 103 degrees from the recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29FEB2024 10:25:59 41.2N 127.3W ML=3.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:08:37 41.3N 127.3W ML=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:23:56 41.3N 127.6W ML=3.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:31:56 41.3N 127.5W mb=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 07:42:47 41.4N 127.3W mb=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 10:28:55 41.4N 127.2W Mw=4.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 10:49:19 41.1N 127.4W MB=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
P: 26FEB2024 160881 40.3N 127.2W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
An M 3.5-3.6 earthquake was widely felt in the area of San Francisco, California today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.5 in San Francisco, California was felt with intensity up to VI in the area(s) of San Francisco, California in Byron. EMSC reported a loud bang and jolt in Discovery Bay, Brentwood, Tracy, Pittsburg, Lathrop, Stockton, Concord, Manteca, Parkway, Soquel, Sacramento River, Sonora among others. The last earthquake of M>=3.5 within about 50 km of this epicenter in the San Francisco area of California occurred with M 3.7 on October 28, 2023 and an M 4.2 on October 17, 2023. The only other event of M>=3.5 in the area in the past year was an M 3.7 on April 20, 2023. At the time of the M 4.2 on October 18 this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.2 shook much of the San Francisco, California area today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in California at Isleton, IV in Oakley, Rio Vista, Birds Landing and II-III in Walnut Grove, Stockton, Lodi, Antioch, Courtland, Elk Grove, Concord, Galt, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Acampo, Tracy and Danville among others. Like other earthquakes in the western U.S. over the past several days such as the M6.7 in the Andreanof Islands, the M 4.8 in Northern California and the M 4.2 in Western Texas occurred at an epicenter where the total eclipse of the sun was visible around 16:20 UT (8:20 local time) on October 14 and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with that event and new moon. The last earthquake within about 100 km of today's epicenter was an M 4.5 south of this on September 18, 2023 with the last new moon." (October 18, 2023)
Forecast 160811 had expected today's event in this region was likely around February 27.
O: 29FEB2024 04:12:15 37.9N 121.6W MD=2.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29FEB2024 02:21:45 37.9N 121.6W MW=3.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27FEB2024 160811 38.0N 122.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
MODERATE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES AREA WEST OF ISTANBUL, TURKEY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 27, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the Macquarie Islands south of New Zealand. This event was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Macquarie Islands within about 500 km of this epicenter with M>=5.4 was an M 6.0 on June 9, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The M 6.0 in the Macquarie Island area was the strongest within about 250 km of that epicenter since an M 6.0 on April 12, 2007. The only event in this region in the past 35 years of significantly larger magnitude was an M 6.3-6.5 on November 5, 1994. Moderate earthquakes in the Macquarie Island area more recently occurred on June 8 (M 4.8) and as an M 5.3 on June 5, 2023." (June 9, 2023)
It is likely that today's event in Macquarie was promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that event as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-27, 2024)
Further enhancement of seismicity in these regions is still expected in the next several days. In particular this includes region of the western Aleutians in the Rat and Andreanof Islands in the north and in the New Zealand/Tonga arc in the south. This region has shown several unusual and moderate earthquakes in the past several days including an M 5.1 in Methven, South Island, New Zealand yesterday as noted in the previous issue of this summary:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.6-5.1 was felt today in central South Island New Zealand. NEIC reported intensity up to III near Methven, New Zealand. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Christchurch, New Zealand. ... The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.1 occurred on September 19, 2023 with M 5.6 and prior to that as aftershocks in November 2016 of an M 7.8 about 150 km northeast of this of November 13, 2016. At the time of the September, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-6.2 in central South Island, New Zealand. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Canterbury at Rolleston and IV in Oamaru, Timaru, Lincoln, Christchurch with lesser shaking of II-III in Ashburton, Lyttelton, Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Waikato and Denedin Otago. GEONET reported it at M 6.2 and that it was felt with light intensity in the area of Central South Island, New Zealand. Of 14338 felt reports 4779 reports of light and 6786 of weak intensity with 1749 of moderate shaking and 169 with strong 2 with severe and 11 with extreme intensity came from the area. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on February 14, 2016 with M 5.8. The last of M>=6.2 was the Christchurch earthquake of M 7.0 of September 3, 2010 about 100 km north of today's epicenter." (September 19, 2023)
Today's event was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred at the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment" (February 27, 2024)
Today's epicenter is near 100 degrees from the M 7.6 in western Japan of January
1. 2024 and at the third node (120 degrees) from the Xinjiang, China M 7.1 of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 28FEB2024 05:56:13 59.1S 159.0E MW=5.4 EMSC MACQUARIE ISLAND REGION
A moderate earthquake of M 4.7 occurred today west of Istanbul, Turkey. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Turkey at in Merkez, Cumhuriyet, Karsiyaka, Hoca Hamza, Yazicizade, Umurbey, Gazi Suleyman Pasa, Camikebir, Ozbek, Sancaeli, Ismetpasa, Cevat Pasa. Barbaros, among others and as far as Bulgaria. This is an area in which many seismologists believe a strong earthquake is likely in the mid-term. The last earthquake with moderate magnitude of M>=4.7 was an M 5.1 on December 4, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 5.1 was widely felt in the area of Istanbul, Turkey today. NEIC reported intensity up to VI in Mudanya, Turkey. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking with this earthquake was felt in Turkey at Mudanya, Nilufer, Gorukle, Osmangazi, Demirtas, Gemlik, Kurtul, Mahmudiye, Cali, Bursa, and as far as Edremit, Burhaniye, Bolme, Gomer more than 200 km from the epicenter. A foreshock of M 3.1 occurred five minutes befor the mainshock. EMSC reported it was felt with light intensity in Turkey at Mudanya, Nilufer, Gorukle, Icmeler among others. A series of light aftershocks followed the mainshock and were felt lightly in the epicentral area. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.1 was an M 5.7 on September 26, 2019. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.7 in the Marmara Sea southeast of Istanbul, Turkey was widely felt in that region today. NEIC reported maximum intensit VII in Celaliye, Istanbul and VI in Llimarsinan with V in Silivri, Ortakoy, Kumburgaz, Tepecil and Yakuplu, Turkey among other communities within about 500 km of the epicenter as far as Greece, Bulgaria, Armenia and Saudi Arabia. It was followed by at least 188 aftershocks which were felt with light to moderate intensity. At least 24 people were hospitalized following the earthquake which also slightly damaged as many as 473 buildings in Istanbul mostly with cracked walls. This included a minaret which collapsed in the Avcilar district of western Istabul. Evacuations were common. Many residents of the area spent the night outside for fear of future seismic events. No one was reported killed in the earthquake.
The last earthquake of larger magnitude within about 200 km of today's epicenter south of Istanbul was the great M 7.8 Izmit earthquake of August 17, 1999. Most earthquakes since then with M>=5.7 have occurred about 250 km south of today's epicenter. The largest of these was an M 6.5 on February 3, 2002. An M 7.3 occurred this distance to the east on November 12, 1999 as well. Great earthquakes in the region have occurred on August 17, 1999 (M 7.8 – in association with a major solar eclipse); an M 7.5 n March 18, 1953; an M 7.8 on August 9, 1912; M 7.5 on February 28, 1855; and an M 7.5 February 23, 1653, among others." (September 27, 2019, December 4, 2023)
Forecasts 160890 and 160889 had expected this activity would be enhanced in the period around February 24-29 within about 150 km of today's epicenter. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Banda Sea of November 8, 2023 and from the M 6.8 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 27FEB2024 13:09:54 40.3N 27.0E MB=4.6 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
P: 24FEB2024 160890 41.0N 27.0E 3.0-5.2 BAAAA Romania/NW Turkey
P: 29FEB2024 160889 40.0N 26.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA Romania/NW Turkey
A pair of moderate earthquakes occurred today in northern Colombia. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Colombia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Colombia in Bellavista. EMSC reported light shaking in San Gil, Colombia. These may have been promoted by antipodal focusing of energy from the earthquake of M 5.6 in Java of February 25, 2024 as noted at the time in this summary:
"The antipode of this epicenter in Java is in Northern Colombia where an M 4.6 occurred on February 23 at 7.4N 75.4W on February 23 and events of M 4.6, 4.5 and 4.6 occurred on February 20 and 22, 2024. Further activity may occur in this area in response to this earthquake in Java. The last moderately strong earthquake in the antipodal area occurred on January 19, 2024" (February 26, 2024)
Forecast 160723 had expected enhanced seismicity in northerm Colombia was likely toward the end of February.
O: 27FEB2024 22:41:52 6.3N 76.7W mb=4.5 EMSC NORTHERN COLOMBIA
O: 28FEB2024 07:05:14 6.4N 75.6W MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN COLOMBIA
P: 23FEB2024 160723 7.0N 73.0W 4.0-5.7 BACAA Colombia
MODERATE QUAKES SHAKE IDAHO AND SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in southern Idaho. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in southern Idaho at Smiths Ferry. A number of lighter aftershocks were also felt in the area with intensity up to III. Local press reported some light damage but no casualties or major damage with this earthquake. EMSC reported a loud earthquake popping sound and moderate to strong shaking in Idaho at Garden Valley, McCall, Emmett, Ontario, Meridian, Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Kooskia. The last earthquake in southern Idaho within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.9 occurred on March 31, 2020 with M 6.5 about 75 km east of today's epicenter. It is in that area that most of the activity has occurred in recent years. Earthquakes in the past 35 years have occurred about 200 km to the east have hit the area on January 3, 2015, April 13, 2013 and June 7, 1994 each with M 4.9 so today's event is a significant regional event. At the time of the M 6.5 on March 31, 2020 this summary noted in this regard:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.5 shook the area of Southern Idaho and surroundings today. More than 34,000 people reported felt activity to NEIC for this event. Maximum shaking was reported with slight damage at Lowman and Stanley, Idaho with intensity VI. Intensity V was reported in Idaho at Gardner, and IV in Cascade, McCall, Ketchum, Donnelly, Challis, Spoud. It was reported as far as 1000 km from the epicenter with light to moderate intensity in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Montana, Alberta, California, Nebraska, Saskatchewan, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Utah. A series of aftershocks followed the maximum of which was M 4.6. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Utah within about 300 km of this epicenter since an M 7.3 in the Borah Peak area of October 28, 1983. No major damage, deaths or injuries were reported by the media but some landslides did occur and many were frightened by the quake. The quake at 5:52 pm local time occurred at rush hour when many would normally have been traveling from work to homes, but a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping schools closed and people at home, probably mitigated injuries from this earthquake. The only other such events in the region of Utah which have been recorded were an M 7.0 on January 6, 1965 about 200 km east of today's epicenter and an M 6.6 about 500 km southeast of today's epicenter on March 12, 1934 but today's event is the strongest within about 150 km ever recorded in Idaho. The only other earthquake in the general area of M>=6 in the past was an M 6.0 about 300 km south of today's event on February 21, 2008. It is also the second strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada since an M 7.0 on November 30, 2018 in Southern Alaska near Anchorage. The only event of larger magnitude in the U.S. or Canada in this time was the M 7.1 near Ridgecrest of July 6, 2019.
The Borah Peak quake of October 28, 1983 has been described in this summary as:
"Known as the Borah Peak earthquake, this is the largest ever located in Idaho. At least two were killed in Challis, Idaho with up to $13 million damage. Maximum intensity was IX. Surface faulting occurred in Idaho along a 35-km section of the fault and as wide as 100 meters. Scarps up to 1-2 meters high were observed. Rockfalls, water fountains and sand boils occurred. A temporary lake was formed south of Dickey. More than 200 homes and buildings were damaged at Challis. Chimneys were damaged as was the high school at Challis." (October 28, 2019)
While today's earthquake is not quite large enough for significant far-field triggering, it is instructive to identify areas where such triggering is most likely. The 103 degree distance passes through Taiwan, the Cook Strait, New Zealand, New Guinea, Northern Philippines Northern India and Afghanistan and Iran, the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge and Southern Chile. Regions near 144 degrees from Idaho Include the southern Indian Ocean and South Africa and Mayotte. Indonesia at the 3rd node; the Ryukyu Islands, western Turkey and central Chile at the 4th node; northern Honshu, the North Atlantic off Spain and Porugal, southern Peru at the fifth node; the Kurils, Colombia at the 6th and Puerto Rico and Central America at the 7th node. These areas may see enhanced seismicity in the next week.
A series of what look like far-field moderately large events followed the Idaho earthquake within several hours. These included two of M 5.0 and 5.2 off the coast of Aisen, Chile and in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge (M 5.6).
Today's earthquake in Idaho coincided with the strongest disturbance in the geomagnetic field since late October, 2019 as noted in this summary:
"The geomagnetic field saw disturbed conditions today. The AP level was 15. High latitude geomagnetic field saw active conditions with AP at 25. This is the strongest disturbance in the geomagnetic field since AP reached 26 on October 26, 2019. Moderate disturbance in the geomagnetic field such as today's can help promote enhanced seismicity especially at high latitudes." (March 31, 2020)
Today's event in Southern Idaho, like that of March 31, 2020 occurred at the height of the strongest geomagnetic storm in more than a month. High Latitude AP reached 19 today with KP of 5 at 17:00 UT (SWPC). This occurred as CME associated with the X6.3 solar flare of February 23 hit the earth's vicinity. Enhanced seismicity was expected with this geomagnetic event in this summary at the time as:
"A major X6.3 solar flare today was followed shortly thereafter by an M 6.3 in the South Pacific Ocean near in the antipodal region of the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024. The X6.3 flare is the strongest recorded in the past seven years. ...
and
The current solar flare activity triggered some moderate seismicity near local solar noon and midnight but is not expected to trigger strong activity until the CME from these events arrive in the earth's vicinity most likely around February 24-25 with the full moon." (February 22, 2024)
Forecast 160871 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area of Idaho was likely around February 21, 2024. This activity is at 102-105 degrees from the recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines including an M 7.6 on December 2, 2023 and near this distance from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and was likely promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26FEB2024 17:46:02 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.9 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 17:59:25 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:17:40 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:21:01 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:42:32 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:45:11 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:48:24 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 18:55:42 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 19:00:41 44.4N 116.1W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 19:43:54 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 27FEB2024 00:01:04 44.4N 116.1W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 26FEB2024 17:25:45 44.4N 116.1W MW=4.9 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
P: 21FEB2024 160871 44.4N 115.2W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA Montana/Idaho
A moderate earthquake of M 4.6-5.1 was felt today in central South Island New Zealand. NEIC reported intensity up to III near Methven, New Zealand.
EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Christchurch, New Zealand. GEONET reported it was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Methven, South Island, New Zealand. 4699 felt reports were published including 3034 of weak and 1528 of light shaking; 121 moderate; 5 strong; 1 severe and 9 extreme shaking in northern South Island. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.1 occurred on September 19, 2023 with M 5.6 and prior to that as aftershocks in November 2016 of an M 7.8 about 150 km northeast of this of November 13, 2016. At the time of the September, 2023 event this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-6.2 in central South Island, New Zealand. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Canterbury at Rolleston and IV in Oamaru, Timaru, Lincoln, Christchurch with lesser shaking of II-III in Ashburton, Lyttelton, Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Waikato and Denedin Otago. GEONET reported it at M 6.2 and that it was felt with light intensity in the area of Central South Island, New Zealand. Of 14338 felt reports 4779 reports of light and 6786 of weak intensity with 1749 of moderate shaking and 169 with strong 2 with severe and 11 with extreme intensity came from the area. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on February 14, 2016 with M 5.8. The last of M>=6.2 was the Christchurch earthquake of M 7.0 of September 3, 2010 about 100 km north of today's epicenter." (September 19, 2023)
Today's event was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24 as it occurred at the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-25, 2024)
Forecast 160975 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around February 29, 2024. This epicenter is at 103 from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 26FEB2024 08:21:12 43.5S 171.3E MS=5.1 GEONET South Island, New Zealand
O: 26FEB2024 16:31:58 43.5S 171.3E ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 26FEB2024 08:21:12 43.6S 171.3E MB=4.6 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 29FEB2024 160975 43.0S 171.0E 3.0-4.9 BAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE SHAKES JAVA, INDONESIA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 in Java, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Indonesia at Pelabuhanratu. NEIC reported an aftershock of M 5.2 in Java, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Java, Indonesia in Pelabuhanratu. EMSC reported the mainshock with light shaking was felt in Java at Bogot Selatan, Sisauk, Curug, Kelapa Dua, Gunung Putri, Pondok Aren, Cakung. BMG reported at M 5.7 it was felt with intensity IV in REIS Tegalbulend, Campaka, Cianjur, Java and III in Sukabumi, Cianjur, Ciamis, Cirebon, Subang, Purwakarta, Bekasi, Cilacap, Nganjuk, Pandeglang among others. An aftershock of M 5.1 was reported by BMG to have been felt with intensity III in REIS Tegalbulend, Campaka, Cianjur, Java, Sumur and Pamimbang and throughout the area with intensity II. This is the strongest earthquake in Java within about 200 km since an M 5.9 on January 3, 2024.
The antipode of this epicenter in Java is in Northern Colombia where an M 4.6 occurred on February 23 at 7.4N 75.4W on February 23 and events of M 4.6, 4.5 and 4.6 occurred on February 20 and 22, 2024. Further activity may occur in this area in response to this earthquake in Java.
The last moderately strong earthquake in the antipodal area occurred on January 19, 2024 with M 5.6 and was described in this summary at the time as:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 in Colombia. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Colombia at Pereira, Armenia, Circasia, Salento, Roldanillo, Manizales, Tulua, Jardin, La Ceja, Dagua, Cali, Envigado, Medellin, Jamundi, Bogota, Chia. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.6 in Colombia was felt with intensity up to VIII in the area(s) of Colombia in Cartago. The antipode of this epicenter is in Sumatra, Indonesia at 5S 103-104E. It is not uncommon for the antipode of a strong event in Colombia to be followed by enhanced seismicity at its antipode in Indonesia and a seismic watch is in effect for this area for the next week." (January 20, 2024)
An M 5.2 followed the mainshock near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of February 24.
Forecast 160750 had expected today's event within this area was likely around February 22.
O: 25FEB2024 15:04:58 7.5S 105.9E mb=5.2 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 25FEB2024 15:11:54 7.6S 106.0E ML=4.2 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 25FEB2024 13:07:06 7.4S 105.9E MW=5.7 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 22FEB2024 160750 6.0S 105.0E 4.0-5.5 BBAAA So. of Java
MODERATELY STRONG AFTERSHOCK IN XINJIANG, CHINA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 24, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Southern Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Kyrgyzstan at Kyzyl-Suu and in Almanaty, Kazakhstan. EMSC reported strong to extreme shaking in Kyrgyzstan in Karakol, Bokombayevskoye, Naryn, Turgen, Talghar, Almaty, Otegen Batyra, Pervomayka, Chemolgan, Burunday, Chuy, Zharkent, Kant, Lebedinovka, Tekeli, Taldykorgan, Ozgon, Izgen, Jalal-Abad, Kochkor-Ata, and in Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, and in Fergana, Tashkent, and in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Islamabad, Pakistan, and Gurgaon, India among others in Uzbekistan. The mainshock of M 7.0 occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with the upcoming full moon as noted in this and previous summaries:
"The full moon arrived on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-25, 2024)
The mainshock of M 7.1 occurred on January 22, 2024 and was also associated with the full moon of January 25, 2024.
This summary had expected enhanced seismicity near today's event in Xinjiang, China when an M 6.3 occurred near the antipode in the South East Pacific Ocean on February 23 as:
"Today's event is the strongest aftershock to date of that mainshock since January 22, 2024. The last event before that with M>=5.8 was an M 6.1 on January 28, 2013 and an M 6.1 on February 14, 2005. 10 such events in the previous month. Today's event in the Southeast Pacific Rise is in the antipodal area of that event and was probably promoted by antipodal triggering from that source. It is likely that the region of Afghanistan and southern Xingiang, China will experience enhanced seismicity in the next several days due to tidal and antipodal stresses." (February 22, 2024)
Forecast 160868 had expected today's event was likely around February 25, 2024. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses associated with that event which completed several hours after this earthquake.
O: 25FEB2024 04:15:00 41.2N 78.4E MW=5.4 ANSS SSE OF KYZYL-SUU KYRGYZSTAN
O: 25FEB2024 04:15:00 41.2N 78.4E MW=5.8 EMSC SSE OF KYZYL-SUU KYRGYZSTAN
P: 25FEB2024 160868 42.0N 79.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
The strongest earthquake today in the U.S. or Canada was an M 3.9-4.0 in Western Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to V in Atoka, New Mexico.
This activity was discussed in the previous issue of this summary when a similar M 4.0 occurred as:
"An unusual earthquake of M 4.0 occurred today in New Mexico near the border with western Texas in the Permian Basin. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.0 and 2.8 in Western Texas were felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Western Texas in Atoka, New Mexico. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Artesia. This event is somewhat unusual as most activity in this region in recent years has been occurring about 100 km to the south of today's epicenter. The last earthquake with M>=4 within about 100 km of today's epicenter was an M 4.0 on July 19, 2021 about 100 km southeast of today's event. Two events hit within about 50 km on March 28 and May 31, 2010. The only event of larger magnitude than M 4.0-4.1 in the region in the past 35 years was an M 5.0 about 150 km to the southeast on January 2, 1992. It is likely that today's event was promoted by SFE from the X6.3 flare along with tidal stresses from the full moon of February 24" (February 24, 2024)
Forecast 160835 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around February 21.
O: 24FEB2024 23:50:11 32.7N 104.4W ML=3.9 ANSS ATOKA NEW MEXICO
P: 21FEB2024 160835 32.6N 104.6W 2.0-4.2 BAAAA SW U.S.A
An M 3.9 occurred in the Dominican Republic today. The last earthquake of
significantly larger magnitude in the Dominican Republic was an M 5.3 on December 26, 2024. That event also occurred with the full moon as discussed at the time in this summary:
"Moderate earthquakes accompanied the arrival of the Full Moon today in the Dominican Republic (M 5.3) and the Fox Islands, Alaska (M 4.6). These coincided with an unusual event of M 2.2 off the coast of Massachusetts and were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon." (December 26, 2023)
and
The last earthquake of M>=5.4 in the Dominican Republic within about 200 km
of today's epicenter occurred as an M 5.8 south of this epicenter on May 28, 2014." (December 26, 2023)
Today's enhanced seismicity in the Dominican Republic had been expected at this time as it is located at the antipode of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln north of Australia as noted in this summary at the time (February 22-23, 2024)
"TC Lincoln (14P) formed today in the area north of Port Hedland, Australia with winds up to 45 kts. This system is currently located at 16S 120E and moving to the southwest. It is unlikely to promoted enhanced regional seismicity but the antipode at 16N 56W will move to an area near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the next several days. Antipodal effects from this storm may help enhance seismicity in this region in the next several days." (February 22-23, 2024)
And
"TC Lincoln (14P) continued today in the area northwest of Learmonth, Australia with winds up to 45 kts. This system is currently located at 22S 113E and moving to the south. It is unlikely to promote enhanced regional seismicity but the antipode near 20N 67W in the area of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Antipodal effects from this storm may help enhance seismicity in this region in the next several days." (February 23, 2024)
Today's event was accompanied by an M 3.7 in Puerto Rico. The mainshock occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably also promoted by tidal stresses with the full moon.
Forecast 160786 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely around February 24.
O: 25FEB2024 05:45:14 18.8N 67.4W MD=3.3 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 24FEB2024 09:20:51 18.9N 67.6W MD=3.7 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 25FEB2024 05:17:39 18.9N 66.5W MD=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 25FEB2024 06:19:31 18.9N 65.9W MD=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 25FEB2024 04:20:45 19.2N 69.0W MD=3.9 ANSS MICHES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 24FEB2024 160786 20.0N 70.0W 3.0-4.5 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
FULL MOON TRIGGERING; UNUSUAL QUAKES IN ALASKA; CROATIA RECALL 10-23-2002
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2024
The strongest earthquakes in the world today were of M 5.3 in Tonga and in Southern Japan in the Shikoku area. The event in Tonga is consistent with triggering associated with the full moon of February 24 which will be complete when it is directly at local noon near the longitude of today's event in Tonga as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-23, 2024)
Forecasts 160944 and 160945 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region of Tonga in late February.
O: 23FEB2024 07:32:33 19.3S 174.6W MW=5.3 EMSC TONGA
P: 28FEB2024 160944 18.0S 173.0W 4.0-5.6 BBBAA Tonga Islands
P: 28FEB2024 160945 19.0S 177.0W 4.0-5.9 BABAA Tonga Islands
An unusually large earthquake also shook the region of Croatia today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Croatia was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Croatia at Babino Polje. EMSC reported it with M 4.8 felt with moderate to strong shaking in Croatia at Dubrovnik, Cilipi, Konvale, Sustjepan, Nova Mokosica, Herceg Novi, and as far as Italy at Rutigliano, Montnegro and Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina among others. This is the strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Croatia since an M 4.7 on October 23, 2002, an event closely associated with an M 6.7 in Central Alaska of the same date.
Forecasts 160866 and 160858 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely around February 23-26. Croatia was at local solar midnight when the X6.3 occurred on February 23 and was likely affected by strong SFE from that flare. This epicenter is at 102 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Northern Marianas of November 24, 2023 and from the strong events in Mindanao, Philippines of January 8, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23FEB2024 09:23:18 41.9N 17.6E MB=4.6 ANSS BABINO POLJE CROATIA
P: 23FEB2024 160866 40.0N 17.0E 3.0-5.4 ABAAA Italy
P: 26FEB2024 160858 43.0N 18.0E 3.0-4.9 BBAAA Adriatic Sea
The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today appear to have been triggered events in Alaska. An M 4.4-4.6 in Central Alaska was at a longitude at which the X6.3 solar flare occurred at local solar noon, a time when Solar Flare Effects (SFE) maximize. The other event of M 4.4 occurred in the Andreanof Islands, Alaska and occurred at a longitude consistent with triggering from strong tidal effects of the full moon of February 24 as it occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as noted in this and previous issues of this summary (see above).
"
The earthquake in the Andreanof Islands may have been felt in Adak. The last earthquake within about 150 km of the Andreanof Islands epicenter with M>=4.4 occurred on January 10, 2024 with M 4.8. These may be aftershocks of an M 6.1 that struck the region on December 21, 2023 as noted in this summary at the time:
"Earthquakes of M 6.4 and/or M 6.7 hit about 150 km northwest of today's epicenter in the Andreanof Islands on October 16, 2023. This event was closely associated with a solar eclipse on October 14, 2023." (December 21, 2023)
Forecast 160905 had expected today's event in the Andreanof Islands was likely around February 23.
O: 23FEB2024 15:45:37 52.7N 175.3W MB=4.4 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 23FEB2024 160905 50.8N 175.8W 3.5-5.1 ABAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
The M 4.4 in Central Alaska is the strongest recorded within about 150 km of significantly larger magnitude was an M 5.0 on December 1, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"Two events of M 5.0 occurred in Alaska - an M 5.0 in the Andreanof Islands and an M 5.0 in Central Alaska. NEIC reported this event was felt with intensity up to V in Petersville, Alaska. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Central Alaska at Wasilla, Palmer, Knik-Fairview, Eagle River, Anchorage, This event occurred within minutes of the height of the arrival of the CME around 06:00 UT (see above) and was probably triggered by that ionospheric disturbance.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5 in Central
Alaska occurred as an M 5.0 on October 4, 2019. Larger earthquakes hit about 200 km from today's epicenter on February 6, 2022 and May 31, 2021." (December 1, 2023)
A strong M 6.7 hit this area of Central Alaska on October 23, 2022. This coincided with the last event of M 4.6 or greater in Croatia on the same date.
"This event (in Alaska) occurred at about the time that seismic waves from a moderate, unusual earthquake in Central Europe was recorded (Austria, Ml 4.7)." (October 23, 2022)
and
A strong earthquake occurred in south-Central Alaska today and was given MS 6.7 by the National Earthquake Information Center. This is the largest event within 200 km of this epicenter since an Ms 7.2 on October 16, 1967 (55 years ago) and November 3, 1943 (Ms 7.4). A slightly smaller event occurred about 250 km to the northwest on October 29, 1968 (Ms about 6.5)" (October 23, 2002)
Solar Flare 2090 (X6.3 class, the largest in the past seven years) began when today’s epicenter was directly at local solar noon and probably helped initiate this event. Data on that flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2090 2208 2234 2243 X6.3 (February 22, 2024) 4.5E-01
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Chase. Forecast 160924 had expected this event was likely within about 25 km around February 26, 2024.
O: 23FEB2024 18:43:56 62.8N 149.5W MW=4.6 ANSS CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 23FEB2024 18:43:56 62.8N 149.5W MW=4.4 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 26FEB2024 160924 62.7N 149.3W 3.2-4.9 BAAAA Central Alaska
An unusual earthquake of M 4.0 occurred today in New Mexico near the border with western Texas in the Permian Basin. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.0 and 2.8 in Western Texas were felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Western Texas in Atoka, New Mexico. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Artesia. This event is somewhat unusual as most activity in this region in recent years has been occurring about 100 km to the south of today's epicenter. The last earthquake with M>=4 within about 100 km of today's epicenter was an M 4.0 on July 19, 2021 about 100 km southeast of today's event. Two events hit within about 50 km on March 28 and May 31, 2010. The only event of larger magnitude than M 4.0-4.1 in the region in the past 35 years was an M 5.0 about 150 km to the southeast on January 2, 1992. It is likely that today's event was promoted by SFE from the X6.3 flare along with tidal stresses from the full moon of February 24.
Forecast 160835 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around February 21.
O: 23FEB2024 10:06:00 32.6N 104.4W ML=2.8 EMSC NEW MEXICO
O: 23FEB2024 09:47:07 32.6N 104.4W Mw=4.0 EMSC NEW MEXICO
O: 24FEB2024 04:20:12 32.7N 104.4W ML=2.6 EMSC NEW MEXICO
P: 21FEB2024 160835 32.6N 104.6W 2.0-4.2 BAAAA SW U.S.A
MAJOR X6.3 SOLAR FLARE FOLLOWED BY M 6.3 NEAR XINJIANG, CHINA ANTIPODE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2024
A major X6.3 solar flare today was followed shortly thereafter by an M 6.3 in the South Pacific Ocean near in the antipodal region of the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024. The X6.3 flare is the strongest recorded in the past seven years. This summary gave a short review of recent strong X-class flares when an X5.0 occurred on December 31, 2023 as:
"A major solar flare of X5.0 (SWPC #40) began at 21:36 UT - late on December 31, 2024. This flare is the strongest since September, 2017 as described in a previous issue of this summary as:
"Today's solar flare of X2.8 is the strongest solar flare thus far in the current active cycle of the sun. The last solar flare of stronger class was an X8.3 on September 10, 2017 (#9040) and an X9.3 on September 6, 2017 (#7340)." (December 14, 2023, December 31, 2023)
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2090 2208 2234 2243 X6.3 (February 22, 2024) 4.5E-01
Southern East Pacific Rise M 6.3 01:51 UT
Ecuador M 3.9 22:10 UT
Honshu M 4.0 22:48 UT
The earthquake in the Southeast Pacific Rise of M 6.3 is the strongest earthquake in the world since an M6.5 nearly a month ago on January 28, 2024 in Brazil. The last earthquake of significantly larger earthquake in the world was an M 7.0-7.1 on January 22, 2024 in Xinjiang, China and within about 100 km of the M 6.4 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan of January 11, 2024. The current global quiet in February (one event of M>=6.3 during the month) compares with 10 such events in the previous month. Today's event in the Southeast Pacific Rise is in the antipodal area of that event and was probably promoted by antipodal triggering from that source. It is likely that the region of Afghanistan and southern Xingiang, China will experience enhanced seismicity in the next several days due to tidal and antipodal stresses. It was also probably promoted by geomagnetic stresses associated with the X6.3 flare which began when this epicenter was near local solar noon, a time when such stresses maximize. It is also consistent with triggering from the upcoming full moon of February 24, 2024 as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive on February 24 at 12:30 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 8 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 172 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (February 21-23, 2024)
The only earthquakes in the Southeast Pacific Rise within about 300 km of today's epicenter of M>=6.3 in the past 35 years were an M 6.5 on June 10, 1997 and an M 6.7 on May 19, 2021. At the time of the 2021 event this summary noted:
" ... The only earthquake of larger magnitude in this region of the Southeast Pacific Rise in the past 30 years was an M 7.2 on October 9, 2014. At the time of this earthquake in October, 2014, this summary noted:
"A major earthquake of M 7.0-7.1 hit the Southeast Pacific Rise near Easter Island today. This is an area and tectonic system in which an event of this size will not generate a sizable tsunami. The epicenter was near the triple junction of the East Pacific Rise. The mainshock was followed by an M 6.0-6.5 aftershock 17 minutes later. An ScS phase returning to the epicenter after reflecting off the core-mantle boundary could have triggered the strong aftershock as it arrived 1-2 minutes prior to this event. This is the strongest earthquake ever recorded within 400 km of this epicenter. The previous largest event was an M 7.0 on March 20, 1920, the only event of M>6.9 previously recorded in the region. An M 6.6 hit the region on October 28, 1981 and an M 6.8 occurred in July, 1949 and again in July, 1950. This suggests about a 31-32 year incubation period for strong earthquakes in this area (1920, 1950, 1981, 2014). In addition to tidal stresses from the full moon today, this event may have been promoted by a pair of M-class solar flares which occurred about 15 minutes before the quake initiated. At this point M-class flares are relatively rare. In the past month there have been only six M1.3 -class flares or larger recorded. The last of these was an M7.3 on October 2. The antipode of this event is in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region at 32N 69E." (October 9-10, 2014, May 19, 2021)
O: 23FEB2024 01:51:14 35.1S 110.8W MW=6.3 EMSC SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
The strong eruption of Popocatepetl Volcano north of Mexico City continued today. An M 4.7 earthquake was associated with this eruption today, the strongest event in the America's today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 north of Mexico City, Mexico was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of north of Mexico City, Mexico in El Terrero, Mexico near the eruption of Popocatepetl. The relation of this volcanism was reviewed in the previous summary as:
"The activity at Popocatepel Volcano north of Mexico City was also anticipated at this time. A strong tropical cyclone at the antipode (Djoungou) passed this antipodal area yesterday and may have helped promoted the strong eruption today. In the February 18, 2024 issue of this report it was noted as:
"An M 4.8-5.0 earthquake occurred today in the area of Guerrero, Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Guerrero in Tepetixtla. Press reported shaking as far as Acapulco and Mexico City with minor damage. EMSC reported it was strongly felt in Guerrero at Residencial Alinala, Paludismo, Del Valle Sur, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. This event may have been promoted by energy from Tropical Storm Djoungou which is currently located at the antipode of this Mexican epicenter as reported in previous issues of this summary:
"TC Djoungou (TC 13S) continued today in the area of the south Indian Ocean with winds up to 80 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast. It may enhance regional seismicity in the South Indian Ridge systems as it tracks through the area. The antipode is at 16N 112W, a non-seismic area but the storm will be moving to the west and the antipode to the east encountering western Mexico from Michoacan to Guerrero in several days. This could help promoted enhanced seismicity in that area at that time as Djoungou reaches speeds up to 130 kts." (February 16-17, 2024)
Although not expected to include a strong earthquake a continuing series of moderate earthquakes in Guerrero and possibly Michoacan, Mexico is expected as Djoungou tracks across the South Indian Ocean due to antipodal enhancement." (February 18, 22 2024)
Today's event of M 4.7 in Guerrero, Mexico is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on July 16, 2023 and an M 4.9 on September 14, 2022. Forecast 160781 had expected today's activity within about 25 km was likely around February 23. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in Western Honshu of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 22FEB2024 09:50:27 18.3N 100.0W ML=3.8 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 22FEB2024 20:43:13 18.2N 100.2W MB=4.7 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 23FEB2024 160781 18.0N 100.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
Otherwise the effect on seismicity of today's X6.3 was discussed in the previous summary as:
"The current solar flare activity triggered some moderate seismicity near local solar noon and midnight but is not expected to trigger strong activity until the CME from these events arrive in the earth's vicinity most likely around February 24-25 with the full moon." (February 22, 2024)
MODERATE QUAKE IN SOUTHERN TEXAS WITH NEW X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 21, 2024
Two X-class solar flares occurred in the past 24 hours - of X1.7 and X1.8. These were first observed by GOES X-Ray satellite near 22:50 UT on February 21 and 06:16 UT on February 22. Some seismic enhancement is likely to follows these strong solar events perhaps breaking the current quiet period of seismicity on the earth. A stronger X6.3 flare occurred beginning at 22:10 UT on February 22. This activity is likely to promote a change in the quiet global seismic conditions which have prevailed up to this time. One of these triggered events occurred at 06:16 UT in Southern Texas at the beginning of the X1.7 solar flare (#1910 - see listing below). At about the same time a major eruption of Popocatepetl Volcano north of Mexico City began. Both of these events are at 98 West longitude and were at local solar midnight when this activity occurred. Tidal and geomagnetic stresses are maximized near this hour and probably helped promote this activity.
LIST OF X-CLASS SOLAR FLARES February 21-22, 2024
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1910 0616 0632 0640 X1.7 (February 22, 2024) 8.8E-02
Major Eruption of Popocatepetl Volcano at 98 W longitude in Mexico
Southern Texas M 4.0 06:16 UT also at 98 West longitude
2090 2208 2234 2243 X6.3 (February 22, 2024) 4.5E-01
Southern East Pacific Rise M 6.3 01:51 UT
Ecuador M 3.9 22:10 UT
Honshu M 4.0 22:48 UT
1810 2252 2307 2314 X1.8 (February 21, 2024) 9.9E-02
Coast of Oregon M 2.8 22:56 UT
Java M 5.1 22:47 UT
An M 4.0 aftershock of the M 4.7 mainshock in southern Texas occurred today. Like the mainshock it was felt with intensity up to V in the Falls City, Texas area. And like the mainshock it occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was preobably promoted by strong tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour. When the mainshock occurred on February 17, 2024 this summary noted:
This was re-examined in the next issue on February 18, 2024 as:
"Aftershocks also continued to be felt in Southern Texas today following the M 4.7 in that region at midnight on February 17. Events of M 4.0 and M 2.6 were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas. At the time this summary noted the coincidence of these earthquakes with the strong X2.5 solar flare of February 16 as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in southern Texas. This event was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to VI in Falls City, Texas. Aftershocks of M 3.7 and 3.3 followed and were felt in the same area. EMSC reported the mainshocks were felt as far as San Antonio where beds shook and people were awakened. It followed a series of foreshocks including an M 4.4 twelve minutes earlier which was felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas. An M 3.9 foreshock was also felt with intensity up to V in the Falls City area of Texas. Today's activity occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An X2.3 solar flare occurred on February 16, 2024 when this epicenter was at local solar midnight. This flare may have helped trigger this unusually large earthquake. Data from SWPC for this flare follows;" (February 17, 2024)
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
700 0642 0653 0721 X2.5 (February 16, 2024) 8.4E-02
Central Peru M 4.4 06:54 UT
Sumatra M 3.9 06:55 UT
Los Angeles, California M 3.4 07:48 UT
Newly published data from SWPC confirms this speculation. These data show that a moderately strong C5.2 solar flare (#879) occurred simultaneously with the earthquakes in Texas which occurred within several minutes of local solar midnight when Solar Flare Effects (SFE) maximize. It is likely that SFE from Flare 870 triggered the events in Texas.
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
870 0544 0559 0627 C5.2 (February 17, 2024) 1.1E-02
Andreanof Is. M 4.2 05:46 UT
So. Texas M 4.3 06:20 UT, 06:32 UT ...
No. Peru M 4.2 06:29 UT
Today's activity in southern Texas is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Northern Mariana Islands of November 24, 2023 and from M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources. Forecast 160796 had expected today's enhanced seismicity in southern
Texas was likely around February 23, 2024.
O: 22FEB2024 06:15:54 29.0N 98.0W MW=4.0 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 23FEB2024 160796 28.0N 98.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Northern Mexico
The activity at Popocatepel Volcano north of Mexico City was also anticipated at this time. A strong tropical cyclone at the antipode (Djoungou) passed this antipodal area yesterday and may have helped promoted the strong eruption today. In the February 18, 2024 issue of this report it was noted as:
"An M 4.8-5.0 earthquake occurred today in the area of Guerrero, Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Guerrero in Tepetixtla. Press reported shaking as far as Acapulco and Mexico City with minor damage. EMSC reported it was strongly felt in Guerrero at Residencial Alinala, Paludismo, Del Valle Sur, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. This event may have been promoted by energy from Tropical Storm Djoungou which is currently located at the antipode of this Mexican epicenter as reported in previous issues of this summary:
"TC Djoungou (TC 13S) continued today in the area of the south Indian Ocean with winds up to 80 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast. It may enhance regional seismicity in the South Indian Ridge systems as it tracks through the area. The antipode is at 16N 112W, a non-seismic area but the storm will be moving to the west and the antipode to the east encountering western Mexico from Michoacan to Guerrero in several days. This could help promoted enhanced seismicity in that area at that time as Djoungou reaches speeds up to 130 kts." (February 16-17, 2024)
Although not expected to include a strong earthquake a continuing series of moderate earthquakes in Guerrero and possibly Michoacan, Mexico is expected as Djoungou tracks across the South Indian Ocean due to antipodal enhancement." (February 18, 2024)
Forecast 160513 had expected enhanced seismicity in Guerrero, Mexico was likely around February 17.
O: 21FEB2024 09:59:51 16.7N 99.5W ML=4.2 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 17FEB2024 160513 16.0N 99.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
The strongest earthquakes in the world today were of M 5.4 in the Admiralty Islands and in the New Britain area of Papua New Guinea. Forecasts 160744-160746 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely around February 23-26. A moderate earthquake of M 5.1-5.2 also occurred today south of Java, Indonesia. BMG reported this earthquake of M 5.2 South of Java, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II in the area(s) of Indonesia in Sumenep at Kalianget, Manding, Dasuk, Rubaru, Batang, Batuputih, Dungkek and Gapura and with intensity I in Tulungagung, Blitar, Kediri, Maland, Lumajand, Jember, Banyuwangi, Bondowoso among others. This event occurred during the X1.0 (#1810) solar flare, the first of several X-class flares today. It was probably triggered by SFE associated with that flare. Forecast 160750 had expected this event south of today's epicenter was likely around February 25.
O: 21FEB2024 22:46:57 6.2S 113.9E MB=5.1 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 21FEB2024 22:46:57 6.2S 113.9E MB=5.2 BMG JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 25FEB2024 160750 9.0S 113.0E 4.0-5.5 BCAAA So. of Bali
O: 21FEB2024 12:11:32 0.9S 146.2E MB=5.4 EMSC ADMIRALTY ISLANDS REGION, P.N.
P: 26FEB2024 160745 5.0S 146.0E 4.0-5.6 BCAAA New Ireland
O: 22FEB2024 04:16:18 4.7S 151.6E MB=5.4 EMSC NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
P: 23FEB2024 160746 7.0S 151.0E 4.0-5.5 ACAAA New Ireland
P: 24FEB2024 160744 5.0S 153.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA New Britain
The current solar flare activity triggered some moderate seismicity near local solar noon and midnight but is not expected to trigger strong activity until the CME from these events arrive in the earth's vicinity most likely around February 24-25 with the full moon.
EMSC reported light shaking with an earthquake noise in Atascadero, California. This earthquake near Parkfield, California is the largest in the region within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M 4.3 on August 10, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"This is the strongest earthquake in the region of Parkfield since an 4.3 on December 17, 2019. The event in the Parkfield area of M>=4.4 was an 5.2 on March 22, 2014 followed by an M 4.7 on April 15, 2014. At the time of the M 3.6-4.3 on December 17, 2019 this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.3 in Central California. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in California at Sa Miguel and II-III at Shandon, Avenal, Creston, Paso Robles, Coalinga, Templeton, Atascadera, San Ardo and Bradley. This is the strongest earthquake within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 five years ago on April 15, 2014 - an aftershock of an M 5.2on March 22, 2014 about 50 km north of today's epicenter." (December 18, 2019, August 10, 2023)
Forecasts 160568 and 160832 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely around February 17 and 26.
O: 21FEB2024 14:01:32 35.9N 120.4W MW=3.8 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 17FEB2024 160568 35.7N 121.2W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA Off So. California
P: 26FEB2024 160832 35.8N 121.3W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA Off So. California
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in southern Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Port Alsworth. The last earthquake of M>=4.7 within about 150 km of this epicenter was an M 4.7 on December 16, 2023. Earthquakes in this region normally occurred between 100 and 200 km depth and seldom affect the surface significantly. Forecast 160657 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely in mid-February.
O: 21FEB2024 10:47:29 60.4N 153.1W MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 12FEB2024 160657 60.2N 153.2W 3.2-5.0 CAAAA Central Alaska
MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES TAIWAN ON OTHERWISE QUIET DAY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2024
Despite continuing quiet conditions in seismicity throughout the rest of the
world today, a set of moderate earthquakes with magnitude up to M 5.5 shook
the area of the southwestern Ryukyu Islands of Japan and Taiwan. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Taiwan in Yonakuni, Japan. CWB reported these earthquakes of M 5.4=5.6 were felt with intensity I in Hualien, Yilan, Nantou, Taichung, Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Hsinchu Counties, Taiwan. The last earthquake reported by NEIC in Taiwan of M>=5.6 was an M 5.6=5.7 on October 23, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.9 was felt widely in the region of the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Taiwan in Taipei with lesser shaking in Ilan, and Okinawa, Japan. CWB reported the M 5.7 was felt with intensity III in Hsinchu, Hualien, Yilan, Changhua, Yunlin; II in Nantou, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Chiayi, Miaoli, Taoyuan, Tainan and I in Penghu and Pingtung Counties, Taiwan. A larger event of M 5.8 hit Taiwan near this epicenter on October 11 but the last event in southwestern Ryukyu Islands of greater magnitude occurred as an M 5.7 on October 16, 2023 which was probably an aftershock of an M 6.4-6.8 on September 18 a month earlier but also with the new moon." (October 23, 2023)
Forecast 160801 had expected today's activity in Taiwan within about 100 km was likely around February 23, 2024.
O: 20FEB2024 14:57:29 23.8N 123.3E Mw=5.0 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPAN
O: 20FEB2024 14:57:29 23.8N 123.3E Mw=5.6 CWB SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPAN
O: 20FEB2024 14:18:17 23.8N 123.3E Mw=5.0 CWB SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPAN
O: 20FEB2024 15:12:29 23.8N 123.3E mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPAN
O: 20FEB2024 16:08:35 24.0N 122.5E Mw=4.4 EMSC TAIWAN REGION
O: 20FEB2024 16:08:35 24.0N 122.5E Mw=4.9 CWB TAIWAN REGION
O: 20FEB2024 13:56:27 23.8N 123.3E MW=4.9 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPA
O: 20FEB2024 13:56:27 23.8N 123.3E MW=5.4 CWB SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPA
P: 23FEB2024 160801 23.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Taiwan
O: 20FEB2024 14:18:17 24.1N 122.5E MB=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN REGION
P: 17FEB2024 160533 24.0N 122.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Taiwan
QUIET CONDITION PREVAIL IN GLOBAL SEISMICITY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2024
The current seismic quiet in global seismicity continued today. No events of M>5.2 were reported. This is consistent with the current lack of triggering phenomena related to weather or solar/ionospheric effects. Several events of M 5.0-5.2 were reported felt today. This included events of M 5.1 in Galapagos, Ecuador; Central and Northern Peru and an M 5.2 in Pakistan. Data from EMSC for these events follow:
O: 19FEB2024 23:26:20 0.1S 88.4W MW=5.1 EMSC GALAPAGOS ISLANDS REGION
P: 16FEB2024 160456 2.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.1 BCBAA Galapagos Islands
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in the Galapagos, Ecuador was felt with intensity up to VII in the area(s) of the Galapagos, Ecuador in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
O: 19FEB2024 16:23:21 9.4S 78.8W MB=5.1 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
P: 17FEB2024 160475 8.0S 78.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA No. Peru
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Central Peru was felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of Central Peru in Chimbote.
O: 19FEB2024 16:05:17 35.5N 74.8E MB=5.2 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
P: 16FEB2024 160599 40.0N 75.0E 4.0-5.4 BCAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Pakistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Pakistan in Gilgit.
O: 19FEB2024 08:51:16 6.5S 76.2W MW=5.1 EMSC NORTHERN PERU
P: 14FEB2024 160475 6.0S 76.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA No. Peru
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Northern Peru was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Northern Peru in Chazuta.
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was again an M 4.2 in the
Fox Islands, Aleutians. This was covered in the previous issue as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in the central Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was preceded by a foreshock of M 3.5 four minutes earlier. These events were not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.5 on December 27, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today continued the enhanced seismicity in the Fox and Unimak Islands of the Alaskan Aleutians. This follows regional increases in seismicity following the M 6.1 on December 21, 2023. Today's event is the strongest in the Fox Islands within about 200 km since a similar M 4.6 on November 12, 2023 but an M 5.6 hit the area about 200 km to the southwest of today's epicenter on November 28, 2023." (December 27, 2023, February 19, 2024)
Forecast 160639 had expected today's activity in the Fox Islands was likely within about 100 km of today's epicenter was likely around February 18, 2024.
O: 19FEB2024 07:00:09 52.7N 166.7W ML=3.5 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 19FEB2024 07:04:02 52.8N 166.7W ML=4.2 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 18FEB2024 160639 52.3N 165.7W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
MODERATE QUAKE IN PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.1 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.1 within about 250 km of this epicenter occurred on December 5, 2023 with M 5.5 and M 5.4.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
O: 18FEB2024 08:57:55 56.4S 142.1W MB=5.1 EMSC PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
An M 5.6 was also recorded in the area of Tonga and was followed by an M 4.6 near local solar noon today. It is likely this was promoted by strong tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 160681 had expected this activity in Tonga around February 16.
The M 5.6 was noted in the previous issue of this report as:
"The strongest earthquakes in the world today occurred as a set of events of M 5.6 and 5.3 in Tonga. These occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new moon of February 9 and may have been promoted by tidal stresses associated with the previous new moon" (February 18, 2024)
Forecasts 160675, 160681 and 160598 had expected this activity in Tonga and
Fiji was likely in mid-February.
O: 18FEB2024 07:29:19 16.0S 174.6W MW=5.6 EMSC TONGA
O: 18FEB2024 23:53:09 16.9S 174.1W MB=4.6 EMSC TONGA
P: 16FEB2024 160681 17.0S 172.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA Tonga Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in the central Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was preceded by a foreshock of M 3.5 four minutes earlier. These events were not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.5 on December 27, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today continued the enhanced seismicity in the Fox and Unimak Islands of the Alaskan Aleutians. This follows regional increases in seismicity following the M 6.1 on December 21, 2023. Today's event is the strongest in the Fox Islands within about 200 km since a similar M 4.6 on November 12, 2023 but an M 5.6 hit the area about 200 km to the southwest of today's epicenter on November 28, 2023." (December 27, 2023)
Forecast 160639 had expected today's activity in the Fox Islands was likely within about 100 km of today's epicenter was likely around February 18, 2024.
O: 19FEB2024 07:04:02 52.8N 166.7W ML=4.2 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 19FEB2024 07:00:09 52.7N 166.7W ML=3.5 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 18FEB2024 160639 52.3N 165.7W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
TONGA; GUERRERO, MEXICO; SOUTHERN TEXAS QUAKES RE-EXAMINED
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2024
The strongest earthquakes in the world today occurred as a set of events of M 5.6 and 5.3 in Tonga. These occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new moon of February 9 and may have been promoted by tidal stresses associated with the previous new moon as outlined earlier in this summary:
"The new moon arrived on February 9, 2024 at 22:59 UT. Longitudes which were at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 15 East while those at local solar noon are near 165 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/New Zealand and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this new moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are considered moderate high in the next week (February 4-14, 2024).
Forecasts 160675, 160681 and 160598 had expected this activity in Tonga and
Fiji was likely in mid-February.
O: 18FEB2024 06:06:54 15.3S 175.2W MW=5.3 EMSC TONGA
P: 13FEB2024 160674 15.0S 176.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Samoa Islands
O: 18FEB2024 07:29:19 16.1S 174.6W MW=5.6 EMSC TONGA
P: 14FEB2024 160681 18.0S 173.0W 4.0-5.7 BBBAA Tonga Islands
O: 17FEB2024 18:58:09 20.6S 178.8W MB=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 16FEB2024 160698 21.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 18FEB2024 04:32:21 20.8S 173.6W MB=5.0 EMSC TONGA
P: 14FEB2024 160681 18.0S 173.0W 4.0-5.7 BCAAA Tonga Islands
An M 4.8-5.0 earthquake occurred today in the area of Guerrero, Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Guerrero in Tepetixtla. Press reported shaking as far as Acapulco and Mexico City with minor damage. EMSC reported it was strongly felt in Guerrero at Residencial Alinala, Paludismo, Del Valle Sur, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. This event may have been promoted by energy from Tropical Storm Djoungou which is currently located at the antipode of this Mexican epicenter as reported in previous issues of this summary:
"TC Djoungou (TC 13S) continued today in the area of the south Indian Ocean with winds up to 80 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast. It may enhance regional seismicity in the South Indian Ridge systems as it tracks through the area. The antipode is at 16N 112W, a non-seismic area but the storm will be moving to the west and the antipode to the east encountering western Mexico from Michoacan to Guerrero in several days. This could help promoted enhanced seismicity in that area at that time as Djoungou reaches speeds up to 130 kts." (February 16-17, 2024)
Although not expected to include a strong earthquake a continuing series of moderate earthquakes in Guerrero and possibly Michoacan, Mexico is expected as Djoungou tracks across the South Indian Ocean due to antipodal enhancement.
Forecast 160505 had expected the event of M 4.8 in Guerrero, Mexico today was likely within about 100 km around February 17.
O: 18FEB2024 00:01:26 17.2N 100.1W MB=4.8 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 17FEB2024 160505 17.0N 101.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 17FEB2024 17:04:18 16.3N 98.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 17FEB2024 14:13:16 16.4N 98.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 17FEB2024 22:23:29 16.0N 98.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 17FEB2024 160513 16.0N 99.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
Aftershocks also continued to be felt in Southern Texas today following the M 4.7 in that region at midnight on February 17. Events of M 4.0 and M 2.6 were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas.
At the time this summary noted the coincidence of these earthquakes with the strong X2.5 solar flare of February 16 as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in southern Texas. This event was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to VI in Falls City, Texas. Aftershocks of M 3.7 and 3.3 followed and were felt in the same area. EMSC reported the mainshocks were felt as far as San Antonio where beds shook and people were awakened. It followed a series of foreshocks including an M 4.4 twelve minutes earlier which was felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas. An M 3.9 foreshock was also felt with intensity up to V in the Falls City area of Texas. Today's activity occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An X2.3 solar flare occurred on February 16, 2024 when this epicenter was at local solar midnight. This flare may have helped trigger this unusually large earthquake. Data from SWPC for this flare follows;" (February 17, 2024)
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
700 0642 0653 0721 X2.5 (February 16, 2024) 8.4E-02
Central Peru M 4.4 06:54 UT
Sumatra M 3.9 06:55 UT
Los Angeles, California M 3.4 07:48 UT
Newly published data from SWPC confirms this speculation. These data show that a moderately strong C5.2 solar flare (#879) occurred simultaneously with the earthquakes in Texas which occurred within several minutes of local solar midnight when Solar Flare Effects (SFE) maximize. It is likely that SFE from Flare 870 triggered the events in Texas.
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
870 0544 0559 0627 C5.2 (February 17, 2024) 1.1E-02
Andreanof Is. M 4.2 05:46 UT
So. Texas M 4.3 06:20 UT, 06:32 UT ...
No. Peru M 4.2 06:29 UT
Forecast 160528 had expected this activity in Southern Texas was likely within about 100 km in mid-February.
O: 17FEB2024 06:32:54 29.0N 98.0W Mw=4.7 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:34:18 29.0N 97.9W ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 16:19:21 29.0N 98.0W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 21:28:07 29.0N 97.9W ML=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:20:22 29.0N 98.0W MW=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 12FEB2024 160528 28.0N 99.0W 3.0-4.6 BAAAA Northern Mexico
An unusually large earthquake also shook North Island, New Zealand today.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand in Kaharoa. GEONET reported this event with M 4.8-5.5 included 388 people reported feeling this earthquake with 322 at weak intensity and 61 with light shaking and 5 with moderate intensity 0 with strong, 0 with severe and 0 with extreme intensity. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.8 occurred on August 19, 2023 (M 4.8). The last with M>=5.5 was an M 5.6 on May 5, 2023. A series of events of M 4.-6.3 occurred from January through March 2023 in this area. Forecast 160706 had expected today's event in this area was likely around February 19, 2024.
O: 18FEB2024 04:09:10 38.0S 176.3E ML=4.8 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 18FEB2024 04:09:10 37.8S 176.4E MS=5,5 GEONET North Island, New Zealand.
P: 19FEB2024 160706 39.0S 175.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA North Island, N.Z.
UNUSUAL QUAKES SHAKE LOS ANGELES, CA; SOUTHERN TEXAS WITH X2.5 SOLAR FLARE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in southern Texas. This event was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to VI in Falls City, Texas. Aftershocks of M 3.7 and 3.3 followed and were felt in the same area. EMSC reported the mainshocks were felt as far as San Antonio where beds shook and people were awakened. It followed a series of foreshocks including an M 4.4 twelve minutes earlier which was felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas. An M 3.9 foreshock was also felt with intensity up to V in the Falls City area of Texas. Today's activity occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An X2.3 solar flare occurred on February 16, 2024 when this epicenter was at local solar midnight. This flare may have helped trigger this unusually large earthquake. Data from SWPC for this flare follows:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
700 0642 0653 0721 X2.5 (February 16, 2024) 8.4E-02
Central Peru M 4.4 06:54 UT
Sumatra M 3.9 06:55 UT
Los Angeles, California M 3.4 07:48 UT
Today's activity follows an M 3.9 in the same area of Texas which occurred on February 12, 2024 and was noted in this summary at the time as:
"An earthquake of M 3.8-3.9 also shook southern Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the Falls City, Texas area. The only earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter of M>3.9 in the past 35 years were events of M 4.8 on October 20, 2011 and M 4.3 on April 9, 1993. An M 3.3 hit the same area on February 9, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"A light earthquake of M 3.3 also occurred in Southern Texas today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern Texas was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Texas in Falls City. Light earthquakes in this region began in late 2020. The largest earthquakes in the region in recent years were of M 3.9-4.0 on October 9, 2023 and September 14, 2023. Recent events in the area suggest triggering at this level in this area is likely at this time." (February 9, 2024)
Forecast 160528 had expected this activity within about 100 km in southern
Texas was likely around February 12, 2024.
Today's activity in southern Texas is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Northern Mariana Islands of November 24, 2023 and from M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 17FEB2024 01:53:42 28.3N 97.7W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 03:49:04 29.0N 98.0W Mw=4.0 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:20:22 29.0N 98.0W ML=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:34:18 29.0N 97.9W ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:52:16 29.0N 98.0W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 17FEB2024 06:32:54 28.9N 98.0W MW=4.7 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 12FEB2024 160528 28.0N 99.0W 3.0-4.6 BAAAA Northern Mexico
An earthquake of M 3.5-3.8 also shook areas of eastern Los Angeles in the area of Riverside today. NEIC reported maximum intensity of IV in the area of Ontario, California. EMSC reported a loud earthquake rumbling noise and quick sharp tremor was felt in eastern Los Angeles in Ontario, Mira Loma, Corona, Chino, Norco, Rancho Cucamonga, Jurupa Valley, Chino Hills, Montclair, Fontana, Riverside, Upland, and as far as Ojai, Winnetka, Fallbrook, Venice and San Jacinto among others. This is part of a series of moderate tremors in southern California in the past week. All of these areas are located near 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize at this time. It also followed an X2.5 class flare which began at 06:42 UT and was officially over by about 07:21 UT (see flare listing below). An earthquake of M 4.4 in Central Peru was also closely related to this flare as was an M 3.9 in Southern Sumatra at the antipodal longitude to Texas. In the past year there have been three solar flares of X-class - an X6.0 on December 31, 2023; and X2.2 on February 9, 2024 and an X2.8 on December 14, 2023.
The last of these were closely associated with significant earthquakes in the Los Angeles, California area. This summary emphasized this on February 9, 2024 as:
"A major solar flare of X3.3 occurred today (#9000 - SWPC). This is the strongest solar flare since an X5.0 on December 31, 2023 and probably had a great influence of the strong pulse of seismicity which followed and is described below. ... seismic enhancement included unusually strong earthquakes in western Los Angeles ...
It is likely that the X3.3 will trigger a CME which will cause a strong geomagnetic storm around February 12-15. This storm could trigger additional moderate seismicity in these areas as well and near the geomagnetic equator and under auroral ring currents in the coming days.
The moderate earthquake of M 4.6-4.7 was widely felt in the region of Los Angeles, California today. Press reports indicate it was felt by more than a million residents in the area of western Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley to Malibu, California with maximum intensity up to V in Los Angeles. EMSC reported very strong shaking in Los Angeles, California at Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Casa Conejo, Newbury Park, Calabasas, Moorpark, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Chatsworth, Northridge, Reseda, Tarzana, Chatsworth and as far as Dana Point, Loma Linda, Hesperia, and in Winterhaven and Yuma, Arizona. Many smaller aftershocks were felt in the same area. Minor damage was reported in Los Angeles. This included some minor damage to structures and the temporary closure of regional theme parks such as Disneyland rides." (February 9, 2024)
and when a moderate quake hit the same area as today's event on January 1, 2024 it followed the X5.0 of December 31, 2023 and was noted in this report as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in southern California south of Los Angeles. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking without damage in California at San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Long Beach, Lomita, Seal Beach, West Carson, Signal Hill, Torrance, Rossmoor, Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, Fountain Valley, Compton, Costa Mesa, Hawaiian Gardens, Westminster, Hermosa Beach among others. The only earthquakes with equal or larger magnitude than M 4.1 located within about 50 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years occurred on September 18, 2021 (M 4.3) and as an M 4.0 on May 15, 2013." (January 1, 2024)
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 160573 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around February 16, 2024.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
O: 16FEB2024 07:38:39 34.0N 117.6W ML=3.6 ANSS GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
O: 16FEB2024 07:38:39 34.0N 117.6W ML=3.4 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
P: 16FEB2024 160573 33.8N 117.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
An earthquake of M 3.5 was also felt in the area of Seattle, Washington today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.5 in Washington State was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Washington State in Brinnon. EMSC reported light shaking and slight rumble at Bremerton and Tacoma. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in this area was an M 4.0 on December 24, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 in the Seattle area of Washington State. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity up to III in Quilcene, Washington. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Navy Yard City, Clinton, Victoria, Bryant, and in Canada at North Saanich.
Local news reported the quake was felt as far south as Olympia and as far north as Vancouver, British Columbia and was felt lightly with intensity up to IV in Puget Sound, Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Everett and Oak Harbor. While no damage was reported with today's event some people reported it was strong enough to wake them from their sleep. The M 4.0 occurred 22 minutes after an M 5.4 in Tonga and may have been triggered by seismic waves from that source. The time for an S-wave to travel from the Tonga epicenter to this epicenter in Washington State 81 degrees away is 22 minutes, so triggering is a distinct possibility in this instance as the earthquake was simultaneous with the arrival of the S-waves from Tonga. The last earthquake in the Puget Sound area of Washington with M>=4 occurred on October 8, 2023 as a M 4.3 and prior to that as an M 4.6 in 2019 near Monroe, Washington." (December 24, 2023)
Forecast 160618 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around February 15. This activity is near 101-103 degrees from recent major earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and was likely promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 16FEB2024 16:30:18 47.6N 123.1W MB=3.1 ECAN OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
O: 16FEB2024 16:30:18 47.6N 123.1W ML=3.5 EMSC OLYMPIC PENINSULA, WASHINGTON
P: 15FEB2024 160618 45.3N 121.7W 2.0-4.1 ACBAA Oregon state, U.S.
MODERATE QUAKE IN CENTRAL PERU
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.2 near the coast of Central Peru. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Central Peru was felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of Central Peru in Chancay. EMSC reported moderate shaking in the area of Lima, Peru in Lima, Los Olivos, San Isidro, Miraflores, Santiago de Surco, Lurigancho, Barranco, Villa Maria del Triunfo, Chorrillos. This is the strongest earthquake in Central Peru within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.4 on May 12, 2022 and an M 5.6 on January 7, 2022. At
the time this summary noted in this regard:
"An earthquake of M 5.6 was also widely felt in central Peru today. NEIC reported slight damage with intensity VII in Chosica, Loima, Peru with intensity V shaking in Ricardo Palma, Santa Maria, Lima and IV in San Luis, Chica, Mala, Lima Peru and possibly in Juno and Ica, Peru. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 about 100 km to the south of this on June 23, 2021 and prior to that an M 5.6
on November 15, 2014 near that same epicenter to the south." (January 7, 2022)
Forecast 160671 had expected enhanced seismicity in Central Peru was likely around February 12, 2024. This epicenter is at 144 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 15FEB2024 20:53:37 11.5S 77.3W MW=5.2 EMSC NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU
P: 12FEB2024 160671 14.0S 76.0W 4.0-5.7 BCAAA Central Peru
The second strongest earthquake today was an M 5.0 in the South Indian Ocean west of Australia. It was not reported felt in this remote area. A series of events hit this region about 100 km to the north of this epicenter on October 14, 2022. Maximum magnitude in this series was an M 5.0-5.1.
Forecast 160441 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely in early February, 2024.
O: 15FEB2024 07:12:23 46.1S 95.7E MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTHEAST INDIAN RIDGE
P: 5FEB2024 160441 46.0S 96.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA So. Indian Ocean
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 in the eastern Andreanof Islands. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this event in the Eastern Andreanof Islands was an M 5.0 on November 3, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. today was an M 5.0 in the Aleutians near Atka, Alaska where it was lightly felt. An M 6.5-6.7 hit about 200 km west of this on October 16, 2023 but this is the strongest earthquake within 200 km of this epicenters in the Andreanof Islands since an M 5.1 on January 26, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
An M 5.2 earthquake was widely felt in Greece today. It was felt with intensity IV in Greece in Esfina, Calaxidion, Delfoi, Arakhova, Diakopton, Lekhaion, Isthmis Korinthia, Kineta (V), with III in Kirra, Fokis and Korinthos according to data from NEIC. This is the strongest earthquake in Greece within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 5.5 on February 17, 2021 and an M 5.2 on January 12, 2021. The last earthquake in this area of M>5.5 was an 6.4 on June 8, 2008." (October 8, 2022, November 3, 2023)
Forecast 160635 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around February 14, 2024.
O: 15FEB2024 10:00:58 51.7N 172.2W ML=4.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 14FEB2024 160635 52.3N 171.3W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN MICRONESIA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2024
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in Micronesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Micronesia near Colonia. The last earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter in Yap, Micronesia occurred as event of M 6.5, 6.4 and 6.1 on December 8-9, 2017. At the time this summary noted:
"The largest earthquakes of the day occurred as an M 6.5 and 6.3 in the State of Yap, Micronesia. The first of these, an M 6.3 occurred within about half an hour of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize at this time. It is also located on or near the geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm of the last several days. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=6.5 occurred on January 16, 2005 with M 6.6, the only other such event in the region in the past 25 years." (December 8, 2017)
Forecast 160490 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in mid-February, 2024.
O: 14FEB2024 12:24:44 11.1N 138.5E mb=4.7 EMSC STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA
O: 14FEB2024 11:40:22 11.1N 138.6E MW=6.0 EMSC STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA
P: 19FEB2024 160490 10.0N 138.0E 3.5-5.1 BBAAA Caroline Islands
An M 5.8 also occurred in central Vanuatu today. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 160685 had expected today's event in Vanuatu was likely around February 15.
O: 14FEB2024 18:58:38 16.6S 172.8E MW=5.8 EMSC VANUATU REGION
P: 15FEB2024 160685 16.0S 168.0E 4.0-5.4 AACAA Vanuatu Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in Central Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to M 4.7 in Petersville, Alaska. The only earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter within about 150 km of today's epicenter with significantly larger magnitude was an M 5.0 on December 1, 2023. The only moderately large earthquake in the area in the past 25 years was an M 5.8 on November 29, 2000. At the time of the event of M 5.0 on December 1, 2023, this summary noted:
"... an M 5.0 in Central Alaska. NEIC reported this event was felt with intensity up to V in Petersville, Alaska. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Central Alaska at Wasilla, Palmer, Knik-Fairview, Eagle River, Anchorage, This event occurred within minutes of the height of the arrival of the CME around 06:00 UT (see above) and was probably triggered by that ionospheric disturbance.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5 in Central
Alaska occurred as an M 5.0 on October 4, 2019. Larger earthquakes hit about 200 km from today's epicenter on February 6, 2022 and May 31, 2021. At the time of the M 5.0 on October 4, 2019 this summary noted:
"Today's event was reported by NEIC to have been felt with maximum intensity V in the Matanuska-Sustina border of Alaska and II-III within about 200 km of the epicenter at Talkeetna, Willow, Wasilla, Chugiak, Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage.
This event of M 5.0 is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter in Central Alaska since an M 5.0 on July 10, 2018 - the last of larger magnitude was an M 5.2 on January 31, 2017. Today's event is about 150 km northwest of the M 7.1 quake that shook Alaska on November 30, 2018 and may be a regional aftershock of that event." (October 4, 2019, December 1, 2023)
Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 160394 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 25 km of this epicenter in early February, 2024.
O: 14FEB2024 21:43:37 63.0N 150.7W MW=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 6FEB2024 160394 62.7N 150.6W 3.2-5.0 CAAAA Central Alaska
The swarm in southern California continued today. The largest of the events today was an M 4.0. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Westmorland, California. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Southern California in Brawley, Imperial, Hemet, Twentynine Palms, Oceanside, Jurupa Valley, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Forest, Phelan. The M 4.2 occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The remainder of today's swarm occurred within about an hour of this time. Forecast 160572 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 25 km of this epicenter was likely around February 16, 2024. In the previous summary activity in this area was noted as:
"The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.8 in Southern California. It was reported with intensity up to VI in the El Centro, California region. It was accompanied by a strong series of light aftershocks including some up to M 4.2. EMSC reported it was strong enough to waken all with pictures shifting and objects falling off shelves in El Centro. Minor damage was reported. Strong intensity was felt in El Centro, Imperial, Calexico, La Quinta, Lakeside, El Cajon, Indio, Chula Vista, Santee, Palm Springs and as far as San Diego and Los Angeles, California with light intensity and in Baja Mexico in Pueblo Nuevo, Nueva, Cuauhtemoc, Prohogar, and in Yuma, Arizona. The last earthquake in southern California within about 100 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.8 occurred as an M 4.8 on December 1, 2023 but the last of larger magnitude was an M 5.3 on June 5, 2021." (February 13, 2024)
Today's activity in southern California is at 104 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and was probably promoted by energy from that source. Today's activity in southern California is also at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
O: 14FEB2024 07:53:13 33.1N 115.7W ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 07:55:24 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 07:56:21 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 08:09:30 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 08:46:45 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 08:52:49 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 13:03:39 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 14FEB2024 07:49:18 33.1N 115.6W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 16FEB2024 160572 32.9N 115.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN ATACAMA, CHILE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2024
The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.0 in central Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Vallenar, Chile. EMSC reported strong to moderate shaking in Atacama at La Serena, Coquimbo, Ovalle, Copiapo, Zapallar, Valparaiso, Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Quinta Normal, Nunoa, San Miguel, Chile. When a foreshock of M 5.4 occurred on January 11, 2024 this summary reported in this regard:
"A moderately strong earthquake also occurred today with M 5.4 in Central Chile today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to V in Vallenar, Chile.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Chile at La Serena, Coquimbo, Diego de Almagro, Atacama, Independencia, Cartagena. It is the strongest event within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.6 on October 31, 2023. This epicenter is near 144 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024. This is a distance at which significant seismic advancement is expected following major events. For example, at the time of the Chinese earthquake this summary noted:
"Areas most likely to see enhanced seismicity at distance from today's event in China lie near 103 and 144 degrees from that epicenter and include at 103 degrees Central California, Oklahoma, Hawaii and at 144 degrees Central Chile near Coquimbo and Peru and western Brazil" (January 22, 2024)
Forecast 160688 had expected this event was likely within about 25 km of this epicenter around February 13, 2024." (February 12, 2024)
Today's epicenter in Atacama is at 145 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Mariana Islands of November 24, 2023 and at 103 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 14FEB2024 01:31:43 28.9S 71.4W MW=6.0 EMSC ATACAMA, CHILE
P: 14FEB2024 160688 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
A moderately large earthquake also occurred today in the South Sandwich Islands with M 5.7. It was followed by an aftershock of M 5.2 twelve minutes later which was probably triggered by PcS reflections from the mainshock. These are seismic pulses which reflect off the core back to the original epicenter. Larger aftershocks often occur at this time after the mainshock in most areas of the world (also see ScS and PcP times near 8 and 15 minutes after the mainshock). The last earthquake with M>=5.7 within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 5.8 on November 30, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the South Sandwich Islands. This event was not reported felt in this remote area. A major earthquake of M 7.5 hit about 200 km southeast of today's epicenter on August 12, 2021 but the last earthquake within this range of today's event with equal of larger magnitude was recorded on August 18 and December 7, 2021 with M 5.8-5.9. Today's event was probably promoted by geomagnetic effects which maximize near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes." (December 1, 2023)
This is similar environmental conditions as current and is probably related to the timing of earthquakes in this area.
Forecast 160719 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km around February 16, 2024.
Today's epicenter in the South Sandwich Islands, like the M 6.0 in Atacama, is near 144 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Mariana Islands of November 24, 2023 and at 103 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. Other earthquakes today near 103 degrees from the Loyalty Islands today occurred in southern Texas; Guerrero, Mexico, and Oaxaca, Mexico and in Oklahoma.
O: 14FEB2024 04:42:31 58.3S 25.0W mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
O: 14FEB2024 04:16:59 58.6S 24.0W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
O: 14FEB2024 04:30:58 58.3S 25.1W MW=5.7 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
P: 16FEB2024 160719 58.0S 25.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Sandwich Islands
STRONG SWARM IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2024
The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.8 in Southern California. It was reported with intensity up to VI in the El Centro, California region. It was accompanied by a strong series of light aftershocks including some up to M 4.5. EMSC reported it was strong enough to waken all with pictures shifting and objects falling off shelves in El Centro. Minor damage was reported. Strong intensity was felt in El Centro, Imperial, Calexico, La Quinta, Lakeside, El Cajon, Indio, Chula Vista, Santee, Palm Springs and as far as San Diego and Los Angeles, California with light intensity and in Baja Mexico in Pueblo Nuevo, Nueva, Cuauhtemoc, Prohogar, and in Yuma, Arizona. The last earthquake in southern California within about 100 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.8 occurred as an M 4.8 on December 1, 2023 but the last of larger magnitude was an M 5.3 on June 5, 2021. At the time of the M 4.8 on December 1, 2023 this summary noted in this regard:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.8 in Southern California. It occurred near Ocotillo where NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to V. EMSC reported strong shaking in southern California at El Centro, Holtville, Borrego Springs, Bostonia, La Quinta, Poway, Temecula, Fallbrook, Hemet, San Jacinto, Moreno Valley, Woodcrest among others and in Mexico at Ejido El Faro, Lomas de Abasolo, El Robledo, Hacienda del Rio, Mexicali, Fraccionamiento Solidaridad, Fraccionamiento Venezia, This event occurred within about 5 minutes of local solar midnight (07:43 UT whereas local solar midnight was at 07:21 UT). It is likely that it was promoted by strong geomagnetic and tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It was followed by a series of light to moderate aftershocks and followed a number of regional foreshocks over the past several days. A foreshock of M 3.3 hit the area 8 minutes before the mainshock and was felt with intensity up to IV according to data from NEIC. This followed several hours after an M 2.7 which was felt lightly in Mecca, California. Aftershock sequences in this area can be quite extensive and continue strongly for several days. These often include events stronger than the first mainshock. This can be expected in the coming several days. This activity and an M 3.9 in Utah minutes earlier coincided with the expected severe geomagnetic storm associated with CME from the M9.8 solar flare of November 28 hitting the ionosphere with an arcjet about 05:12 UT to 06:33 UT. as noted in the previous issue of this summary:
"... the strongest solar flare since August 7, 2023 when an X1.5 was observed.
The largest solar flare in the past year was an X2.2 on February 17, 2023 (#630). Today's event in Oman occurred towards the end of the M9.8 class solar flare (#3400)." (November 29, 2023, December 1, 2023)
Today's activity began near local solar midnight - a time when tidal stresses maximize. It may have been promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon of February 9 as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon arrived on February 9, 2024 at 22:59 UT. Longitudes which were at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 15 East while those at local solar noon are near 165 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/New Zealand and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this new moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are considered moderate high in the next week (February 4-14, 2024)." (February 4-11, 2024)
Enhanced seismicity in this area began about the same time as the M 4.7 in western Los Angeles of February 9. In previous summaries the initial stages of this swarm were noted in the previous issues of this summary as:
"Seismicity in the region of southern California today suddenly came to a halt at M>=2 levels. Only one such earthquake occurred in the entire state today. This may be a quiescence before a larger event as noted in the previous issue of this summary as:
"The current swarm in Baja and Southern California continued today in the Calexico area. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 2.7, 2.8 in Southern California were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Southern California at Westmorland. This activity may indicate the next area of Southern California where a moderate earthquake could occur in the coming days. Like the M 4.6 in Los Angeles yesterday it is located at 104 degrees from Xinjiang, China of M 7.1 which occurred on January 22, 2024 and at 103 from the M 6.3 in Papua, New Guinea in late December, 2023 and could be triggered by these recent earthquakes. This swarm has been gradually growing to higher magnitudes. Previous swarms which behaved in a similar way often lead to a moderate earthquake in the area within a couple of days and this is a possibility in today's case." (February 11-12, 2024)
Today's activity in southern California is at 104 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and was probably promoted by energy from that source. Today's activity in southern California is also at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
A listing of events in this swarm that occurred today with M>=3 is below. A more complete listing of events of M>=2 can be viewed in the "CALIFORNIA" section of this summary. Forecast 160572 had expected today's activity within about 25 km was likely around February 12, 2024.
O: 12FEB2024 08:37:47 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:38:32 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:39:19 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:40:04 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:42:47 32.8N 115.6W ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:43:52 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:59:51 32.8N 115.6W Mw=3.9 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 10:18:35 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.7 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 14:04:01 32.8N 115.6W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 14:15:21 32.8N 115.6W Mw=3.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 12FEB2024 08:36:24 32.8N 115.6W MW=4.8 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 12FEB2024 160572 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
A light earthquake of M 3.5 also occurred in Central California today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.5 in Mammoth Lakes, California was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Mammoth Lakes, California in Round Valley.
EMSC reported a sharp jolt in Bishop, California. This is the strongest earthquake in the Mammoth Lakes area since an M 3.5 on December 4, 2023 and prior to that an M 3.9 on December 2, 2022. Conditions on December 4, 2023 were similar to those at this time (see discussion above). Forecast 160536 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around February 15, 2024.
O: 12FEB2024 23:54:43 37.4N 118.6W MW=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 15FEB2024 160536 37.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA California/Nevada area
An earthquake of M 3.8-3.9 also shook southern Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the Falls City, Texas area. The only earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter of M>3.9 in the past 35 years were events of M 4.8 on October 20, 2011 and M 4.3 on April 9, 1993. An M 3.3 hit the same area on February 9, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"A light earthquake of M 3.3 also occurred in Southern Texas today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern Texas was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Texas in Falls City. Light earthquakes in this region began in late 2020. The largest earthquakes in the region in recent years were of M 3.9-4.0 on October 9, 2023 and September 14, 2023. Recent events in the area suggest triggering at this level in this area is likely at this time." (February 9, 2024)
Forecast 160528 had expected this activity within about 100 km in southern
Texas was likely around February 12, 2024.
Today's activity in southern Texas is at 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
O: 12FEB2024 07:17:48 29.0N 98.0W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 12FEB2024 08:07:10 29.0N 98.0W ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 12FEB2024 08:07:10 29.0N 98.0W ML=3.9 ANSS SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 12FEB2024 08:38:45 29.0N 98.0W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 12FEB2024 11:59:22 29.0N 98.0W ML=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
O: 13FEB2024 03:03:46 28.8N 98.1W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 12FEB2024 160528 28.0N 99.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Northern Mexico
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the Volcano Islands, Japan. NEIC reported it with light intensity in the epicentral region. The last earthquake of M>=6 in the Volcano Islands within about 150 km of today's epicenter occurred on 6.3 on August 16, 2016 and an M 7.5 on September 28, 2007 of M 7.5 and this is probably an aftershock of that event. A series of earthquakes hit about 200 south of today's epicenter in the Northern Mariana Islands starting with an M 6.9 on November 24, 2023.
Forecast 160534 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around February 12, 2024.
O: 12FEB2024 11:19:37 22.0N 142.8E MW=6.0 EMSC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 12FEB2024 160534 22.0N 143.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Volcano Islands
An earthquake of M 4.5-4.7 shook the area near Wellington, New Zealand in the Cook Strait area today. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand in Paraparaumu with an earthquake noise. GEONET reported this event at M 4.7 was felt with moderate to strong intensity in the area southeast of Wellington, New Zealand and in southern North Island and northern South Island. 7319 reports of felt events were made of which 3978 reported weak and 2991 light intensity with 313 report of moderate shaking and 24 with strong and 3 severe and 9 with extreme intensity came from the area. The last earthquakes of larger magnitude in the Cook Strait area of New Zealand occurred as an M 5.1 on August 10, 2023 and before that an M 5.7 on February 15, 2023. At that time this summary noted:
"Today's earthquake in the Cook Strait is the strongest in this region south of Wellington, New Zealand since an M 6,2 on January 20, 2014 about 150 km east of today's epicenter. Earthquakes about 150 km to the south of this occurred with M 6.4-6.5 in South Island on July 21 and August 16, 2013, the only such events in the region of Cook Strait in the past 35 years." (February 15. 2024)
Forecasts 160442 and 160712 had expected today's event in mid-February was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter.
O: 13FEB2024 02:39:17 40.3S 174.8E ML=4.5 EMSC COOK STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND
O: 13FEB2004 02:39:17 40.4S 174.9E MS=4.7 GEONET Cook Strait, New Zealand
P: 9FEB2024 160442 41.0S 175.0E 3.0-4.9 BAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
P: 19FEB2024 160712 40.0S 175.0E 3.0-4.5 CAAAA North Island, N.Z.