MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES TAIWAN WITH NEW GEOMAGNETIC STORM; FULL MOON

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2023

 

A moderate earthquake of M 5.0-5.4 was felt in the area of Taiwan today in Taipei with intensity III. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in the area of Taiwan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Taiwan with intensity IV in Yonakuni, Japan. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Taiwan in the Linkou District and in Taipei for this activity. CWB reported this earthquake with M 5.4 was felt with intensity II in Taiwan in Hualien, Taipei and Yilan Counties and I in Nantou, Taichung, Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Taoyuan, Hsinchu Counties. CWB reported intensity II in Hualien, Yilan, Taipei and I in Nantou, Taichung, Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Miaoli, Taoyuan, Hsinchu Counties, Taiwan. A foreshock of M 4.7 minutes before hit the same area and was reported by CWB to have been felt with intensity I in Hualien, Yilan and Taitung Counties. These events occurred within minutes of local solar noon and were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with tomorrow's full moon which maximize near this time, as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:   

 

"The full moon will arrive on November 27, 2023 at 09:16 UT.  Longitudes at local solar noon were near 37 East while those at local solar midnight are near 143 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 Ethiopia 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." (November 23-26, 2023)

 

This event in Taiwan also continued regional enhancement which has included several strong earthquakes in the past week, the largest of which was the  M 7.0 in the Mariana Islands of November 24. This summary has suggested this activity was related to the geomagnetic storm as:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw stormy conditions today. The AP level was 38.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 61. Middle latitudes were at disturbed conditions with AP 18. This resumes a storm of November 22, 2023 which was the strongest ionospheric disturbance since AP reached 40 on November 6 and the most disturbed at high latitudes since high latitude AP reached 86 on October 28, 2023. This activity is likely to further enhance global seismicity near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes with the potential to trigger strong earthquakes in that zone in the next several days. A strong to major earthquake near the geomagnetic equator is likely in the next three days following this storm." (November 25-26, 2023)

 

A similar M 5.4 hit Taiwan on November 19 but the last of larger magnitude occurred a month ago with 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)

 

Forecasts 158322 and 158325 had expected today's activity in Taiwan was likely towards the end of November.

 

O: 25NOV2023 11:01:07  23.8N  123.4E mb=4.2  EMSC   SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPAN

O: 26NOV2023 04:31:10  24.0N  122.5E Mw=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION

O: 26NOV2023 04:31:09  23.9N  122.5E Ml=5.4  CWB    TAIWAN REGION

O: 26NOV2023 04:11:44  24.0N  122.4E MB=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION                

O: 26NOV2023 04:11:44  24.0N  122.4E MB=4.7  CWB    TAIWAN REGION                

P: 25NOV2023 158325    23.0N  123.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

P: 29NOV2023 158322    25.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Ryukyu Islands             

 

Aftershocks also continued today in the northern Mariana Island following the M 7.0 there on November 24. Today's largest events of M 5.6 and 5.5 were closely timed in relation to the strongest solar flares of the day (SWPC Flare #s

2460 and 2480 (See below for flare data and under EXTERNAL EFFECTS later in this summary.

 

Flare #    START  MAX       END    CLASS     DATE    Flux (Jm-2)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

2460       1356   1439      1451   C4.4      (November 25, 2023)   1.3E-02  

Mariana Is. M 5.5 15:10  UT

 

2480       1704   1711      1717   C1.5      (November 25, 2023)   1.1E-03  

Mariana Is. M 5.6 17:18 UT

 

These events occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by SFE with this flares and with tidal effects with the coming full moon which maximize near this hour. Forecast 158326 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely  around November 26.

 

O: 26NOV2023 06:11:46  20.0N  145.2E mb=4.8  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 15:20:27  20.1N  145.4E mb=4.8  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 20:54:06  20.1N  145.4E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 26NOV2023 02:21:09  20.3N  145.6E mb=4.8  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 15:10:54  20.0N  145.5E Mw=5.5  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 17:18:05  19.9N  145.5E MW=5.6  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA 

P: 26NOV2023 158326    20.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Volcano Islands            

 

MAJOR EARTHQUAKE HITS NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was a major quake of M 6.9-7.0 in the northern Mariana Island in the Maug Islands Region where NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI. This epicenter is near the geomagnetic equator and today's event may have been promoted by the end of the strong geomagnetic storm of the past several days as noted in the previous issue of this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic storm noted in previous issues of this summary has reduced to quiet levels today. A strong earthquake following this is likely near the geomagnetic equator in the next several days as noted in this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw quiet conditions today. The AP level was 7.  High latitudes  saw quiet conditions with AP  8. Middle latitudes were at quiet conditions with AP 4. This concludes a storm which was the strongest ionospheric disturbance since AP reached 40 on November 6 and the most disturbed at high latitudes since high latitude AP reached 86 on October 28, 2023. This activity is likely to enhance global seismicity near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes with the potential to trigger strong earthquakes in that zone in the next several days. A strong to major earthquake near the geomagnetic equator is likely in the next three days following this storm." (November 22-24, 2023)

 

This event in the Mariana Islands was probably promoted by energy from solar

Flare 2190 which began at about the origin time of the mainshock in the Marianas. This was one of three M1 solar flares in the past two days, and the largest to occur today. Following is the date from SWPC for this flare:

 

Flare #    START  MAX       END    CLASS     DATE    Flux (Jm-2)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

2190       0910   0933      0943   M1.1      (November 24, 2023)   1.1E-02  

 

The last earthquake with M>=6.9 within about 200 km of today's event was an M 7.7 on July 29, 2016 and prior to that an M 7.2 on October 31, 2007. Today's event occurred at 16 km depth and is the strongest event within about 200 km at shallow focal depth in at least 35 years and no events of M>=6.9 have occurred within 125 km of today's epicenters in this time period. A series of moderate aftershocks followed the mainshock and are listed below. Forecast 158326 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely around November 26. 2023.

 

O: 24NOV2023 13:41:45  20.0N  145.0E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 14:05:37  20.0N  145.5E mb=5.1  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 16:04:53  20.0N  145.4E mb=4.7  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 09:05:03  20.1N  145.6E Mw=6.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA IS.

O: 24NOV2023 09:05:03  20.1N  145.6E Mw=7.0  BMG    MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA IS.

O: 24NOV2023 09:16:46  20.1N  145.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA IS.

O: 24NOV2023 09:30:15  20.1N  145.4E mb=5.2  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA IS.

O: 24NOV2023 10:30:47  20.1N  145.4E mb=5.1  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 10:41:18  20.1N  145.5E mb=5.1  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 00:52:30  20.1N  145.9E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 25NOV2023 06:20:42  20.1N  145.5E mb=5.0  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 09:21:43  20.2N  145.2E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA IS.

O: 24NOV2023 10:21:55  20.2N  145.4E mb=4.6  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 11:00:31  20.2N  145.4E mb=5.0  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 14:11:26  20.2N  145.3E mb=4.8  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 16:20:43  20.2N  145.5E mb=5.2  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 10:13:04  20.3N  145.5E mb=5.1  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 18:43:15  20.3N  145.4E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA

O: 24NOV2023 09:14:24  20.0N  145.2E MB=5.3  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA I

P: 26NOV2023 158326    20.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Volcano Islands            

 

 

A pair of moderate earthquakes occurred today in Alaska. This included an M 4.9 in the Fox Islands and an M 4.5 in the Gulf of Alaska. The M 4.9 in the Fox Islands is the largest event in this region within about 200 km since an M 5.6 on October 12, 2023. At the 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)

 

Forecast 158442 had expected this event in the Fox Islands was likely within  about 150 km around November 25.

 

O: 24NOV2023 17:05:51  51.6N  170.7W MB=4.9  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 25NOV2023 158442    52.5N  169.2W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

The last earthquake in the Gulf of Alaska with M>=4.5 was an M 4.7 on November 17, 2023. At the time this summary reported in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in the Gulf of Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. Earthquakes of M>=4.7 in the Gulf of Alaska in the past three years within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred on October 24, 2020 (M 4.8) and February 3, 2022 (M 4.9). No earthquakes of M>=5 have occurred in this area since an M 5.1 on March 20, 2020. These appear to be aftershocks of the great quake of M 7.9 on January 23, 2018." (November 17, 2023)

 

This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Mariana Islands M 6.9 today and was likely promoted by energy from that source.

 

Forecast 158197 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely

around November 18.

 

O: 24NOV2023 13:22:48  56.3N  149.3W ML=3.1  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA

O: 24NOV2023 14:34:00  56.3N  149.2W ML=3.1  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA

O: 24NOV2023 18:25:34  56.3N  149.2W ML=3.2  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA

O: 24NOV2023 13:56:05  56.2N  149.3W MB=4.5  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA               

P: 18NOV2023 158197    55.0N  149.0W 3.0-4.7 CBAAA  Northern Alaska            

 

A moderate earthquake of M 3.9 also occurred in Maui, Hawaii today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Makena, Hawaii. The last earthquake of equal or greater magnitude in this area of Maui was an M 4.0 on December 16, 2022 but the last earthquake in this area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.7 on January 25, 2022. At that time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in the region of Maui, Hawaii. NEIC reported it was widely felt with maximum intensity IV in Haiku, Kana, Makawao, Kula and III in Kihei, Pala, Kahului, Waikuku, Lahaima, and Hawi. The last earthquake in the Maui area of Hawaii within about 100 km of this epicenter of larger magnitude occurred on July 5, 2021 with M 5.2 and prior to that an M 4.8 on November 24, 2010. The largest event in the past 30 years in the area was an M 6.1 on October 15, 2006. Two earthquakes of M 4.7 occurred in February and March, 2017 in the area." (January 25, 2022)

 

Today’s epicenter is at the exact same latitude as the M 7.0 in the Mariana Islands today (20.1 North) and occurred about an hour before that event. It is also located near the seventh node (52 degrees) from the Mariana epicenter. The exact relation between these events is not known at this time.

 

Forecast 158295 had had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely

around November 28.

 

O: 24NOV2023 08:17:03  20.1N  156.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   MAUI REGION, HAWAII          

O: 24NOV2023 08:17:03  20.1N  156.6W ML=3.9  ANSS   MAUI REGION, HAWAII          

P: 28NOV2023 158295    20.1N  156.1W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Hawaii area                

 

 

 

END OF GEOMAGNETIC STORM MAY BRING STRONG QUAKE; POSSIBLE ICELANDIC ERUPTION

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2023

 

The geomagnetic storm noted in previous issues of this summary has reduced to

quiet levels today. A strong earthquake following this is likely near the geomagnetic equator in the next several days as noted in this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw quiet conditions today. The AP level was 7.  High latitudes  saw quiet conditions with AP  8. Middle latitudes were at quiet conditions with AP 4. This concludes a storm which was the strongest ionospheric disturbance since AP reached 40 on November 6 and the most disturbed at high latitudes since high latitude AP reached 86 on October 28, 2023. This activity is likely to enhance global seismicity near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes with the potential to trigger strong earthquakes in that zone in the next several days. A strong to major earthquake near the geomagnetic equator is likely in the next three days following this storm." (November 22-23, 2023)

 

The last such geomagnetic storm was followed by a series of escalating earthquakes in Iceland. This led to speculation that a possible volcanic eruption near Reykjavik could occur. While no such eruption has occurred yet, a series of hundreds of minor quakes today suggested that the current geomagnetic storm may trigger this expected eruption. At the time of the previous storm this summary noted in this regard:

 

"An imminent eruption is possible in the area near Reykjavik, Iceland. Earthquakes today included an M 5.0 and 5.1 in the region of Grindavik, Iceland. This town of about 3500 has been ordered evacuated due to the likelihood of this eruption. EMSC reported these events were felt with strong intensity in Mosfellsbaer, Kopavogur, Keflavik, Suournesjabaer, Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavik, among others. This continues the current series of eruptions which began in 2021 - part of a sequence that occurs with about 700 year intervals and can last as long as 100 years. In this area of Iceland this involves motions between the North American tectonic and the European tectonic plates. Initial lava flows can be up to 100 feet per minute – faster than walking pace. There area some infrastructure near the site of this imminent eruption include the town of Grindavik several km away and a power plant and roads which could be damaged in an eruption. Several roads were actually reported damaged near Grindavik today by earthquakes." (November 11, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake in Iceland today was an M 2.8 that was not felt in the region. This event may have been promoted by Solar Flare 1920 which was near its height at the time of this event. Forecast 158462 had expected today's event was likely within about 25 km around November 23, 2023.

 

O: 23NOV2023 07:33:04  63.9N   22.4W ML=2.8  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P: 23NOV2023 158462    64.0N   23.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.3 in the aftershock zone of the M 7.8 of February, 2023. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Turkey was felt with intensity up to VI in the area(s) of Turkey in Sincik. EMSC reported this event of M 5.3 and an aftershock of M 4.6 were strongly felt in Turkey at Malatya, Battalgazi, Seyh Bayram, Yesilyurt, Adiyaman, Camiisuk, Elazig, with moderate shaking in Karakopru, Sanliurfa, Elbistan and as far away from the epicenter as 400 km in Syria and Lebanon. These earthquakes occurred with an M1.0 solar flare (1960) and were possibly triggered by SFE associated with that event (see flare listing below). Two M-class flares were catalogued by SWPC today, including the strongest such flare - an M1.4 (# 1880) - since an M1.6 (#6160) on October 10, 2023 and a similar M1.6 (#8550) on November 2, 2023.  This earthquake in Turkey is the largest aftershock within about 200 km of today's event since an M 5.3 on August 10, 2023. But the last such aftershock with larger magnitude was an immediate aftershock of M 6.0 on February 6, 2023.  The mainshock was an M 7.8 on February 6, 2023.

 

Forecast 158386 had expected today's event in eastern Turkey within about

50 km of this epicenter was likely around November 24.

 

O: 23NOV2023 14:49:56  38.2N   38.5E ML=4.6  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY

O: 23NOV2023 14:46:07  38.1N   38.6E MW=5.3  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 24NOV2023 158386    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

An M 5.3 was also recorded today in the region of northern Chile of Antofagasta.

GUC reported it was felt in Antofagasta and Tarapaca with maximum intensity IV at El Loa, III in Huara, Pica, Pozo Almonte, II in Alto Hospicio, Camina, Iquique, in Antofagasta with IV in Calama, Tocopilla, III in Maria Elena, Mejillones, Chile. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Antofagasta, Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Antofagasta, Chile. This event occurred at the height of Solar Flare 1980 and was near local solar noon at the time of the event. This suggests it may have been promoted by SFE from this flare. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with equal or larger magnitude than M 5.3 was an M 5.4 to the east on March 26, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in northern Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Calama, Antofagasta and in Iquique, Tarapaca, Chile. A foreshock of M 4.6 was felt with intensity II in Diego de Almagro, Atacama, Chile. Today's M 5.4 is the strongest earthquake in the region of Antofagasta, Chile since an M 5.6 on December 10, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 in Antofagasta, Chile. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Calama, Antofagasta and II-III in Iquique, Tarapaca and in Valparaiso in Vina del Mar and San Antonio, Chile. This earthquake was accompanied by the eruption of the Lascar Volcano in Antofagasta, Chile. This eruption involved smoke, ash and lava and is a major eruption of this volcano. Lascar is located at 23.37S 67.73W in Antofagasta and is the most active of the volcanoes in the northern Andes of Chile. Chile's National Geology and Mining Service reported the eruption began within minutes of local solar noon (12:36 pm) and may have been triggered by high tidal stresses with the full moon which maximize near this hour. Ash reached heights of 6000 meters above the volcano. While no damage has been reported, air traffic has been alerted to the ash plume and evacuations may eventually be required. The last major eruption of Lascar was in 1993 but minor eruptive cycles occurred in 2006 and 2015." (March 26, 2023)

 

Forecast 158486 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around

November 24.

 

O: 23NOV2023 13:46:35  21.3S   69.7W ML=4.1  EMSC   TARAPACA, CHILE

O: 23NOV2023 15:37:09  22.0S   68.6W MW=5.3  EMSC   ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE           

P: 24NOV2023 158486    21.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Argentina                  

 

A moderate earthquake of M 5.2 also occurred today in the region of Tajikistan.

A similar earthquake of M 5.2-5.3 hit this region on November 13, 2023. At this time this summary noted:

 

 

"To the east of the event in Turkey, an M 5.3 occurred near the time of the new moon in Tajikistan. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in

Tajikistan was an M 5.3 on October 2, 2023 but the last of larger magnitude was an M 5.8 on March 22, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"... tidal triggering of seismicity had been expected in this and previous issues of this summary with this new moon ...

 

An M 5.9 also occurred in Tajikistan today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Choruh-Dairon, Tajikistan with maximum intensity VI in Sulukfu, Os, Kyrgyzstan with IV in Khujand, Matcha, Kofarnihon, Dushanbe, Navabadski, Tajikistan and III in Bekobod, Taskent, Uzbekistan. NEIC reported the aftershock of M 4.5 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Uzbekistan at Tashkent and Salor.  While this epicenter is about 400 km northwest of the  7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23, 2023, it is likely related to regional stress redistribution related to that mainshock. The M 5.8 occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and was probably also promoted by strong tidal, geomagnetic and GRB effects which maximized near this hour." (November 13, 2023, March 23, 2023)

 

Forecast 158350 had expected today's event in Tajikistan was likely

within about 25 km of this epicenter around November 23.

 

O: 23NOV2023 11:09:59  38.9N   71.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN

O: 23NOV2023 10:01:53  38.9N   71.8E MB=5.2  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 21NOV2023 158350    39.0N   72.0E 3.8-5.3 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in western Texas, EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 in Western Texas was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Ackerly. An earlier event about 200 km to the west of this occurred in western Texas of M 3.4 was felt with light intensity in Whites City, New Mexico and in Pecos, Texas. An M 4.0 hit this area of western Texas on November 4, 2023 but the strongest earthquake in the past 35 years in this area was an M 5.2 on December 16, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

 

"...represents a new area of seismic enhancement. The largest earthquake within about 100 km of today's epicenter in recent years included an M 4.0 on June 6, 2022 and an M 4.5 on December 28, 2021 - the only such events of M>=3.5 in this area in the past 35 years. Earthquakes in Texas with M>=5.4 have historically been rare. The only such event recorded in this state of equal or larger magnitude were an M 5.6-6.4 on August 16, 1931; an M 5.5 on June 17, 1959 and an M 5.7 on April 14, 1995. The events in 1995 and 1931 occurred in the western Permian Basin near the current series prior to today while the event in 1959 was in northern Texas near the Oklahoma border." (December 16, 2022)

 

Forecast 158367 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around

November 24. The M 4.2 epicenter is at the third node from the Mindanao M 6.9 of November 17 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 23NOV2023 23:54:22  32.0N  102.3W ML=2.5  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 23NOV2023 23:14:35  32.4N  102.0W ML=4.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 23NOV2023 23:14:35  32.4N  102.0W ML=4.2  ANSS   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 23NOV2023 19:38:54  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 23NOV2023 15:40:17  31.7N  104.5W ML=3.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 24NOV2023 158367    32.6N  104.6W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                    

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Los Angeles, California in Inglewood. EMSC reported light shaking in Los Angeles, Cudahy, Torrance, Pasadena. Forecast 158369 had expected today's M 2.5 was likely around November 24 within about 50 km of today's epicenter.

 

O: 24NOV2023 02:02:17  33.9N  117.8W ML=2.0  EMSC   GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIF.

O: 23NOV2023 21:30:56  33.9N  118.3W ML=2.5  EMSC   GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI

P: 24NOV2023 158369    33.6N  118.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM TEMPORARILY DAMPENS GLOBAL SEISMICIT?Y

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 22, 2023

 

It was a relatively quiet day in global seismicity. This is typical of the second and third days after the start of strong geomagnetic storms such as the current storm as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw minor storm conditions today. The AP level was 30.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 60. Middle latitudes were at disturbed conditions with AP 17. This storm is the strongest ionospheric disturbance since AP reached 40 on November 6 and the most disturbed at high latitudes since high latitude AP reached 86 on October 28, 2023. This activity is likely to enhance global seismicity near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes with the potential to trigger strong earthquakes in that zone in the next several days." (November 21-23, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today were a pair of earthquakes in  Indonesia and New Guinea - both of M 5.0. The event in New Guinea occurred near the current eruption of Ulawun Volcano in New Britain and was probably promoted by stress transfer from that eruption. Forecast 158272 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around November 23.

 

O: 22NOV2023 11:49:58   7.0S  150.8E MB=5.0  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.   

P: 23NOV2023 158272     8.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  New Ireland                

 

The M 5.0 south of Timor was widely felt in the area.  BMG  reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Timor, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Timor, Indonesia in Tidak Ada Wilaah Terdampak. This is an unusual epicenter for a moderate quake. The last event within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 5.2 on October 4, 2013 - an aftershock of an M 5.8 on April 19, 2013. At the time this summary noted:

 

"An earthquake of M 5.8-6.2 hit in the Banda Sea of Indonesia today. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity II in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is not uncommon for strong events in this area of the Banda Sea to be felt in the Darwin area. Local News also reported it was lightly felt in Maluku Island and on the island of Kai. BMG reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Saumlaki, Maluku, in the Banda Sea. This may be an aftershock of an M 7.1 which hit this area to the west on December 10, 2012, and is the second strongest in the Banda Sea in the past two years." (April 19, 2013)

 

Forecast 158266 had expected this activity to the north was likely around November 23.

 

O: 22NOV2023 19:02:55  12.4S  121.7E MB=5.0  EMSC   SOUTH OF TIMOR               

P: 23NOV2023 158266     8.0S  122.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA  Flores Island area         

 

A moderate aftershock (M 4.8) of the M 6.9 in Mindanao of November 17 was also widely felt today.  BMG  reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity V in the area(s) of Indonesia at Marore, Kep. Sangihe, Sulawesi Utara; III in Miangas, Kep. Talaud, Sulawesi Utara; Tagulandang, Siau, Biaro and I in Kep. Marore. PHIVOLCS reported intensity III in Mindanao at Sarangani, Jose Abad Santos, Malita and Santa Maria, Davao Occidental; Alabel, Maitum, Maasim, Glan and Malungon, Sarangani' and Tampakan and Tupi, south Cotabato. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Maasim and General Santos City, Philippines. Forecast 158251 had expected this activity today was likely within about 50 km around November 24.

 

O: 22NOV2023 13:35:18   4.5S  125.7E MB=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA                     

O: 23NOV2023 03:24:32   5.6N  125.1E MB=4.8  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 24NOV2023 158251     5.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

Despite the absence of strong earthquakes today, a series of light to moderate earthquakes were widely felt in their epicentral areas.

 

An earthquake of M 3.7 was also felt widely in Central Italy today. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 3.7 in Italy was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Italy in  L'Aquila, Progetto Case Sassa Nsi, Preturo, Collebrincioni, Paganica-Tempera, Pizzoli, Teramo, Ascoli Piceno among others. Forecast 158402 had expected today's event within about 150 km was likely around November 24.

 

O: 22NOV2023 16:52:46  42.3N   13.4E ML=3.7  EMSC   CENTRAL ITALY                 

P: 24NOV2023 158402    41.0N   14.0E 3.0-5.1 ABAAA  Italy                      

 

An earthquake of M 3.8 also shook much of Nepal today. It occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong geomagnetic and/or tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Nepal was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nepal. EMSC reported moderate intensity was felt in Nepal at Thankot, Sitapaila, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Patan, Sainbu Bhainsepati, Madhyapur Thimi, Dhapasi, and Mahangkal.

 

EMSC reported moderate intensity was felt in Nepal at Thankot, Sitapaila, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Patan, Sainbu Bhainsepati, Madhyapur Thimi, Dhapasi, and Mahangkal. Forecast 158063 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region of Nepal around November 18.

 

O: 22NOV2023 19:34:26  27.7N   85.1E MB=3.8  EMSC   NEPAL                        

P: 18NOV2023 158063    27.0N   88.0E 3.5-5.6 BABAA  Nepal                      

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.3 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. Recent earthquakes of equal or larger magnitude in this area of the Rat Islands occurred as an M 4.3 on November 14, 2023 and an M 5.1 on November 5, 2023. At that time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.1 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm today (see above) which maximized at high latitudes near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 5.7 on June 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"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." (November 5, 2023, June 8, 2023, June 5, 2022)

 

Forecast 158449 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km in the

Rat Islands around November 22.

 

O: 22NOV2023 13:00:42  51.7N  178.7E MB=4.3  EMSC   RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 22NOV2023 158449    52.0N  179.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKES IN HALMAHERA AND VANUATU

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2023

 

A pair of strong earthquakes were recorded today in Halmahera south of Mindanao, Philippines (M 6.0-6.6) and in Vanuatu (M 6.7). These occurred as a strong geomagnetic storm, the first in more than a week began and joined a string of moderate earthquake which followed the geomagnetic equator from Samoa, Vanuatu, Banda, Molucca and Halmahera (see today’s earthquake map below). They are near the geomagnetic equator and may have been promoted by stresses associated with that storm as noted in this summary as:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw disturbed conditions today. The AP level was 18.  High latitudes  saw minor storm conditions with AP 31. Middle latitudes were at disturbed conditions with AP 15. This storm continued into early November 22 with KP up to 7 around 03-08 UT. This activity is likely to enhance global seismicity near the geomagnetic equator with the potential to trigger strong earthquakes in that zone in the next several days. The AP at high latitudes and the global AP are the strongest disturbance in the geomagnetic field since AP reached 40 km November 6, 2023.

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in central Vanuatu. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Vanuatu since an M 7.0 on January 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.0 in central Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with minor damage in Vanuatu in Sanma at Port Olry (VIII) and Luganville (VI) with intensity IV in Vila Shefa, Vanuatu. This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the full moon of January 6 as it occurred near a longitude of maximum stress with that event as previously noted in this summary

 

...

 

The last strong earthquake in central Vanuatu of M>=6.5 was an M 6.9 on August 18, 2021. The last earthquake within about 250 km of today's epicenter with M>=7 in the region was an M 7.0 on April 28, 2016 and prior to that an M 7.1 on October 20, 2015 near today's epicenter. The environmental conditions at the time of the event on October 20, 2015 in Vanuatu were similar to those today with stresses from a new moon..." (January 8, 2023)

 

Forecasts 158215 and 158484 had expected today's event within about 100 km was

likely around November 19.

 

O: 22NOV2023 04:47:32  14.9S  168.0E MW=6.7  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 19NOV2023 158215    14.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

P: 26NOV2023 158484    14.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

 

A strong earthquake of M 6.0-6.6 was also recorded in the region of Halmahera, Indonesia today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 6.0 in Halmahera was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Halmahera. PHIVOLCS reported intensity II in the City of General Santos; Glan, Alabel, Malapatan, Malungon and Kiamba, Sarangani; Tupi, Tampakan, City of Koronadal and Tboli, south Cotabato and I in Polomolok, Surallah and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Maasim and Maitum, Sarangani.

BMG reported this event with M 6.6 was felt with intensity III in Kota Manado at Wenang, Tikala, Mapanget, Paal Dua; Toraja in Tikala; Halmahera in Jailolo, Lododa, Ibu Selatan, Sahu Timur, Galela, Kao, Malifut, Tobelo Tengah, Tobelo, Galela, Loloda, Kao and in Ternate at Pulau Batang Dua, Pulau Hiri. EMSC reported moderate shaking in the Philippines at General Santos City, and in Manado, Indonesia with strong shaking.

 

Today's event is the strongest recorded within about 200 km of this epicenter

in Halmahera since an M 7.0 on January 18, 2023 and before than an M 7.1 on November 14, 2019. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was likely promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It occurred in an area which has seen strong seismic enhancement in the past week including an M 6.8 in  Mindanao to the north of this epicenter and several in Molucca and Halmahera of strong or moderately strong magnitude. When an M 7.1 hit the Banda Sea  on November 8 this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the world today were a pair of strong to major earthquakes of M 6.7 and 7.1 in the Banda Sea, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity III in the Banda Sea, Indonesia area. The mainshock of M 7.1 was preceded about a minute early by a foreshock of M 6.7 which was felt in the area with maximum intensity VI. These events were also felt in northern Australia at Darwin. BMG reported the mainshock of M 7.1 was felt with intensity up to V in the Tanimbar Islands. BMG reported this activity in the Tanimbar region was felt with intensity IV in Bandaneira, III in Maluku Tengah, Banda, Maluku Tenggara, at Kecil, Manyeuw, Hoat Sorbay, in Tanimbar at Tanimbar Selatan, Selaru, Wer Tamrian, Wer Maktian; in Seram Bagian in Maluku Barat Daya and in Kota Tual and many other communities experienced lesser shaking. No tsunamis were observed or expected with these events. A moderate foreshock hit the region yesterday and was reported in this summary as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake near the geomagnetic equator in Indonesia today was an M 5.2 in the Banda Sea.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Banda Sea, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Banda Sea, Indonesia in Dili, Timor. BMG reported intensity III-IV in Timur, Alor, Nusa, Tengara, Maluku, Tengah Selatan, among others. This follows a relatively quiet period in Indonesia over the past week and probably is the first salvo of enhanced seismicity in the area with the major geomagnetic storm of yesterday and today (see above). The last earthquake of M>=5.2 in the Banda Sea area was an M 5.8 on September 23, 2023." (November 8, 2023)

 

Likewise when an event of M 6.7 hit the area of Mindanao northwest of today's epicenter on November 17, this summary noted:

 

"This earthquake follows a series of earthquakes in Central Indonesia and southern Philippines of the past week which was addressed several days ago in this summary as:

 

"The strongest earthquake of the day in the world was an M 6.2 in Halmahera, Indonesia. BMG reported maximum intensity III at Banggai Tengah, Banggai Laut and Sulawesi with intensity II in Bolaang Mongondow at Lolayan Passi Timur, Bilaland and in Minahasa at Selatan, Utara, Tengara, and in Kota Bitung, Tomohon, Kotamobagu and Toraja Utara at Tikala. This earthquake continues a strong activation of the region of central and eastern Indonesia and southern Philippines which has been connected in this summary to the strong geomagnetic storm of the past several days as:

 

"This continues the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term." (November 9-12, 2023)

 

Further enhancement of seismicity in southern Philippines and central and eastern Indonesia is expected in the next several days especially near the geomagnetic equator and with the new moon which is expected to enhance global seismicity" (November 16, 17, 2023)

 

Forecast 158250 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km  of this epicenter around November 22.

 

O: 22NOV2023 02:48:52   1.7N  127.2E MW=6.0  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

O: 22NOV2023 02:48:52   1.7N  127.2E MW=6.6  BMG    HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

P: 22NOV2023 158250     1.0N  128.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

SECOND MODERATE QUAKE IN CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2023

 

The largest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This follows an M 5.3 recorded near this epicenter and reported on in the previous issue of this summary as:

 

"The second largest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.3 in the Central Mid-Atlantic. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This epicenter is nearly antipodal to a series of events in New Britain of the past week at 3S 151E where a major volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun occurred today (see below). Similar events hit the area as an M 5.5 on January 3, 2023 and an M 5.3 on February 17, 2023 but the last of larger  magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 6.5 on August 30, 2020.

 

Forecast 157988 had expected today's event within about 10 km was likely around

November 19, 2023." (November 20, 2023)

 

 

O: 21NOV2023 05:10:28   1.0N   29.0W MW=5.5  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

O: 19NOV2023 17:00:21   1.0N   29.1W MW=5.3  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P: 19NOV2023 157988     1.0N   29.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg  

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9-4.1 in Southeastern Alaska and the area of British Columbia, Canada. The M 4.1 occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake with M>=4.1 within about 100 km of this epicenter near Yakutat, Alaska occurred as an M 5.3 a month ago on October 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

A series of earthquakes occurred today in southeastern Alaska. The largest of these were of M 5.1 and M 5.3. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Alaska at Haines and Hoonah and II-III in Skagway, Elfin Cove, Douglas, Juneau, Sitka, and Angoon and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada and Fraser Lake, British Columbia, Canada and perhaps as far as Anchorage and Beaver, Alaska nearly 1000 km to the north. Aftershocks were felt with intensity II-III in Southeastern Alaska at Elfin Cove, Douglas, Juneau and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is likely these events were promoted by tidal stresses with today's full moon and eclipse ...

 

Today's event in southeastern Alaska is the strongest within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 6.2 and 5.3 on May 1, 2017 followed by aftershocks of M 5.6 and 5.7. At the time this summary noted in regard to this series:

 

" ... The only moderate seismicity in this year (2017) in the area prior to today occurred on January 16 with M 4.1 and 4.3. An M 6.2 hit the are 17 years ago on January 6, 2000. The M 6.3 in this region today is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on July 1, 1973. Other events of M>=6.3 were recorded on July 10, 1958 (M 7.9); February 3, 1944 (M 6.4); October 24, 1927 (M 7.1); January 18, 1901 (M 7.1) and in September, 1899 (M 8.6). A strong aftershock is considered likely since it has been 44 years since the last such event in the region." (May 1, 2017, October 28, 2023)

 

Today's event is probably an aftershock of the M 5.3 on October 28, 2023.

Forecasts 158184 and 158452 had expected today's event was likely around November 18-22.

 

O: 20NOV2023 22:22:47  59.0N  137.9W ML=3.3  EMSC   BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

O: 20NOV2023 21:27:04  59.0N  137.9W MB=4.1  ECAN OF YAKUTAT, AK   

O: 20NOV2023 21:27:04  59.0N  137.9W ML=3.9  EMSC   BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA     

P: 18NOV2023 158184    58.0N  136.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Southeast Alaska           

P: 22NOV2023 158452    59.0N  136.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Southeast Alaska           

 

 

An earthquake of M 4.7-4.8 occurred today in the Tyrrhenian Sea west of Italy. Earthquakes in this area are generally at intermediate to deep focal depth (300-500 km depth) as was today's event, and are seldom felt at the surface. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in this area within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 5.8 on October 28, 2016. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A deep focus earthquake of M 5.8 occurred today in the Tyrrhenian Sea of Italy. It was reported felt with intensity II in Messina, Sicily, Italy. The depth  of this earthquake suggests it may have been promoted by tidal stresses ..." (October 28, 2016)

 

Forecast 158093 had expected today's activity within about 100 km was likely around November 20. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the M 6.8 in  Mindanao of November 17, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. An unusual event of M 3.6 also occurred in France today at this distance from Mindanao.

 

 

O: 20NOV2023 06:46:28  39.7N   13.7E MB=4.7  EMSC   TYRRHENIAN SEA               

P: 20NOV2023 158093    39.0N   15.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Mediterranean/Sicily       

 

The eruption of Ulawun Volcano in New Britain continued today. Some evacuations occurred and air traffic was rerouted away from the ash clouds.

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 19, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Hokkaido, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Yokohama, Japan. This epicenter is at the ninth node (40 degrees) from the M 6.9 in Mindanao of November 17 and was probably promoted by energy from that source. An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred near this epicenter on August 11, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Hokkaido, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Hokkaido at Saporo, Hakodate and in Aomori in Hachinohe and Misawa. The last earthquake recorded in the region of Hokkaido, Japan with M>=5.8 was an M 6.2 on June 11, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

"Today's M 6.2 in Hokkaido is the strongest recorded in southern Hokkaido within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.2 on December 19, 2021 and prior to that an M 6.6 near today's

 epicenter on September 5, 2018." (June 11, August 11, 2023)

 

Today's event follows a series of moderate quake to the north in the Kuril Islands which was commented on in this summary in the previous as:

 

"A series of moderate earthquakes occurred throughout the Kuril Islands today. While not unusual individually, this broad activation of the region suggests a regional stress which may later include a strong regional event." (November 19, 2023)

 

Forecast 158135 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area of Hokkaido was

likely in mid-November.

 

O: 19NOV2023 21:01:31  41.2N  142.2E MW=5.8  EMSC   HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION       

P: 12NOV2023 158135    43.0N  141.0E 3.5-5.6 CBAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

P: 14NOV2023 158135    44.0N  142.0E 3.5-5.4 BCAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

The second largest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.3 in the Central Mid-Atlantic. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This epicenter is nearly antipodal to a series of events in New Britain of the past week at 3S 151E where a major volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun occurred today (see below). Similar events hit the area as an M 5.5 on January 3, 2023 and an M 5.3 on February 17, 2023 but the last of larger  magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 6.5 on August 30, 2020.

 

Forecast 157988 had expected today's event within about 10 km was likely around

November 19, 2023.

 

O: 19NOV2023 17:00:21   1.0N   29.1W MW=5.3  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P: 19NOV2023 157988     1.0N   29.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg  

 

Mount Ulawun erupted today in New Britain, Indonesia. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin Australia reported the eruption began about 06:30 UT on November 20 and involved volcanic ask sent to heights of up to 50,000 feet (15,000 meters). The risk of a tsunami is being evaluated and could reach as far as Japan. Ulawun Volcano is located at 5S 151.3E. This epicenter has seen a series of moderate earthquakes in the past several days which were probably precursory activity to today's eruption. Forecast 158010 had expected this activity was likely in mid-November.

 

O: 20NOV2023 06:30:00   5.0S  151.3E MW=5.0  NEWS   VOLCANIC ERUPTION OF ULAWUN  

P: 15NOV2023 158010     4.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

In other volcanic news, the anticipated eruption in Iceland is still considered likely in the next several days by officials at the Icelandic Meteorological Office as magma slowly moves towards the surface. More than 500 earthquakes were recorded today (the largest of which was M 2.7) in Iceland around 7 am (9:00 UT) and may be precursory to the anticipated eruption. Residents of Grindavik have been evacuated and a state of emergency near Mount Fagradalsfjall Volcano is still in effect. Forecast 158195 had expected this activity in mid-November.

 

O: 19NOV2023 13:26:14  63.9N   22.1W ML=2.8  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P: 16NOV2023 158195    63.0N   24.0W 3.0-5.2 BAAAA  Iceland area               

 

An earthquake of M 4.7-4.8 occurred today in the Tyrrhenian Sea west of Italy.

Earthquakes in this area are generally at intermediate to deep focal depth (300-500 km depth) as was today's event, and are seldom felt at the surface. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in this area within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 5.8 on October 28, 2016. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A deep focus earthquake of M 5.8 occurred today in the Tyrrhenian Sea of Italy. It was reported felt with intensity II in Messina, Sicily, Italy. The depth  of this earthquake suggests it may have been promoted by tidal stresses ..." (October 28, 2016)

 

Like the M 4.4 off northern California and Iceland, this event in the Tyrrhenian Sea is located a 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mindanao of November 17, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.

 

Forecast 158093 had expected today's activity within about 100 km was likely around November 20.

 

O: 20NOV2023 06:46:28  39.7N   13.7E MB=4.7  EMSC   TYRRHENIAN SEA               

O: 20NOV2023 06:46:28  39.7N   13.7E MB=4.8  ANSS   TYRRHENIAN SEA               

P: 20NOV2023 158093    39.0N   15.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Mediterranean/Sicily       

 

A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today in eastern Mexico in Veracruz,  Oaxaca and Chiapas. Forecasts 158025, 158026 and 158031 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area between November 16 and 19.

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 4.4 in Veracruz, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Veracruz, Mexico in San Lorenzo, Tenochtitlan.

 

O: 19NOV2023 10:08:07  17.7N   94.8W MB=4.4  EMSC   VERACRUZ, MEXICO             

P: 12NOV2023 158026    17.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.3 CAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

The activity in Chiapas is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in New Guinea of October 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Iceland is also at this distance from New Britain.

 

O: 19NOV2023 19:17:55  14.0N   93.2W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 19:38:08  14.0N   93.2W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 18:46:25  14.1N   93.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 20:22:59  14.1N   93.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 22:57:03  14.1N   93.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 21:26:17  14.2N   93.1W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 20:47:01  14.3N   93.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 17:25:52  14.9N   93.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 14:12:05  15.0N   93.6W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 19NOV2023 18:25:52  14.0N   93.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO 

P: 19NOV2023 158025    14.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 19NOV2023 07:59:38  15.1N   94.2W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO 

P: 16NOV2023 158026    16.0N   93.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

P: 17NOV2023 158031    14.0N   92.0W 3.5-5.7 ABAAA  Guatemala                  

P: 19NOV2023 158025    14.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.3 ABAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 off the coast of Northern California. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in California at Ferndale. This is the largest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter off northern California since an M 4.9 on December 10, 2022 and an M 5.6 on May 21, 2023. At the time of the M 4.9 in December, 2022 this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 off the coast of Northern California. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Northern California at Fortuna and Westport. This is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter off the coast of Northern California since an M 5.5 on May 18, 2020 and an M 5.8 on January 25, 2018." (December 10, 2022)

 

This earthquake was located at 102 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mindanao, Philippines of November 17, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.

 

Forecast 158151 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around November 16.

 

O: 20NOV2023 02:57:00  40.8N  127.3W MB=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN

P: 16NOV2023 158151    40.4N  127.2W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

 

 

STRONG QUAKE IN NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Pagan Region of the northern Mariana Islands. This is the largest earthquake to have occurred within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.2 on June 13, 2020. Most strong earthquakes in this region – including today's and the event in June, 2020 occur at deep focus around 400-600 km depth and do not have serious effects at the surface. At the time of the M 6.2 in June, 2020 this summary noted:

 

 

"The M 6.2 in the northern Mariana Islands was not reported felt. It occurred at a depth greater than 620 km in a sparsely populated area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=6.2 was an M 6.4 on June 28, 2019 and an M 7.7 on July 29, 2016." (June 13, 2020)

 

It occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 158042 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in the northern Marianas around November 18, 2023.

 

 

O: 19NOV2023 04:01:36  18.8N  145.3E MW=5.9  EMSC   PAGAN REG., N. MARIANA ISLANDS

O: 19NOV2023 04:13:02  18.8N  145.3E mb=4.4  EMSC   PAGAN REG., N. MARIANA ISLANDS

P: 18NOV2023 158042    19.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  No. Marianas               

 

A series of moderate earthquakes occurred throughout the Kuril Islands today. While not unusual individually, this broad activation of the region suggests a regional stress which may later include a strong regional event. Forecasts 158158 and 158159 had expected this activity around November 16-18, 2023.

 

O: 18NOV2023 17:41:37  43.6N  147.3E MB=4.4  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 16NOV2023 158158    45.0N  147.0E 3.5-5.4 ABAAA  So. Kurils                  

 

O: 18NOV2023 20:05:57  45.2N  148.2E MB=4.4  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 16NOV2023 158158    45.0N  147.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  So. Kurils                 

 

O: 18NOV2023 21:58:13  46.0N  152.1E MB=4.6  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                 

P: 18NOV2023 158159    46.0N  153.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  So. Kurils                 

 

O: 18NOV2023 21:58:43  50.9N  146.7E MB=5.0  EMSC   SEA OF OKHOTSK               

P: 16NOV2023 158158    45.0N  147.0E 3.5-5.4 ACAAA  So. Kurils                 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada was an M 3.8 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. The most recent earthquakes in the Rat Islands of larger magnitude occurred as an M 5.1 on November 5, 2023 and aftershocks of M 4.4 on November 7 and November 14. Forecast 158181 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around November 18.

 

O: 18NOV2023 07:18:21  50.2N  179.3E ML=3.8  EMSC   RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 18NOV2023 158181    51.0N  178.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Rat Islands                 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN MINDANAO CONTINUES REGIONAL SEISMIC ENHANCEMENT

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 17, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7-6.9 in Mindanao, Philippines. EMSC reported strong shaking in Mindanao at General Santos City, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal, Digos, Bato, Davao, Kabacan, Samal, Mati, Kapatagan, Cagayan de Oror, Gingoog,  and in Indonesia at Manado, and lightly in Malaysia.

PHIVOLCS reported maximum intensity VII in Glan, Sarangani; VI in Koronadal and Polomolok, South Cotabato and teh City of General Santos with V in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, City of Taggum, Davao del Norte; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Ocidental; Alabel, Kiamba, Maitum, Maasim and Malungon , Sarangani; Banga, Lake Sebu, Tampakan and Tup, South Cotabato and in the City of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. It was also felt with intensity IV in the City of Zamboanga, Surigao del Sur, Maguindanao, Agusan Del Sur and II in Bukidnon, City of Butuan Sulu and Basilan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VIII in Mindanao at Burias. Press reports indicated considerable damage including more than seven people killed by falling debris during the quake. A crane collapsed killing several people. Much of the damage occurred in General Santos City about 100 km from the epicenter where a ceiling at a shopping center collapsed. No tsunami was observed or expected with this quake. Power was temporarily out in the epicentral area. Many injuries were reported and building an ceiling collapses were reported throughout the area. BMG reported this earthquake with M 6.9 at 5.5N 125.2E with light to moderate shaking of II-IV in islands south of Mindanao in Indonesia including at Tahuna, Morotal Selatan, Boa-Sio and Manado among others. This earthquake follows a series of earthquakes in Central Indonesia and southern Philippines of the past week which was addressed several days ago in this summary as:

 

"The strongest earthquake of the day in the world was an M 6.2 in Halmahera, Indonesia. BMG reported maximum intensity III at Banggai Tengah, Banggai Laut and Sulawesi with intensity II in Bolaang mongondow at Lolayan Passi Timur, Bilaland and in Minahasa at Selatan, Utara, Tengara, and in Kota Bitung, Tomohon, Kotamobagu and Toraja Utara at Tikala. This earthquake continues a strong activation of the region of central and eastern Indonesia and southern Philippines which has been connected in this summary to the strong geomagnetic storm of the past several days as:

 

"This continues the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term." (November 9-12, 2023)

 

Further enhancement of seismicity in southern Philippines and central and eastern Indonesia is expected in the next several days especially near the geomagnetic equator and with the new moon which is expected to enhance global seismicity" (November 16, 2023)

 

The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.7 occurred on April 28, 2017. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A major earthquake of M 6.8 (EMSC) to 7.2 (PHIVOLCS) occurred in the area of Mindanao, Philippines today. It was widely felt in the area with minor damage. This event is part of the series of strong earthquakes from Mindanao to central Mindoro, Philippines which began after the M 6.6 in Botswana on April 3. ...

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 6.8 in Mindanao was felt with intensity VII in Maitum and San Jose, General Santos City, with intensity VI in Katangawan, Southern Mindanao. Intensity V was reported from Southern Mindanao at Buayan, Silway, Polomolok, Malungon, Koronadal, Balutakay, Digos, Limao, and IV in Zamboanga, Davao, Ula, Inawayan, and II-III in Kapatan, Palian, Norala, Kalawag, Makilala, Lacson, Salimbao, Mawab, Barra, Malitbog, Lumbayao, Tiayon and as far as Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia. ... The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter with M>=6.8 was an M 7.4 and 7.6 on July 23, 2010. The last within about 140 km of this epicenter was an M 7.1 on February 5, 2005." (April 28, 2017)

 

Forecast 157996 had expected this event in this area was likely in mid-November within about 100 km of today's epicenters.

 

O: 17NOV2023 09:38:16   5.5N  125.2E ML=4.0  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

O: 17NOV2023 21:15:08   5.5N  125.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

O: 18NOV2023 04:18:17   5.5N  125.0E ML=4.3  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

O: 17NOV2023 08:43:27   5.7N  125.2E ML=4.4  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

O: 17NOV2023 08:14:13   5.6N  125.1E MW=6.7  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

O: 17NOV2023 08:14:13   5.5N  125.2E MW=6.7  BMG    MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 14NOV2023 157996     6.0N  124.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

P: 19NOV2023 157996     4.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in the Gulf of Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. Earthquakes of M>=4.7 in the Gulf of Alaska in the past three years within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred on October 24, 2020 (M 4.8) and February 3, 2022 (M 4.9).

No earthquakes of M>=5 have occurred in this area since an M 5.1 on March 20, 2020. These appear to be aftershocks of the great quake of M 7.9 on January 23, 2018. At the time of the February, 2022 this summary noted:

 

 

"The largest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred in the region of Alaska. This is not uncommon but the number of events of M>=4.3 (four) and their variety of locations (South of Alaska - M 4.9; Rat Islands - M 4.6; Andreanof

Islands - M 4.4 and Fox Islands - M 4.3)  within the state were unusual. The largest of these was an M 4.9 followed 14 minutes later by an M 3.4 in the Gulf of Alaska. This is an aftershock of the M 8.1 which hit this area on January 23, 2018. It is the largest such aftershock since an M 5.1 which occurred March 20, 2020 nearly two years ago." (February 3, 2022) 

 

Forecast 158197 had expected today's quake was likely within about 200 km  around November 18.

 

O: 17NOV2023 19:13:52  56.9N  149.3W MB=4.7  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA               

P: 18NOV2023 158197    55.0N  149.0W 3.0-4.7 BBAAA  Northern Alaska            

 

 

 

UNUSUAL EARTHQUAKE OF M 3.6 SHAKES ILLINOIS; STRONG QUAKE SOUTH OF MINDANAO

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 15, 2023

 

An unusual earthquake of M 3.6 was widely felt in the area of Illinois today. NEIC reported intensity up to V in the epicentral area including at Standard, Illinois. The last earthquake in this region within about 200 km of today's epicenter in Illinois with magnitude greater than or equal to M 3.6 was recorded by NEIC to have occurred on with M 3.8 on February 10, 2010. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"The earthquake with epicenter in Illinois was felt throughout much of the

eastern United States. Intensity I-III was reported to NEIC from Massachusetts,

New Jersey, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky,

Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Soouth Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas and Colorado. ...

 

The only comparable earthquake in the region in the past 20 years occurred on June 28, 2004 with M 4.2. This earthquake in 2004 was felt with intensity V in Earlville and Ottawa, Illinois and as far as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. It was followed several hours later by an earthquake of M 6.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands. It is not uncommon for strong earthquakes on the plate boundary to follow moderate intraplate earthquakes in the United States. We have described this as a creaking of the plate...." (February 10, 2010)

 

Forecasts 157817 and 158096 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely in mid-November.

 

O: 15NOV2023 10:41:55  41.2N   89.2W ML=3.6  EMSC   ILLINOIS                     

O: 15NOV2023 10:41:55  41.2N   89.2W MB=3.6  ANSS   SSE OF STANDARD ILLINOIS     

P:  9NOV2023 157817    38.0N   90.0W 2.0-4.2 CCAAA  New Madrid area             

P: 18NOV2023 158096    37.0N   88.0W 2.0-4.3 BCAAA  New Madrid area            

 

The strongest earthquake of the day in the world was an M 6.2 in Halmahera, Indonesia. BMG reported maximum intensity III at Banggai Tengah, Banggai Laut and Sulawesi with intensity II in Bolaang mongondow at Lolayan Passi Timur, Bilaland and in Minahasa at Selatan, Utara, Tengara, and in Kota Bitung, Tomohon, Kotamobagu and Toraja Utara at Tikala. This earthquake continues a strong activation of the region of central and eastern Indonesia and southern Philippines which has been connected in this summary to the strong geomagnetic storm of the past several days as:

 

"This continues the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term." (November 9-12, 2023)

 

Further enhancement of seismicity in southern Philippines and central and eastern Indonesia is expected in the next several days especially near the geomagnetic equator and with the new moon which is expected to enhance global seismicity as:

 

"The new moon arrived on November 13, 2023 at 09:27 UT.  Longitudes at local solar noon were near 37 East while those at local solar midnight are near 143 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 Ethiopia 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." (November 12-16, 2023)

 

The last earthquake of M>=5.7 within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.3 about 200 km to the south on June 30, 2004.  This event, like today's, followed a strong geomagnetic storm and a strong enhancement of seismicity near the geomagnetic equator. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of moderate to strong earthquake occurred today within the region bounded by 20 degrees north of south of the equator. The strongest of these events was an M 6.3 in the Minahassa Peninsula area of Sulawesi at 0.9 North latitude, the strongest in that are in more than three years (see below). The other major activity of the day also occurred near the equator. ...

 

The earthquake in Sulawesi of M 6.3 was reported by the Jakarta Post as being felt in Manado and is the strongest in the region since an M 7.1 on Feb. 24, 2001 to the east of today's earthquake and an M 7.6 on May 4, 2000 to the southwest. While no reports of damage are currently available, this size earthquake may have done damage in the epicentral area. The last event in the area which was similar to today's in magnitude occurred on Oct. 18, 2003 with M 6.3-6.4." (June 30, 2004)

 

O: 15NOV2023 23:26:17   2.0N  124.1E MW=5.7  EMSC   CELEBES SEA                  

O: 15NOV2023 23:26:17   2.0N  124.1E MW=6.2  BMG    CELEBES SEA                  

P: 16NOV2023 157995     2.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred in the Fiji Islands and to the south of the Fiji Islands. This included earthquakes of M 4.9, 5.1, 4.8 and 4.5 which had been forecast is #s 158225, 157967 and 158226 to occur in mid-November. This enhanced seismicity in the Fiji Islands was probably promoted by the passage of Tropical Cyclone Mal through the region today as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"TD MAL continued today in the area of Tonga with winds up to 65 kts.  It is expected to track to the southeast over the next several days passing through Fiji and Tonga where it may promote moderate to large earthquakes. It is expected to dissipate over the next day." (November 13-17, 2023)

 

O: 16NOV2023 03:51:08  20.4S  178.6W MB=4.9  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 15NOV2023 158225    20.0S  179.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 15NOV2023 23:55:39  22.2S  179.4E MB=5.1  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P:  8NOV2023 157967    23.0S  179.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Tonga/Fiji                 

 

O: 15NOV2023 16:45:23  22.6S  176.2W MB=4.8  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P: 17NOV2023 158226    24.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.7 ABBAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 16NOV2023 05:10:29  24.1S  179.0E MB=4.5  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P: 19NOV2023 158226    25.0S  179.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Tonga/Fiji                 

 

STRONG QUAKES CONTINUE IN INDONESIA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2023

 

The current seismic enhancement in Indonesia continued today with two strong earthquakes - an M 6.1 south of Sumatra and an M 5.9 in Papua New Guinea.

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 south of Sumatra and India in the South Indian Ocean. It was not reported felt in this remote area.

 

The earthquake in the South Indian Ocean of M 6.1 was not reported felt in this area. It occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon which maximize near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in the South Indian Ocean in at least 35 years. Comparable events occurred about 400 km northeast of today's epicenter with M 6.4 on November 29, 1999 and 24 year ago on November 15, 1999 with M 7.0.

 

O: 14NOV2023 07:00:58   4.0S   87.1E MW=6.1  EMSC   SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN           

 

The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 5.9 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III-IV in Papua at Finschhafen.

This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.3 on April 19, 2023. Events of  M 6.7 and M 6.9 hit about 250 km northwest of today's epicenter on October 7, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea.

It was followed by an M 6.7 and several moderate events of M>=5. An M 5.1 aftershock was felt in Madang and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Other events in the series were not initially given intensities by NEIC however some felt data comes from Madang, PNG. No tsunami was reported as this epicenter is inland near the coast." (October 7, 2023)

 

Forecast 158010 had expected this event was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter around November 17.

 

O: 14NOV2023 12:52:25   6.0S  148.2E MW=5.9  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.   

P: 17NOV2023 158010     6.0S  149.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  New Ireland                 

 

Moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and M 4.3 occurred today in the Aleutians of Alaska in the areas of the Unimak Island and the Rat Islands. These were not reported felt in these remote areas. Forecasts 158181 and 158185 had expected this activity in mid-November in these areas.

 

O: 14NOV2023 09:09:46  51.2N  178.1E MB=4.3  EMSC   RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 18NOV2023 158181    51.0N  178.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

O: 14NOV2023 12:58:07  53.8N  164.2W ML=4.2  EMSC   UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P: 15NOV2023 158185    54.5N  163.5W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

GLOBAL SEISMIC ENHANCEMENT WITH NEW MOON

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2023

 

Global seismicity today showed an increase in larger events including an M 6.0

southwest of the area of Sumatra, Indonesia; an M 5.7 in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand and an M 6.1 in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. The seismic forecast for the time around this new moon had read:

 

"The new moon arrived on November 13, 2023 at 09:27 UT.  Longitudes at local solar noon were near 37 East while those at local solar midnight are near 143 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 Ethiopia 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." (November 10-14, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Rabaul, PNG. This occurred within about 1.5 hours of the new moon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses with that alignment (see above). It continues strong sequence of moderate earthquakes in the region which was addressed in the previous issue of this summary as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Papua New Guinea. BMG reported iit was felt with intensity IX in Lerch, Jayapura, Papua; IV in Station Senggi, Keerom, Papua and III in Kaureh, Airu, in Keerom at Waris, Arso, Senggi, Web, Towe, Arso Barat, Yalfi, Kaisenar in Pengusingan Binting at Borne, Aboy, Batani, Murkim, Mofinop, Teiraplu, Nongme; in Yalukimo at Ubalihi, Talambo, Endomen, Kona and in Yalimo at Benawa. In the previous issue of this summary this activity was addressed as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in New Ireland.  This is the strongest earthquake in New Ireland since an M 6.0 on March 7, 2023.

At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of moderately large to strong earthquakes occurred today with the full moon a possible trigger for this seismicity. A second promoter was the current geomagnetic storm. This can be seen as the larger events today occurred in three categories. Category 1 was the most active and followed the geomagnetic equator around the earth. Events of M 6.0 hit near the geomagnetic equator today in Mindanao, Philippines (M 6.0-6.2), New Britain (M 6.0) and the Solomon Islands (M 6.0) with lesser magnitude in the Molucca Sea (M 5.4), Andaman Islands (M 4.9), Central Peru (M 4.7) and Turkey (M 4.5, 4.7). Category 2 events occurred at high latitudes and included, among others,

 

... The last earthquake of M>=6 in the New Ireland region within about 250 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.3 on November 30, 2021." (November 11, 13, 2023, March 7, 2023)

 

Forecast 158010 had expected today's activity within about 25 km was likely around

November 15, 2023.

 

O: 13NOV2023 16:39:35   4.0S  151.0E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 13NOV2023 23:59:59   4.1S  151.0E ML=4.9  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 14NOV2023 05:53:48   4.2S  150.8E Mw=5.4  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 13NOV2023 07:43:35   3.9S  150.9E MW=6.1  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.   

P: 15NOV2023 158010     4.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  New Ireland                

 

The earthquake in the South Indian Ocean of M 6.1 was not reported felt in this area. It occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon which maximize near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in the South Indian Ocean in at least 35 years. Comparable events occurred about 400 km northeast of today's epicenter with M 6.4 on November 29, 1999 and 24 year ago on November 15, 1999 with M 7.0.

 

O: 14NOV2023 07:00:58   4.0S   87.1E MW=6.1  EMSC   SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN           

 

An earthquake of M 5.7 also occurred today near the time of the new moon and local solar midnight in the Kermadec Islands. It was not reported felt in this remote region. This may be an aftershock of an M 6.1 northeast of this epicenter on October 23, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the Kermadec Islands. It was preceded by an M 5.1 foreshock and followed by an M 4.5 which followed near local solar noon while the M 6.1 occurred near local solar midnight. It is likely that this activity was promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near these times. The last earthquake in the Kermadec Islands of M>=6 occurred as an M 6.6 on September 8, 2023." (October 23, 2023)

 

Forecast 158234 had expected today's event in this region was likely around November 13.

 

O: 13NOV2023 14:40:55  30.7S  179.7W MW=5.7  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 13NOV2023 158234    31.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.7 AABAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

An M 4.6 also occurred today in the border region of Turkey and Iran. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Azerbaijan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Azerbaijan in Sharur City. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 on the Turkey-Iran border  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of on the Turkey-Iran border in Iran at Maku, Seyah Cheshmeh, and in Turkey at Dogubauazit, iand in Armenia at Yerevan, Prroshyan and K'anak'erravan.

This is at the maximum tidal stress longitude (see above) with today's new moon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses. Forecast 158124 had expected this activity was likely within about 200 km of this epicenter around November 17.

 

O: 13NOV2023 14:58:05  39.4N   44.7E MB=4.6  EMSC   TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION    

P: 17NOV2023 158124    38.0N   43.0E 3.5-4.9 BBBAA  Turkey                     

 

To the east of the event in Turkey, an M 5.3 occurred near the time of the new moon in Tajikistan. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in  Tajikistan was an M 5.3 on October 2, 2023 but the last of larger magnitude was an M 5.8 on March 22, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"... tidal triggering of seismicity had been expected in this and previous issues of this summary with this new moon ...

 

An M 5.9 also occurred in Tajikistan today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Choruh-Dairon, Tajikistan with maximum intensity VI in Sulukfu, Os, Kyrgyzstan with IV in Khujand, Matcha, Kofarnihon, Dushanbe, Navabadski, Tajikistan and III in Bekobod, Taskent, Uzbekistan. NEIC reported the aftershock of M 4.5 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Uzbekistan at Tashkent and Salor. While this epicenter is about 400 km northwest of the  7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23, 2023, it is likely related to regional stress redistribution related to that mainshock. The M 5.8 occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and was probably also promoted by strong tidal, geomagnetic and GRB effects which maximized near this hour." (March 23, 2023)

 

Forecast 158089 had expected today's event in Tajikistan was likely within about

100 km around November 15.

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Tajikistan.

 

O: 13NOV2023 12:16:40  38.5N   72.2E MW=5.3  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 15NOV2023 158089    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Atka, Alaska. Recent earthquakes in the eastern Andreanof Islands of larger magnitude included an M 5.0 on November 3 and an M 6.4-6.7 on October 16, 2023. At the time of the November 3 event 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." (November 3, 2023)

 

Forecast 158169 had expected today's event was likely within about 25 km of

this epicenter around November 12, 2023.

 

O: 13NOV2023 19:10:10  52.3N  174.1W ML=4.5  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 12NOV2023 158169    52.4N  174.3W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKES CONTINUE IN NEW GUINEA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in Papua New Guinea. BMG reported it was felt with intensity IX in Lerch, Jayapura, Papua; IV in Station Senggi, Keerom, Papua and III in Kaureh, Airu, in Keerom at Waris, Arso, Senggi, Web, Towe, Arso Barat, Yalfi, Kaisenar in Pengusingan Binting at Borne, Aboy, Batani, Murkim, Mofinop, Teiraplu, Nongme; in Yalukimo at Ubalihi, Talambo, Endomen, Kona and in Yalimo at Benawa. In the previous issue of this summary this activity was addressed as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in New Ireland.  This is the strongest earthquake in New Ireland since an M 6.0 on March 7, 2023.

At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of moderately large to strong earthquakes occurred today with the full moon a possible trigger for this seismicity. A second promoter was the current geomagnetic storm. This can be seen as the larger events today occurred in three categories. Category 1 was the most active and followed the geomagnetic equator around the earth. Events of M 6.0 hit near the geomagnetic equator today in Mindanao, Philippines (M 6.0-6.2), New Britain (M 6.0) and the Solomon Islands (M 6.0) with lesser magnitude in the Molucca Sea (M 5.4), Andaman Islands (M 4.9), Central Peru (M 4.7) and Turkey (M 4.5, 4.7). Category 2 events occurred at high latitudes and included, among others,

 

... The last earthquake of M>=6 in the New Ireland region within about 250 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.3 on November 30, 2021." (November 11, 2023, March 7, 2023)

 

Forecast 158010 had expected today’s activity within 25 km around November 15.

 

O: 12NOV2023 08:01:25   3.7S  151.4E mb=4.8  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 09:48:43   3.7S  151.0E Mw=5.2  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 06:59:09   4.1S  151.3E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 18:10:35   4.1S  150.3E mb=4.8  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 08:53:32   3.6S  151.4E MB=4.9  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.   

O: 12NOV2023 04:51:47   3.6S  151.2E MW=5.9  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.   

P: 15NOV2023 158010     4.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

Other moderate activity in the Papua region of Indonesia also continued in  swarms north of New Guinea (including an M 5.3) and in Molucca (but at a reduced rate in this aftershock zone of the M 7.1 of November 8. Forecasts 158020 and 158014 had expected the activity in Papua was likely in mid-November within about 100 km of today's events.

 

O: 12NOV2023 20:38:17   3.7S  140.1E Mw=5.3  EMSC   PAPUA, INDONESIA

O: 12NOV2023 15:55:02   4.2S  140.3E ML=4.9  EMSC   PAPUA, INDONESIA             

P: 15NOV2023 158020     2.0S  139.0E 4.0-5.5 BCAAA  West Irian, PNG            

P: 20NOV2023 158014     4.0S  141.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Papua New Guinea           

 

O: 12NOV2023 18:18:21   6.2S  129.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 16:36:56   6.4S  129.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 09:36:23   6.6S  129.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 16:39:51   6.0S  129.5E MB=4.8  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 12NOV2023 158000     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in Akutan, Alaska.

This follows a similar M 4.5 near this epicenter of November 12, 2023. At the time (in the previous issue of this summary) it was noted as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in the Alaska Peninsula/Unimak Island, Alaska. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in the area of Sand Point, Alaska. An M 4.5 was also located in Alaska today in the Fox Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in that remote area. The M 4.5 in the Fox Islands is the largest within about 150 km of that epicenter since an M 4.5  on July 30 while the event in the area south of Alaska last saw an M 4.5 or greater event  within about 150 km of today's epicenter on March 7, 2023 (M 4.5). Forecasts 158185 and 158167 had expected today's activity in these region was likely around November 12-13." (November 12, 2023)

 

 

O: 12NOV2023 08:25:43  53.6N  165.5W MW=4.6  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 12NOV2023 158185    52.5N  163.7W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

MODERATE QUAKES CONTINUE IN SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2023

 

The southwest Pacific continued to see the world's strongest seismicity today.

Moderately large events occurred in New Ireland (PNG) with M 5.9; as aftershocks

in the Banda Sea (M 5.7) and in Vanuatu (M 5.5). These areas are near the geomagnetic equator and may have been promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm of the past several days as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"... this is the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term." (November 8-9, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in New Ireland.  This is the strongest earthquake in New Ireland since an M 6.0 on March 7, 2023.

At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of moderately large to strong earthquakes occurred today with the full moon a possible trigger for this seismicity. A second promoter was the current geomagnetic storm. This can be seen as the larger events today occurred in three categories. Category 1 was the most active and followed the geomagnetic equator around the earth. Events of M 6.0 hit near the geomagnetic equator today in Mindanao, Philippines (M 6.0-6.2), New Britain (M 6.0) and the Solomon Islands (M 6.0) with lesser magnitude in the Molucca Sea (M 5.4), Andaman Islands (M 4.9), Central Peru (M 4.7) and Turkey (M 4.5, 4.7). Category 2 events occurred at high latitudes and included, among others,

 

... The last earthquake of M>=6 in the New Ireland region within about 250 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.3 on November 30, 2021." (March 7, 2023)

 

O: 12NOV2023 04:47:58   3.8S  151.2E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 05:54:39   3.8S  151.1E mb=5.2  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 06:02:30   3.8S  151.1E mb=5.0  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 06:12:21   3.8S  151.1E mb=5.2  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 06:59:08   4.0S  151.3E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 06:25:12   4.1S  151.4E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.

O: 12NOV2023 04:51:47   3.6S  151.2E MW=5.9  EMSC   NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.   

P:  8NOV2023 157735     4.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  New Ireland                

P: 15NOV2023 158010     4.0S  151.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

Aftershocks of the M 7.1 in the Banda Sea of November 8 also continued today with the maximum event of M 5.7 having been forecast in 158000 to occur in mid-November. This summary has covered this sequence extensively including in the previous issue as:

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 5.9 and M 6.2 aftershock in the Banda Sea region of Indonesia. BMG reported they were felt with intensity III in Maluku Tengah at Banda and II in Tanimbar at Wer Maktian, Tanimbar, Yaru, Wuar Labobar, Kormomolin, Niruamas, molu Maru; in Seran at Pulau Gorom, Wakate, Pulau Panjang, Teor, Gorom Timur and in Maluku at Damer. The M 6.2 was felt with intensity III in Maluku, Tanimbar and II in Seram, Ambon, Tual. This activity is aftershocks of the M 7.1 of November 8 in the Banda Sea." (November 11, 2023)

 

 

O: 11NOV2023 09:56:08   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 01:29:13   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 03:39:17   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 17:55:46   6.1S  130.0E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 18:10:55   6.1S  130.0E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 12NOV2023 04:18:11   6.1S  130.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 16:28:32   6.2S  129.8E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 06:41:52   5.7S  130.2E MW=5.7  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 12NOV2023 158000     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  Banda Sea                  

P: 16NOV2023 158000     6.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

 

A moderately strong earthquake in the world also occurred today as an M 5.5 in Central Vanuatu. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Vanuatu in Port-Vila and in Vila Shefa. A series of moderate to large earthquakes have occurred in Vanuatu since Tropical Cyclone hit the area in late October. This included an M 5.7 in southern Vanuatu on November 5; and M 5.6 in northern Vanuatu on October 28 and an M 6.0 in Southern Vanuatu on October 29. At the time of these events this summary noted the coincidence with the passage of TC Lola as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 6.0 and M 5.6 in Southern Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Vanuatu at Isangel and III in Vila Shefa with II-III in New Caledonia at We Iles, and Noumea. This was likely promoted by the passage of a strong Tropical Cyclone (Lola) through the area over the past several days as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"Tropical Cyclone Lola (01P) continued over central  Vanuatu today with winds up to 35 kts. This system is moving to the south and west. Some increases in seismicity in Vanuatu likely with this storm including a possible strong regional earthquake in the next three days." (October 25-28, 2023)

 

Today's M 6.0 in southern Vanuatu is the strongest since events of M 6.0-6.1 on September 28 and September 21, 2023." (October 28, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157950 had expected today's activity in Vanuatu was likely around November 7-9.

 

O: 11NOV2023 12:35:32  17.9S  168.1E MW=5.5  EMSC   VANUATU                       

P:  7NOV2023 157950    17.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

P:  9NOV2023 157950    19.0S  169.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in the Alaska Peninsula/Unimak Island, Alaska. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in the area of Sand Point, Alaska. An M 4.5 was also located in Alaska today in the Fox Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in that remote area. The M 4.5 in the Fox Islands is the largest within about 150 km of that epicenter since an M 4.5  on July 30 while the event in the area south of Alaska last saw an M 4.5 or greater event  within about 150 km of today's epicenter on March 7, 2023 (M 4.5). Forecasts 158185 and 158167 had expected today's activity in these region was likely around November 12-13.

 

O: 12NOV2023 05:50:36  53.6N  165.5W MB=4.5  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 12NOV2023 158185    52.5N  163.7W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

O: 11NOV2023 16:51:58  54.7N  159.7W MB=4.5  EMSC   SOUTH OF ALASKA              

P: 13NOV2023 158167    54.8N  158.7W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

 

IMMINENT ERUPTION IN ICELAND?

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2023

 

An imminent eruption is possible in the area near Reykjavik, Iceland.  Earthquakes today included an M 5.0 and 5.1 in the region of Grindavik, Iceland. This town of about 3500 has been ordered evacuated due to the likelihood of this eruption. EMSC reported these events were felt with strong intensity in Mosfellsbaer, Kopavogur, Keflavik, Suournesjabaer, Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavik, among others. This continues the current series of eruptions which began in 2021 - part of a sequence that occurs with about 700 year intervals and can last as long as 100 years. In this area of Iceland this involves motions between the North American tectonic and the European tectonic plates. Initial lava flows can be up to 100 feet per minute – faster than walking pace. There area some infrastructure near the site of this imminent eruption include the town of Grindavik several km away and a power plant and roads which could be damaged in an eruption. Several roads were actually reported damaged near Grindavik today by earthquakes.

 

Following is a listing of events in this Iceland swarm today of M>=4.0. A more  detailed listing of events of M>=3.5 can be found in the EUROPE section of this summary.

 Forecast 158195 had expected today's activity in Iceland was likely around November 12. The last earthquakes in Iceland with M>5.2 occurred in March and April 2021 and on October 20, 2020 (M 5.0). At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"An M 5.6 earthquake in Iceland today was accompanied by a series of lighter shocks. The mainshock was reported felt in southwestern Iceland with intensity V in Keflavik and IV in Harnarfjordur, Gardabaei, Alflanes, Kopavogur, Seltjarnarnes, Reykajik, Grundarhverfi and III in Mosfellsbaer, and Vogar.

This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was likely promoted by high tidal stresses of the new moon which maximize near this time. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Iceland within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.3 more than 12 years ago on May 29, 2008. Other such events occurred in 1998 and 2000. It is likely that this was triggered by energy from the Alaska Peninsula quake of M 7.5 yesterday combined with high tidal stresses and by the geomagnetic storm of the past day." (October 20, 2020)

 

O: 10NOV2023 19:50:18  63.1N   22.4W ML=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:44:32  63.5N   21.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 16:55:40  63.6N   23.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 17:29:54  63.7N   22.8W ML=5.2  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 20:06:39  63.7N   23.1W ML=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:00:57  63.8N   22.6W Mw=5.1  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:37:42  63.8N   22.4W ML=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 21:07:02  63.8N   22.5W ML=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 22:24:49  63.8N   22.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 22:36:21  63.8N   22.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 17:17:29  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 17:26:06  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:09:01  63.9N   22.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:09:01  63.9N   22.6W Mw=5.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:12:08  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:24:56  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.2  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:31:43  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.2  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:48:24  63.9N   22.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:52:08  63.9N   22.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:12:04  63.9N   22.4W mb=4.9  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:17:52  63.9N   22.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:27:13  63.9N   22.5W ML=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:32:15  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 19:57:33  63.9N   19.3W ML=3.9  EMSC   ICELAND

O: 10NOV2023 20:00:00  63.9N   23.0W ML=4.1  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 20:52:40  63.9N   22.4W ML=4.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 21:51:21  63.9N   22.4W mb=4.7  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 11NOV2023 04:53:32  63.9N   22.4W mb=4.7  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 16:56:30  64.0N   22.2W mb=4.8  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:06:07  64.0N   22.5W mb=4.5  EMSC   ICELAND

O: 10NOV2023 19:25:08  64.0N   19.9W ML=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND

O: 10NOV2023 19:45:17  64.0N   22.4W mb=4.8  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 23:41:41  64.0N   22.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 17:30:38  64.1N   22.5W mb=4.9  EMSC   ICELAND

O: 10NOV2023 18:00:02  64.1N   24.2W mb=4.7  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 20:57:33  64.1N   23.9W ML=4.0  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:16:32  65.0N   22.4W ML=4.5  EMSC   ICELAND

P: 12NOV2023 158195    64.0N   23.0W 3.0-5.6 AAAAA  Iceland area                

 

 

An unusually large M 5.0 also shook the area of the Dominican Republic today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity up to VI in Las Matas de Santa Cruz. The mainshock was preceded by an M 3.6 in the Mona Passage. EMSC reported strong intensity in the Dominican Republic at San Fernando de Monte Cristi, Cana Chapeton, Mao, Moncion, Amima, Imbert, Pignon, Haiti, Santiago de los Caballeros, Puerto Plata, Santiago among others. Earthquakes of M 5.0 hit in the Dominican Republic on February 1, 2023 and June 14, 2021 but the last event in the area within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred on September 23, 2018 with M 5.2 and an M 5.1 on January 23, 2012. At the time of the M 5.2 in September 23, 2018 this summary noted:

 

 

"An earthquake of M 5.2 also shook the Dominican Republic near local solar midnight today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Montellano, Jarabacoa, La Vega and IV in the Dominican Republic in Sabana Grande de Boya, Las Terrenas, Villa Vazquez, Sabaneta, Moncion, San Jose de las Matas, Villa Gonzalez, Palmar Arriva, Santiago, Sosua, Moca, Jamao al Norte, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, El Carril, Nagua, Cotui, Bonao, San Francisco e Macoris, Tireo, Gaspar Hernandez, Saint-Raphael, Baitoa, Puerto Plata, Altimira, Luperon, Mao, and Villa Elisa. It was probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with the full moon which maximized near this hour. The last earthquake in the Dominican Republic within about 150 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.2 was an M 5.5 on January 5, 2012 and is the second strongest regional aftershock to date since January, 2010 when an M 7.0 killed hundreds of thousands in the area." (September 23, 2018)

 

The mainshock of M 5.0 occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

 

Forecast 158052 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely

around November 12, 2023.

 

O: 10NOV2023 17:22:27  19.7N   71.5W Mw=5.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

O: 10NOV2023 17:29:02  19.7N   71.6W ML=3.1  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

O: 10NOV2023 23:55:14  20.1N   71.9W ML=3.5  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION

O: 10NOV2023 18:41:46  19.6N   71.5W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 12NOV2023 158052    20.0N   71.0W 3.0-4.4 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 5.9 and M 6.2 aftershock in the Banda Sea region of Indonesia. BMG reported they were felt with intensity III in Maluku Tengah at Banda and II in Tanimbar at Wer Maktian, Tanimbar, Yaru, Wuar Labobar, Kormomolin, Niruamas, molu Maru; in Seran at Pulau Gorom, Wakate, Pulau Panjang, Teor, Gorom Timur and in Maluku at Damer. The M 6.2 was felt with intensity III in Maluku, Tanimbar and II in Seram, Ambon, Tual. This activity is aftershocks of the M 7.1 of November 8 in the Banda Sea.

 

Forecast 158000 had expected today's activity was likely around November 12.

 

 

O: 10NOV2023 08:11:06   5.8S  130.3E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 12:51:45   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 00:26:18   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 08:25:07   6.0S  130.1E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 11:12:11   6.0S  130.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 12:43:00   6.0S  130.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 23:13:33   6.0S  129.9E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 23:38:07   6.0S  129.9E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 19:53:53   6.1S  129.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 20:45:13   6.1S  130.0E Mw=6.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 21:05:59   6.1S  130.1E mb=5.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 21:13:37   6.1S  130.1E Mw=5.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 21:20:14   6.1S  130.1E Mw=5.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 23:29:57   6.1S  130.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 08:31:58   6.2S  130.0E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 21:32:57   6.2S  130.1E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 21:08:55   6.3S  130.2E mb=4.9  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 08:49:43   6.4S  129.8E mb=4.9  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 11NOV2023 00:29:28   6.6S  129.3E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 14:22:55   7.2S  130.1E ML=4.7  EMSC   KEP. TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESIA

P: 12NOV2023 158000     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 BBAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

 

An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred today in the Kuril Islands. This is the strongest earthquake in the Kuril Islands since an M 6.1 on September 1, 2023. The last event of M>=5.8 within about 200 km of today's event was an M 6.0 on September 20, 2021. Forecast 158159 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around November 14, 2023.

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.8 in the Kuril Islands was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Kuril Islands in Kuril'sk, Russia.

 

O: 10NOV2023 10:10:04  45.9N  151.0E MW=5.8  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 14NOV2023 158159    45.0N  151.0E 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  So. Kurils                 

  

The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an  4.3 in western Nevada. It was reported by NEIC to have been lightly felt in the area of Mina, Nevada.   These are aftershocks of an M 6.5 which occurred on May 15, 2021. The last such aftershock of M>=4.2 occurred as an M  4.7 on February 15, 2022.  Forecast 157793 had expected today's activity in this region was likely around November 9, 2023.

 

O: 10NOV2023 15:33:31  38.2N  117.8W ML=2.6  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 10NOV2023 15:36:51  38.2N  117.9W ML=2.3  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 10NOV2023 16:01:04  38.2N  117.9W ML=2.2  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 10NOV2023 18:25:30  38.2N  117.9W ML=2.0  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 10NOV2023 15:30:44  38.2N  117.9W ML=4.2  EMSC   NEVADA                       

O: 10NOV2023 15:30:44  38.2N  117.9W ML=4.3  ANSS   NEVADA                       

P:  9NOV2023 157793    38.2N  118.8W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada (unfelt) was an M 4.5 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. This follows a similar M 4.6 in the Near Islands on November 4, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the Near Islands was an M 4.8 on May 20, 2023, the only such previous event in the area during 2023. Forecast 157913 had expected today's earthquake within about 150 km was likely around November 5" (November 4, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157913 and 158181 had expected this activity in mid-November.

 

O: 10NOV2023 12:16:14  51.9N  174.1E MB=4.5  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P:  8NOV2023 157913    52.0N  178.0E 4.0-5.7 AACAA  Rat Islands                

P: 19NOV2023 158181    52.0N  175.0E 4.0-5.6 CAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

 

STRONG AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE IN MOLUCCA; BANDA SEA, INDONESIA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  9, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the Banda Sea, Indonesia. BMG reported it was felt with intensity III in Maluku at Banda, Tanimbar in Molu Maru, Tanimbar, Wer Tamrian, Maktian, Yaru, Wuar Labobar, Kormomolin, Nirumas; and II in Seram Bagian at Wakate, Pulau, Teor. This activity is aftershocks of the M 7.1 in the Banda Sea of November 8 as noted in this summary in the previous issue of this summary:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the Banda Sea of Indonesia. This event was also felt in northern Australia at Darwin. BMG reported the mainshock of M 7.1 was felt with intensity up to V in the Tanimbar Islands. BMG reported this activity in the Tanimbar region was felt with intensity IV in Bandaneira, III in Maluku Tengah, Banda, Maluku Tenggara, at Kecil, Manyeuw, Hoat Sorbay, in Tanimbar at Tanimbar Selatan, Selaru, Wer Tamrian, Wer Maktian; in Seram Bagian in Maluku Barat Daya and in Kota Tual and many other communities experienced lesser shaking. No tsunami was observed or expected with this event." (November 9, 2023)

 

Today's M 6.0 occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably

promoted by strong tidal stresses which predominate at this hour. Forecast 158000 had expected today's activity was likely around November 12.

 

O: 09NOV2023 09:14:18   5.6S  130.2E Mw=5.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 01:13:18   5.7S  130.2E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 04:30:33   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 05:06:05   5.9S  130.1E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 00:57:01   6.0S  130.0E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 03:50:36   6.0S  130.2E Mw=5.9  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 03:50:36   6.0S  130.2E Mw=6.0  BMG    BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 05:11:48   6.0S  129.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 08:28:07   6.1S  130.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 21:26:11   6.1S  129.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 03:48:53   6.1S  130.1E Mw=4.9  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 15:36:49   6.3S  129.6E mb=4.7  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 08:36:47   6.4S  129.9E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 10:12:56   6.4S  129.5E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 10NOV2023 03:10:42   6.4S  129.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 07:36:11   6.5S  129.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O:  9NOV2023 14:15:02   5.4S  130.3E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 12NOV2023 158000     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 BBAAA  Banda Sea                   

 

An earthquake in Eastern New Guinea also occurred today in Eastern New Guinea, PNG. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 5.4 and M 5.0 in New Guinea were felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of New Guinea in Madang.  EMSC reported moderate shaking in Madang, Papua New Guinea. This is probably an aftershock of an M 6.7 on October 7, 2023. At that time this was described in this summary as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea.

It was followed by an M 6.7 and several moderate events of M>=5. An M 5.1 aftershock was felt in Madang and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Other events in the series were not initially given intensities by NEIC however some felt data comes from Madang, PNG. No tsunami was reported as this epicenter is inland near the coast." (October 7, 2023)

 

Forecast 158011 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km around November 13.

 

O:  9NOV2023 20:53:46   5.4S  145.9E MW=5.4  EMSC   EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G

P: 13NOV2023 158011     6.0S  146.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

Otherwise it was a quiet day in global seismicity. Earthquakes of M 5.1 and M 5.2 occurred in central Vanuatu and in Peru. These may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses as the event in Peru occurred within minutes of local solar noon and the M 5.1 in Vanuatu occurred near local sols midnight, both times when tidal stresses maximize. Forecast 157950 had expected enhanced seismicity in central Vanuatu within about 50 km of today's event was likely in early November while the event in Northern Peru of M 5.1 had been anticipated in forecast 158012 to occur within 100 km of this epicenter around November 11.

 

 

O:  9NOV2023 14:12:08  15.3S  167.5E MW=5.1  EMSC   VANUATU                       

P:  4NOV2023 157950    15.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O:  9NOV2023 17:50:26   6.8S   76.6W MB=5.1  EMSC   NORTHERN PERU                

P: 11NOV2023 158012     6.0S   76.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  No. Peru                    

 

MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES WESTERN TEXAS; STRONG AFTERSHOCK IN BANDA SEA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  8, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the Banda Sea of Indonesia. This event was also felt in northern Australia at Darwin. BMG reported the mainshock of M 7.1 was felt with intensity up to V in the Tanimbar Islands. BMG reported this activity in the Tanimbar region was felt with intensity IV in Bandaneira, III in Maluku Tengah, Banda, Maluku Tenggara, at Kecil, Manyeuw, Hoat Sorbay, in Tanimbar at Tanimbar Selatan, Selaru, Wer Tamrian, Wer Maktian; in Seram Bagian in Maluku Barat Daya and in Kota Tual and many other communities experienced lesser shaking. No tsunami was observed or expected with this event.

 

Smaller regional earthquakes of M 5.4 and 5.3 were also recorded today in the Indonesian region of Maluku. BMG reported these events were felt with intensity III i Maluku Tengah at Banda, Saparua,and II in Tanimbar in Yaru, Nirunmas, Molu Maru; Seram at Seram, Pulau Gorom, Wakate, Tutuk Tolu, Kilmury, Pulau Panjang, Teor, Gorom and Kian Darat and in Maluku at Damer.

 

 

Forecast 157725 had expected today's activity in the Banda Sea was likely around November 6, 2023. Following are the events reported by EMSC with

M>=4 in the region today.

 

O: 08NOV2023 19:22:45   5.3S  130.3E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 20:36:49   5.3S  130.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 17:40:08   5.5S  130.2E mb=4.8  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 05:26:20   5.7S  130.9E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 14:15:18   6.0S  130.1E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 14:19:02   6.0S  130.2E mb=4.8  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 15:21:52   6.0S  130.1E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 11:18:22   6.1S  129.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 14:32:53   6.1S  129.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 14:47:35   6.1S  130.1E mb=5.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 16:35:11   6.1S  130.0E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 16:47:55   6.1S  130.1E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 16:55:23   6.1S  130.0E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 17:19:51   6.1S  130.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 19:13:31   6.1S  129.9E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 19:37:20   6.1S  130.1E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 21:02:00   6.1S  130.0E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 13:02:07   6.2S  129.9E Mw=6.7  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 15:05:47   6.2S  129.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 15:50:32   6.2S  129.9E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 18:26:25   6.2S  129.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 02:03:17   6.2S  129.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 10:43:39   6.4S  129.4E mb=4.7  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 09:33:50   6.5S  129.7E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 01:50:07   6.7S  129.0E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 09NOV2023 02:53:47   6.9S  129.8E ML=4.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O:  8NOV2023 17:25:04   5.5S  130.2E MW=5.3  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P:  6NOV2023 157725     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.2 in the Mentone  area of Texas. It was reported with intensity up to VI in Mentone, Texas and with moderate shaking in Carlsbad, New Mexico an in Fabens, El Paso, Texas among others.

 

This event was probably promoted by well injection of waters following fracking and extraction of oil and gas in the region. This may also have been promoted by geomagnetic effects associated with the current geomagnetic storm and/or by tidal stresses associated with the upcoming new moon as described in this issue in previous summaries as:

 

 

"The new moon will arrive on November 13, 2023 at 09:27 UT.  Longitudes at local solar noon are near 37 East while those at local solar midnight are near 143 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 Ethiopia 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." (November 7-8, 2023)

 

A series of minor aftershocks followed the M 5.2 in western Texas today and continued throughout the day. The M 5.2 is the strongest earthquake in Texas since an M 5.4on December 16, 2022 about 200 km northeast of this epicenter and an M 5.4 on November 16, 2022 which began the sequence of events in this region of the Permian Basin of Texas. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an 5.3-5.4 in western Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Texas at Barstow, and in Jal, New Mexico with intensity IV in Texas at Wink, Pecos, Salt Flat and III in Mentone, Loving, Pyote, Van horn among others. It was followed by an aftershock of M 4.1 in Western Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Pecos, Texas and IV in Odessa, Texas. Lesser intensity of II-III was reported felt in New Mexico at Carlsbad, Eunice, Artesia, Hobbs and in Texas at Fort Davis, Coyanosa, Odessa, Fort Stockton, among others and may have been felt as far as Oklahoma. An M 3.8 aftershock was also felt in western Texas and New Mexico today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in El Paso, Texas with III in Canutillo, Texas and in New Mexico at Carlsbad and Lovington. The M 3.8 was preceded by a swarm of events of M 2.9, 3.5, 2.8... felt in the same area of Texas and New Mexico. The last earthquake within about 250 km of today's epicenter with magnitude greater than or equal to M 5.3 in Texas was an M 5.7 about 200 km to the southeast of today's epicenter (on April 14, 1995) . That was the only such regional earthquake in western Texas in at least 35 years." (November 17, 2022)

 

Forecast 157830 had expected today's event within about 50 km of this epicenter was likely around November 8. The mainshock parameters are listed below. A listing of events of M>=2 today can be found under the "ROCKY MOUNTAINS" section of this summary.

 

O:  8NOV2023 10:27:50  31.6N  104.0W MW=5.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P:  8NOV2023 157830    31.6N  103.6W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

Several moderate earthquakes and a number of minor ones occurred today in the current series in Iceland. The largest of today's events were of M 4.5 and 4.6.

They were reported by EMSC to have been felt with moderate intensity in Iceland in the Reykjavik area at Grindavik, Reykjanesbaer, Reykjavik, Seltjarnarnes,   These events were probably promoted by strong geomagnetic stresses associated with the current geomagnetic storm at high latitudes as noted in previous issues of this report:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw major storm conditions today. The AP level was 40.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 51. Middle latitudes were at minor storm conditions with AP 27. This is the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term.." (November 6-7, 2023)

 

Five events of M>=4.1 were reported today in this area. Most of this activity occurred within an hour of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. There is a possibility that this will lead to larger events and/or a continuation of the eruption that began in 2021 after about 700 years of non-eruptive activity. Forecast 157925 had expected today's activity within about 100 km was likely around November 7.

 

 

O: 09NOV2023 01:35:22  63.9N   22.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 09NOV2023 00:13:14  64.0N   22.2W mb=4.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 09NOV2023 00:46:08  64.0N   22.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 09NOV2023 01:24:14  64.0N   22.5W mb=4.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 09NOV2023 02:57:02  64.0N   22.3W mb=4.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O:  9NOV2023 00:02:27  63.9N   22.4W ML=3.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P:  7NOV2023 157925    63.0N   24.0W 3.0-4.5 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

 

 

STRONG AND MAJOR QUAKES HIT BANDA SEA WITH GEOMAGNETIC STORM

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  7, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today were a pair of strong to major earthquakes of M 6.7 and 7.1 in the Banda Sea, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity III in the Banda Sea, Indonesia area. The mainshock of M 7.1 was preceded about a minute early by a foreshock of M 6.7 which was felt in the area with maximum intensity VI. These events were also felt in northern Australia at Darwin. BMG reported the mainshock of M 7.1 was felt with intensity up to V in the Tanimbar Islands. BMG reported this activity in the Tanimbar region was felt with intensity IV in Bandaneira, III in Maluku Tengah, Banda, Maluku Tenggara, at Kecil, Manyeuw, Hoat Sorbay, in Tanimbar at Tanimbar Selatan, Selaru, Wer Tamrian, Wer Maktian; in Seram Bagian in Maluku Barat Daya and in Kota Tual and many other communities experienced lesser shaking. No tsunamis were observed or expected with these events. A moderate foreshock hit the region yesterday and was reported in this summary as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake near the geomagnetic equator in Indonesia today was an M 5.2 in the Banda Sea.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Banda Sea, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Banda Sea, Indonesia in Dili, Timor. BMG reported intensity III-IV in Timur, Alor, Nusa, Tengara, Maluku, Tengah Selatan, among others. This follows a relatively quiet period in Indonesia over the past week and probably is the first salvo of enhanced seismicity in the area with the major geomagnetic storm of yesterday and today (see above). The last earthquake of M>=5.2 in the Banda Sea area was an M 5.8 on September 23, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Banda Sea, Indonesia at a deep focus. NEIC reported it was felt in East Timor at Dili in Dili and Dare and in northern Territory, Australia with IV in Howard Springs, Katherine and II-III in Coonawarra, Darwin, Humpty Doo-MacMinns Lagoon. This is the largest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M  5.9 on August 29, 2023, and an M 6.2 on May 24, 2023. A major M 7.6 hit near today's epicenter on January 9, 2023. This may be an aftershock of that mainshock." (November 7, 2023, September 23, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake within about 250 km of today's earthquake in Indonesia with M>=7.1 occurred on January 9, 2023 with M 7.6. At the time this summary noted:

 

“When a similar M 7.5-7.6 hit at deep focus near today's Indonesian epicenter

on January 27, 2006 this summary noted in this regard:

 

"A major earthquake initially given magnitude of M 7.7 occurred today in the Banda Sea region of Southern Indonesia south of Ambon, Moluccas. Data on the NEIC website indicates that this event was felt with maximum intensity V at Dili, East Timore and with intensity III in northwestern Australia at Darwin, Howard Springs and Humpty Doo-MacMinns Lagoon and with lesser intensity at Jabiru and Palmerston, Australia nearly 900 km to the southeast of this epicenter. Press accounts on Associated Press indicate that the earthquake was felt strongly on Ambon, the capital of Maluku province. Residents of Ambon ran out of homes to higher places in fear of  a tsunami. The quake was also felt with lesser intensity at Bali, Sorong and in south Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Residents also fled their homes about 440 km to the south in East Timor. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties. The earthquake hit at a depth of about 350 km and there is no danger of a major tsunami from earthquakes which occur at such depths and do not propagate to the surface. Some local landslide tsunamis may occur, but in this case the shaking on the surface was probably not sufficient to trigger these. Strong earthquakes of M 7.5-8.5 have hit the area in 1963, 1950, 1948, 1938, 1917-1918 and 1899. Like most of the other large events in the past month, this epicenter is located at the Core-mantle Shadow Zone Boundary (MSZB) from the strong M 7.4 which hit the South

Atlantic on Jan. 2, 2006." (January 9, 2023)

 

Other major earthquake in the past 10 years occurred at intermediate focal depths of 100-400 km with M 7.3 on December 29, 2021 and June 24, 2019. Today's event is the strongest shallow focus earthquake in the area of M>=7.1 in at least 30 years (an M 7.3 at 77 km depth occurred near today's epicenter on December 20, 1992.  Most large earthquakes in this region in the past 35 years have occurred in the months of November through January (7 of 9 of M>=7.1). This suggests some seasonal trigger is likely - perhaps related to El Nino events and water loading.

 

Today's mainshocks occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses with the current geomagnetic storm which maximize near this hour. The M 7.1 is the strongest earthquake in the world since a similar M 7.1 on August 28, 2023 in the area of Java and Bali. Events of slightly larger magnitude in the past half year occurred with M 7.2 in the Fox Islands on July 16, 2023 and in the Tonga region with M 7.2 on June 15, 2023.

 

Forecast 157725 had expected today's Banda Sea activity was likely within about 10-100 km of these epicenter most likely around November 6.

 

O: 08NOV2023 05:56:38   6.2S  129.9E ML=4.8  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 06:35:59   6.2S  129.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 04:53:51   6.3S  129.6E Mw=7.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 05:42:54   6.3S  129.8E mb=5.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 04:52:53   6.4S  129.6E Mw=6.9  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 06:06:55   6.5S  129.9E mb=5.1  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 06:57:49   6.5S  129.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O: 08NOV2023 06:20:31   6.6S  130.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA

O:  7NOV2023 10:58:40   7.1S  129.1E MB=4.6  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA   

P:  6NOV2023 157725     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.5 hit northern Norway today. EMSC reported it was felt with light to moderate intensity in Norway at Meloy, Glomfjord,eipa, Mo i Rana, Nesna, Bodo, Vefsn. This is the strongest earthquake in Northern Norway within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on December 20, 1997. No earthquakes of larger magnitude have occurred in this area in the past 30 years. A series of events in January, 1992 about 100 km northeast of today's epicenter in Northern Norway occurred with M 4.6, 4.6 and 4.8.

 

Today's earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses. This earthquake epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Banda Sea and may have been promoted by energy from that source. A similarly located event today occurred as an M 4.1 in the Istanbul region of Turkey.

 

O:  8NOV2023 01:50:40  66.7N   13.7E MB=4.6  EMSC   NORTHERN NORWAY              

 

An M 5.3 in Southern Xinjiang, China was followed by a series of moderate  aftershocks.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Xinjiang, China was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Xinjiang, China in Tumxuk.  EMSC reported the mainshock was felt with moderate intensity in Kyrgyzstan at Cholpon-Ata and in Kazakhstan at Almaty, Pervomayka. EMSC an aftershock of M 4.8 was felt with moderate intensity in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan and Almata, Kazakhstan. The mainshock occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal and geomagnetic effects associated with the current geomagnetic storm. Today's M 5.3 is the strongest recorded in southern  Xinjiang, China within about 200 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.3 on  July 2, 2022 and a similar M 5.3 on May 9, 2020 but the last event in the area of significantly larger magnitude in the past 10 years was an M 6.0 on January 19, 2020.

 

Forecast 157867 had expected today's events in this region were likely within about 100 km around November 8, 2023.

 

O: 07NOV2023 18:31:33  40.4N   77.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07NOV2023 18:09:50  40.5N   77.7E Mw=5.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07NOV2023 18:52:01  40.5N   77.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07NOV2023 19:34:18  40.5N   77.9E mb=4.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07NOV2023 19:46:15  40.5N   77.7E mb=4.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O:  7NOV2023 18:15:05  40.6N   77.8E MB=4.8  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA     

P:  8NOV2023 157867    41.0N   77.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang        

 

Other moderately strong earthquake, perhaps related to the current geomagnetic storm occurred with M 5.4, 5.5 and 4.7 in the Solomon Islands and as an M 5.0 in the Northern Mariana Islands, both about 10 degrees from the geomagnetic equator as anticipated at this time following the major geomagnetic storms of November 4-7. These were probably felt in the Guadalcanal region. Forecast 157949 had expected this Solomon Island regional activity in early November.

 

O:  7NOV2023 07:30:45   8.3S  160.9E MW=5.4  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS              

O: 07NOV2023 07:47:11   8.3S  160.8E Mw=5.5  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS

O: 07NOV2023 10:13:14   8.4S  161.0E mb=4.7  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS

P:  2NOV2023 157949    11.0S  161.0E 4.0-5.7 BBAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

Forecast 157766 had expected the M 5.6 in the northern Marianas was likely within about 100 km in early November.

 

O:  7NOV2023 18:15:33  18.8N  145.3E MW=5.6  EMSC   PAGAN REG., N. MARIANA ISLANDS

P:  2NOV2023 157766    18.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  No. Marianas               

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians. This event was not reported felt in this remote area. An M 5.1 hit the Rat Islands about 200 km east of today's epicenter on November 5, 2023 but the last event within 200 km of equal or greater magnitude was an M 5.7 about 150 km east of this epicenter on June 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"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." (June 8, 2023)

 

Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses and/or geomagnetic storm which effects maximize near this hour.

 

Forecast 157913 had expected today's event in the Rat Islands within about

50 km of the epicenter was likely around November 5.

 

O:  7NOV2023 12:10:45  50.7N  175.4E MB=4.4  EMSC   RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P:  5NOV2023 157913    51.0N  176.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

GEOMAGNETIC STORM CONTINUES; BEGINS TO ENHANCE EQUATORIAL SEISMICITY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  6, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar noon - a time when geomagnetic and tidal stresses maximize.  It coincided with a major geomagnetic storm as reported in this and the previous issue of this summary as:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw major storm conditions today. The AP level was 40.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 51. Middle latitudes were at minor storm conditions with AP 27. This is the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term.." (November 6-7, 2023)

 

This event, near the geomagnetic equator is likely to have been promoted by the current geomagnetic storm. A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred near the geomagnetic equator today in Indonesia an area which is likely to experience enhanced seismicity in the next several days with this storm.

 

Today's event is the strongest within about 200 km in this area of the Mid-Atlantic as an M 6.2 on October 9, 2022. The only other such event in the area in the past five years was an M 5.7 on September 1, 2021.

 

Forecast 157727 had expected today's event in the Central Mid-Atlantic was likely around November 10.

 

O:  6NOV2023 12:04:23   1.2S   24.1W MW=5.5  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P: 10NOV2023 157727     1.0S   20.0W 4.0-5.6 BACAA  Central Mid-Atlantic       

 

The strongest earthquake near the geomagnetic equator in Indonesia today was an M 5.2 in the Banda Sea.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Banda Sea, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Banda Sea, Indonesia in Dili, Timor. BMG reported intensity III-IV in Timur, Alor, Nusa, Tengara, Maluku, Tengah Selatan, among others. This follows a relatively quiet period in Indonesia over the past week and probably is the first salvo of enhanced seismicity in the area with the major geomagnetic storm of yesterday and today (see above). The last earthquake of M>=5.2 in the Banda Sea area was an M 5.8 on September 23, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Banda Sea, Indonesia at a deep focus. NEIC reported it was felt in East Timor at Dili in Dili and Dare and in northern Territory, Australia with IV in Howard Springs, Katherine and II-III in Coonawarra, Darwin, Humpty Doo-MacMinns Lagoon. This is the largest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M  5.9 on August 29, 2023, and an M 6.2 on May 24, 2023. A major M 7.6 hit near today's epicenter on January 9, 2023. This may be an aftershock of that mainshock." (September 23, 2023)

 

Forecast 157725 had expected today's event in Banda about 150 km northeast of today's epicenter was likely around November 6.

 

O: 06NOV2023 08:20:31   7.7S  128.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA

O:  6NOV2023 15:36:42   7.6S  127.7E MW=5.2  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI

P:  6NOV2023 157725     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

A moderate aftershock occurred today with M 5.3 in the area of Nepal. This earthquake follows an M 5.6 in Nepal of November 3, 2023, the largest aftershock to date in the area. Forecast 157547 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region in late October or early November, 2023. 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Nepal was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Nepal in Dailekh. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Nepal at Dailekh, Birendranagar, Baliya, Nanpara, Butwal, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Kirtipur, Manmaiju, Kathmandu,  and in India at Patna, Bihar, Noida, Haldwani, Gorakhpur,  Gonda, Lucknow.

 

O: 06NOV2023 10:56:02  28.7N   81.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   NEPAL-INDIA BORDER REGION

O:  6NOV2023 10:46:40  28.9N   82.2E MB=5.3  EMSC   NEPAL                        

P: 30OCT2023 157547    30.0N   79.0E 3.8-5.3 CBCAA  India                      

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in the Kodiak Island area of Alaska. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.1 in the Alaska Peninsula was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Alaska Peninsula in Larson Bay. The last earthquake of M>=4 in the Kodiak Island area was an M 4.5 on January 25, 2023. Several light foreshocks of today's events hit the area on October 21 and 22, 2023 with M 3.1 and 3.0. Forecast 157921 had expected today's earthquake in the area was likely around November 4, 2023.

 

O:  6NOV2023 23:15:24  57.5N  154.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P:  4NOV2023 157921    60.0N  153.5W 3.2-4.9 ACAAA  Central Alaska             

 

 

STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM MAY ENHANCE GLOBAL SEISMICITY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  5, 2023

 

A strong geomagnetic storm hit the earth today. This storm is the strongest recorded since April 24, 2023. It is likely to dampen global seismicity over the next two days and then to increase the size of events after that as reported in this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw major storm conditions today. The AP level was 57.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 58. Middle latitudes were at minor storm conditions with AP 30. This is the strongest global geomagnetic storm since AP reached 79 on April 24, 2023. It is likely to enhance global seismicity especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes beginning around November 8 and continuing for several days but will dampen seismicity in the short term." (November 6, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.1 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm today (see above) which maximized at high latitudes near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake in the Rat Islands since an M 5.7 on June 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"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 8, 2023, June 5, 2022)

 

Forecast 157913 had expected today's M 5.1 was likely within about 50 km around

November 8.

 

O:  5NOV2023 13:27:28  51.5N  178.4E MB=5.1  EMSC   RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P:  8NOV2023 157913    52.0N  178.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred in southern Vanuatu with M 5.7. It continues elevated seismicity in this area associated with the passage of major Tropical Cyclone Lola at the end of October as reported in this summary on October 28:

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 6.0 and M 5.6 in Southern Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Vanuatu at Isangel and III in Vila Shefa with II-III in New Caledonia at We Iles, and Noumea. This was likely promoted by the passage of a strong Tropical Cyclone (Lola) through the area over the past several days as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"Tropical Cyclone Lola (01P) continued over central  Vanuatu today with winds up to 35 kts. This system is moving to the south and west. Some increases in seismicity in Vanuatu likely with this storm including a possible strong regional earthquake in the next three days." (October 25-28, 2023)

 

Today's M 6.0 in southern Vanuatu is the strongest since events of M 6.0-6.1 on September and September 21, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

The strongest earthquake of the day in the world was an M 6.1 in northern Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Luganville, Sanma, Vanuatu. This may be an aftershock of an M 6.5 which occurred on August 16, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.5 in northern Vanuatu. The mainshock was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity VII in Vanuatu at Sola Torba and IV in Sanma at Port Olry and Luganville and possibly in the Solomon Islands and New South Wales, Australia. The mainshock was preceded by an M 5.2 regional foreshock several hours earlier. That event was

felt with intensity III in Luganville, Sanma, Vanuatu. An aftershock of M 4.3 was felt with intensity IV in Port Olry, Sanma, Vanuatu. The mainshock within minutes of local solar midnight and most likely was promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon which was completed within hours of the occurrence of this earthquake.

 

...

 

Today's event of M 6.5 is the largest in northern Vanuatu since an M 7.0 about 150 km south of this epicenter on January 8, 2023. The last within 100 km at this magnitude level was an M 6.6 on January 15, 2019. (October 28, 2023, September 21, 2023, August 16, 2022)

 

Forecast 157968 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely  around November 2.

 

O:  5NOV2023 15:29:20  20.4S  169.3E MW=5.7  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P:  2NOV2023 157968    20.0S  169.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

Unusual earthquakes of M 3.6 in Portugal and M 4.3 in Albania occurred in Europe today. At higher latitudes these may be related to immediate effects of today's geomagnetic storm. The last earthquake in Portugal within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=3.6 was an M 3.8 on September 15, 2023. No earthquakes of larger magnitude than this have been recorded in this area in the past three years.

 

EMSC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Portugal was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Portugal in Silves, Monchique, Portimao, 

 

The earthquake in Portugal had been expected within about 150 km between November 3 and 7 in forecast 157814.

 

O:  5NOV2023 21:18:44  37.4N    8.5W ML=3.6  EMSC   PORTUGAL                     

O:  5NOV2023 21:18:44  37.4N    8.5W ML=3.8  ANSS   PORTUGAL                     

P:  3NOV2023 157814    39.0N    8.0W 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Morocco/Spain              

P:  7NOV2023 157814    37.0N   11.0W 3.5-5.0 AABAA  Morocco/Spain              

 

The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude than M 4.3 in Albania was an M 4.4 and 4.8 on March 23, 2023 about 100 km southeast of today's epicenter. That earthquake was also closely associated with a strong geomagnetic storm. At the time this summary noted:

 

"An unusually large earthquake of M 4.8-4.9 also occurred shortly after the GRB in Albania. This is the largest earthquake in Albania since an M 5.5 on January 9, 2022." (March 23, 2023)

 

 

NEIC reported today's earthquake of M 4.3 in Albania was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Albania in Cerrik.  EMSC reported it was lightly felt in Albania at Paper, Cerrik, Elbasan, Berzhite, Sinaballaj, Tirana, Farka e Madhe, Paskuqan, Kutalli, Kruje and Durres among others.

 

The earthquake in Albania had been expected within about 50 km around November 5  in forecast 157889.

 

O:  5NOV2023 13:50:45  41.1N   20.0E MB=4.3  EMSC   ALBANIA                      

P:  5NOV2023 157889    41.0N   21.0E 3.0-5.4 AAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

UNUSUAL EARTHQUAKE IN GUANGDONG, CHINA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  4, 2023

 

An unusual earthquake occurred today in the area of Guangdong, China. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in China was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of China in Lecong and Foshan. The only event in the past 35 years in the area of equal or greater magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.6 on October 12, 2019.

 

O:  4NOV2023 11:24:11  22.1N  112.1E MB=4.5  EMSC   GUANGDONG, CHINA             

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.0 in the northern

Mariana Islands. It was not reported felt. Forecast 157789 had expected this activity within about 200 km was likely in early November.

 

O:  4NOV2023 09:38:40  20.1N  147.8E MB=5.0  EMSC   MARIANA ISLANDS REGION       

P:  8NOV2023 157789    21.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.4 BABAA  Volcano Islands            

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.8-3.9 in Southern California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.9 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Imperial. This is an active area. The last earthquake of M>=3.8 within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 4.1 on August 2, 2023 and prior to that an M 4.3 on April 30, 2023. Forecast 157832 had expected today's event within about 50 km of this epicenter was likely around November 4.

 

O: 05NOV2023 04:14:26  32.9N  115.8W ML=2.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O:  5NOV2023 04:12:57  32.9N  115.7W ML=3.8  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O:  5NOV2023 04:12:57  32.9N  115.7W ML=3.9  ANSS   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P:  4NOV2023 157832    32.5N  115.7W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  So. California             

 

MODERATELY STRONG EARTHQUAKE DEADLY IN NEPAL

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER  3, 2023

 

 

An earthquake of M 5.6-6.4 hit the region of Nepal today. Initial reports indicated that at least 157 were killed and 170 injured in the Jajarkot area of western Nepal. Many buildings and houses collapsed during the earthquake which was felt as far as New Delhi, India.  It is expected that many more were killed in the quake but are yet unaccounted for in the Kathmandu region of Nepal. In some villages more than 90% of the houses were destroyed. The Indian Center for Seismicity reported it with M 6.4 at 18:02:54 UT (CENC reported M 5.9 at 18:02:54 UT) was felt with intensity up to VIII and in India at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.6 in Nepal was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nepal in Jumla (VI) and Pokhara, Kaski.  EMSC reported VIII in Nepal at Musikot, Birendranagar, VII in Dhangadhi, Tansen, IV-VI in Pokhara, Karahiya, Sunwal, Basti, India among others. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VIII (with damage) in Amargadhi, Nepal and with II in Nepal and Dhangadhi, Nepalganj, Banke, Dailekh and in Uttaranchal, India at Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Bhowali, Haldwai cum Kathgodam, Nainital. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. When an M 5.3 foreshock occurred in Nepal on October 22, 2023 this summary noted (on November 1, 2023):

 

 

"A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the area from Nepal to

Iran. This area saw the maximum lunar eclipse of October 28 as reported in previous issues of this summary:

 

"The full moon arrived on October 28, 2023 at 20:24 UT. Longitudes which were near local solar midnight at this time are near 50 East while those at local solar noon are near 130 West. In the east these include areas of Iran and the horn of Africa and in the east much of western North America including the area from California north to British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These are the areas most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity within a week of this full moon. This full moon is nearer the earth with high tidal stresses and will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. This is a partial eclipse which will be fullest in the area of Yemen and Ethiopia at local midnight. It will also be visible in eastern U.S. at moonrise and throughout most of Africa, Asia and Europe maximizing in western Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf of Aden and Ethiopia. The eclipse will maximize at 20:15 UT. The last Saros series lunar eclipse occurred on October 17, 2005. It occurred within days of the M 7.5 in Pakistan and India of October 8, 2005 which killed more than 100,000 people. Earthquakes nearer the eclipse time included strong events in the Marshall Islands, Sumatra, Southern California, Western Turkey, Taiwan (M 7.0), Tokyo, Japan (M 6.6) and Fiji.  A strong earthquake is likely to accompany or to follow several days after the eclipse in this region. This is the 11th lunar eclipse in the Pharos series which began in 1843." (October 24-30, 2023)

 

The activity in India near Nepal continued elevated activity in that region of the past several days which included an M 5.3 on October 22, 2023 and an M 5.7 on October 3, 2023. This was reported at the time as:

 

 

"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.7 hit the region of Nepal today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VIII (with damage) in Amargadhi, Nepal and wiht II in Nepal and Dhangadhi, Nepalganj, Banke, Dailekh and in Uttaranchal, India at Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Bhowali, Haldwai cum Kathgodam, Nainital. A foreshock of M 4.9 about 30 minutes before the mainshock was felt with intensity V in Nepal at Dhangadhi, Birendranagar, and in Uttaranchal, India at Nainital, and in Uttar, Pradesh, in Bareli, Lakhimpur, Rudraprayag, Moradabad, and Auras. NEIC reported an aftershock of M 4.8 in  Uttaranchal, India was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Uttaranchal, India in Kotdwara. A similar M 5.7 hit this region of Nepal on January 24, 2023 and today's activity may be considered aftershocks of that but a stronger M 6.3-6.6 hit the region on November 8, 2022. At the time of the event in January, 2023 this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 5.6-5.7 in Nepal. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Dipayal, Doti, Nepal with IV in Kichha, Uttaranchal, India. Intensity II-III was also felt in Nepal in Tansen, Palpa, and Pokhara, Kashi. In India this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in Uttaranchal at Almora, Clement Town, and in Uttar Pradesh at Lakhnau, Cawnpore, Dankaur and Ghaziabad among other communities. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Nepal at Simikot, Birendranagar, Dhangadhi, Kohalpur, Kanchanpur, Pokhara, and in India at Pithoragarh, Almora, Haldwani, Pilibhit, Bhikia Sain, Shahjahanpur among other communities. This is the strongest earthquake in Nepal within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.0 on September 25, 2008 and an M 6.2 on April 7, 2005 and July 11, 2004, the only such events in Nepal in the past 35 years.  " (October 3, 2023, January 24, 2023)

 

An M 5.6 hit Nepal a year ago on November 8, 2022 about the same time of day as today's event of M 4.1. It is likely further moderate to large earthquakes will occur in Nepal in the coming week." (November 1, 2023)

 

Forecast 157590 had expected today's event within about 250 km was likely around October 28.

 

O: 03NOV2023 18:25:39  28.7N   81.6E ML=3.7  EMSC   NEPAL-INDIA BORDER REGION

O: 03NOV2023 18:44:51  28.7N   81.6E ML=3.9  EMSC   NEPAL-INDIA BORDER REGION

O: 03NOV2023 18:50:05  28.8N   82.1E ML=3.8  EMSC   NEPAL

O: 03NOV2023 18:02:53  28.9N   82.2E Mw=5.6  EMSC   NEPAL

O: 03NOV2023 18:02:53  28.9N   82.2E Mw=6.4  IMD    NEPAL

O: 03NOV2023 18:23:39  29.0N   82.1E ML=4.3  EMSC   NEPAL

O:  3NOV2023 22:31:35  29.1N   82.2E MB=4.0  EMSC   NEPAL                        

P: 28OCT2023 157590    31.0N   84.0E 3.8-5.2 BBAAA  Xizang                     

 

A moderately strong earthquake also occurred today in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge. It was not reported felt in this remote area north of Antarctica. The last event of M>=5.7 within about 300 km of this epicenter was an M 5.7 on January 5, 2008, the only such event in the area in the past 30 years.  The largest event within about 500 km in the past 30 years was an M 6.0 on December 31, 2009.

 

 

O:  3NOV2023 07:52:39  62.2S  155.5W MW=5.7  EMSC   PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE      

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the Near Islands was an M 4.8 on May 20, 2023, the only such previous event in the area during 2023. Forecast 157913 had expected today's earthquake within about 150 km was likely arond November 5.

 

O:  4NOV2023 03:34:51  51.8N  174.0E MB=4.6  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P:  5NOV2023 157913    51.0N  176.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA  Rat Islands                 

 

An M 4.0 also occurred west of Los Angeles, California today.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Ojai, Santa Paula, Saticoy, Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard, Channel Islands Beach, Carpinteria, Simi Valley, Santa Susana, Santa Barbara, Goleta, La Canada Flintridge among others. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It is the largest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on August 20, 2023.

At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"This series began near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An M 3.4 shook this area to the north on August 17, 2023 with the new moon within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses from the new moon of August 16" (August 20, 2023)

 

Forecast 157839 had expected this event was likely about 50 km to the northeast of today's epicenter in early November, 2023.

 

O: 03NOV2023 20:20:38  34.4N  119.2W ML=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O:  3NOV2023 20:12:18  34.4N  119.2W MW=4.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P:  8NOV2023 157839    34.8N  119.0W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA  So. California             

 

MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES EASTERN ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2023

 

 

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.

 

Forecast 157900 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km around

November 1.

 

O:  3NOV2023 06:47:27  51.9N  172.4W MW=5.0  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P:  1NOV2023 157900    52.1N  172.8W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.2 in Northern Greece.

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Northern Greece was felt with intensity III-IV in the area(s) of Northern Greece in Prokopi.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Northern Greece was felt with intensity III-IV in the area(s) of Northern Greece in Limni, Nea Artaki, Chalkida, Malakonta, Plaka Dilesi, Istiaia among others. The last earthquake of M>=5.2 within about 200 km of this epicenter in Greece was an M 5.2 on October 8, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"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)

 

Forecast 157819 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around

November 5, 2023.

 

O:  3NOV2023 06:26:37  38.7N   23.6E MB=5.2  EMSC   GREECE                       

P:  5NOV2023 157819    39.0N   22.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA  No. Greece                 

 

 

MODERATE TO STRONG EARTHQUAKES IN PHILIPPINES AND TIMOR, INDONESIA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the region of Timor, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VIII in Timor. BMG reported this earthquake with Magnitude M 6.6 was felt with intensity VI in Kupang, Tulang Bawang, IV in Timor, Rote ndao, Berau and III in Belu, Alor, Flores, Lembata, Raijuta, Malaka, Indonesia.An earthquake of M 5.5 hit near today's epicenter on July 25, 2023 and was followed by a similar event of M 5.4 on August 31, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the Timor region of Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Kupang Nusa, Timur and IV in Dili, East Timor and II in Liquica and in Darwin Northern Territory, Australia. This is the strongest earthquake in Timor since an M  5.5 on July 25, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"An M 5.5 was also felt in Timor, Indonesia today. NEIC reported it was felt in East Timor at Dili. The only earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the region of Timor in the past three years was an M 6.2 about 400 km to the east of this on May 27, 2022. The last comparable earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 5.3 on December 12, 2020." (July 25, 2023)

 

A major M 7.3 hit about 300 northwest of today's epicenter on December 14, 2021. It was summarized here at the time as:

 

"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. Earthquakes of M 7.3-7.5 occurred about 300 km from today's epicenter on November 11, 2003 and October 19, 2001." (August 31, 2023, December 14, 2021)

 

Forecast 157730 had expected today's earthquake was likely within about 100 km most likely around November 2, 2023.

 

O:  1NOV2023 21:04:47  10.1S  123.7E MW=6.0  EMSC   TIMOR REGION, INDONESIA      

P:  2NOV2023 157730    10.0S  123.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Flores Island area         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.7 in Central Philippines was felt with intensity II in the area(s) of Central Philippines. PHIVOLCS reported it at M 5.6 was felt with intensity V in Hernani and Llorente, Eastern Samar; IV in Gen. MacArthur, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Salcedo and City of Borongan, Eastern Samar and with III in Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Mercedes, Guiuan, Giporlos, Lawaan and Balangiga, Eastern Samar and in the City of Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. When a somewhat smaller event of M 5.4 hit this region of Samar on October 24, 2022, this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"An earthquake of M 5.4 also shook areas of central Philippines today. This is the strongest earthquake in the Samar, Philippines region since an M 6.4 about 150 km northwest of this on April 23, 2019. An M 6.6 occurred about 300 km northwest of today's epicenter on August 18, 2020. Today's earthquake may  have been promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm currently in progress and by strong tides associated with today's new moon and eclipse as it  occurred near local solar midnight, a time when tidal stresses are maximized." (October 24, 2022)

 

Forecasts 157760 and 157495 had expected today's earthquake within about 100 km was likely at the end of October or early November, 2023.

 

O:  2NOV2023 06:50:26  11.4N  125.9E MW=5.7  EMSC   SAMAR, PHILIPPINES           

P:  1NOV2023 157760    10.0N  125.0E 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Luzon, Philippines         

P: 23OCT2023 157495    11.0N  125.0E 3.5-5.1 CAAAA  Luzon, Philippines         

 

STRONG QUAKES SHAKE ATACAMA, CHILE AND FIJI

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 31, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.6 in the region of Atacama, Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VII in Atacama NEIC also reported it was felt with intensity VI in Copiapo with IV in Diego de Almagro and in La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile. An earthquake of M 5.4 preceded today's M 6.6 on October 26 and an M 5.9 on September 15, 2023. At the time this summary noted: At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7-5.9 in the area off the coast of Atacama, Chile.  GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity  III in  Atacama at Copiapo, Tierra Amarilla and Caldera, Chile. This earthquake occurred with the new moon within about an hour of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with that alignment as described in previous issues of this summary:

 

Two strong earthquakes of M 5.9-6.0 struck the Atacama area of Central Chile today. They were felt with maximum intensity IX (local damage) at Vallenar; V in Vicuna and Ovalle, Coquimbo and IV in Coquimbo at Coquimbo, Copiapo, and IV in Valparaiso at Vina del Mar and Quilpue, Chile. ... The last earthquake of M>=6 within about 200 km of today's activity was a series on September 1, 2020 including events of M 6.8, 6.5 and 6.3 and prior to that an M 6.9 on November 11, 2015." (September 15, 2023, July 4, 2021, April 4, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157954 and 157681 had expected today's activity in Atacama, Chile was likely within about 50 km at the end of October or early November.

 

O: 31OCT2023 12:33:42  28.8S   71.5W MW=6.7  EMSC   OFFSHORE ATACAMA, CHILE      

P:  4NOV2023 157954    29.0S   71.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Coast Central Chile         

P: 26OCT2023 157681    29.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

An M 6.5 occurred about an hour earlier than the event in Chile in the region of the Fiji Islands. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in Fiji at Levuka. It is likely that the Chile earthquake was triggered by seismic energy from this event in Fiji. Surface waves from Fiji - about 96 degrees away from Chile would have arrived about a hour later in Chile and could have helped trigger the Chilean event. Recent seismic activation of the Fiji region has included an M 5.5 on October 28 and an M 5.5 on October 23 and 22. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Fiji Islands. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Fiji Islands with equal or larger magnitude was an M 5.7 on September 5. The last within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.0 on July 24, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in Tonga. This appears to break the current global seismic lull. As it occurred at a deep focus, it was not felt on the surface. It follows enhancement in the region

 

...

 

The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter in Fiji occurred on April 28, 2023 with M 6.6.  Further enhanced seismicity is likely in the Tonga/Fiji/Vanuatu area over the next several days with this regional seismic enhancement." (July 24, 2023)

 

Further regional enhancement is expected following today's earthquake" (October 23, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157947 and 157676 had expected today's event within about 50 km  at the end of October or early November, 2023.

 

O: 31OCT2023 11:10:55  17.6S  179.0W MW=6.5  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P:  1NOV2023 157947    17.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

P: 28OCT2023 157676    17.0S  179.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

An unusual earthquake of M 5.1 also occurred today in Sudan.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in Sudan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of southern Sudan in Juba. This is the largest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Sudan since an M 5.4 on March 29, 1991. Two major earthquakes of M 7.2 and M 7.1 hit this region about 150 km north of today's epicenter on  May 20, 1990 and May 24, 1990. The history section of this summary described these events as:

 

"Some buildings were damaged in the Juba, Sudan area. Also some damage in the Mayo area, Uganda. Felt in the Nakura area, Kenya and to the north." (May 20, 2023)

 

Forecast 157712 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around November 2, 2023.

 

O: 31OCT2023 15:35:54   4.2N   31.8E MB=5.1  EMSC   SUDAN                        

P:  2NOV2023 157712     5.0N   33.0E 3.0-4.5 AAAAA  Central Africa             

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the area from Nepal to Iran. This area saw the maximum lunar eclipse of October 28 as reported in previous issues of this summary:

 

"The full moon arrived on October 28, 2023 at 20:24 UT. Longitudes which were near local solar midnight at this time are near 50 East while those at local solar noon are near 130 West. In the east these include areas of Iran and the horn of Africa and in the east much of western North America including the area from California north to British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These are the areas most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity within a week of this full moon. This full moon is nearer the earth with high tidal stresses and will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. This is a partial eclipse which will be fullest in the area of Yemen and Ethiopia at local midnight. It will also be visible in eastern U.S. at moonrise and throughout most of Africa, Asia and Europe maximizing in western Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf of Aden and Ethiopia. The eclipse will maximize at 20:15 UT. The last Saros series lunar eclipse occurred on October 17, 2005. It occurred within days of the M 7.5 in Pakistan and India of October 8, 2005 which killed more than 100,000 people. Earthquakes nearer the eclipse time included strong events in the Marshall Islands, Sumatra, Southern California, Western Turkey, Taiwan (M 7.0), Tokyo, Japan (M 6.6) and Fiji.  A strong earthquake is likely to accompany or to follow several days after the eclipse in this region. This is the 11th lunar eclipse in the Pharos series which began in 1843." (October 24-30, 2023)

 

The activity in India near Nepal continued elevated activity in that region of the past several days which included an M 5.3 on October 22, 2023 and an M 5.7 on October 3, 2023. This was reported at the time as:

 

 

"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.7 hit the region of Nepal today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VIII (with damage) in Amargadhi, Nepal and wiht II in Nepal and Dhangadhi, Nepalganj, Banke, Dailekh and in Uttaranchal, India at Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Bhowali, Haldwai cum Kathgodam, Nainital. A foreshock of M 4.9 about 30 minutes before the mainshock was felt with intensity V in Nepal at Dhangadhi, Birendranagar, and in Uttaranchal, India at Nainital, and in Uttar, Pradesh, in Bareli, Lakhimpur, Rudraprayag, Moradabad, and Auras. NEIC reported an aftershock of M 4.8 in  Uttaranchal, India was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Uttaranchal, India in Kotdwara. A similar M 5.7 hit this region of Nepal on January 24, 2023 and today's activity may be considered aftershocks of that but a stronger M 6.3-6.6 hit the region on November 8, 2022. At the time of the event in January, 2023 this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 5.6-5.7 in Nepal. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V inDipayal, Doti, Nepal with IV in Kichha, Uttaranchal, India. Intensity II-III was also felt in Nepal in Tansen, Palpa, and Pokhara, Kashi. In India this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in Uttaranchal at Almora, Clement Town, and in Uttar Pradesh at Lakhnau, Cawnpore, Dankaur and Ghaziabad among other communities. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Nepal at Simikot, Birendranagar, Dhangadhi, Kohalpur, Kanchanpur, Pokhara, and in India at Pithoragarh, Almora, Haldwani, Pilibhit, Bhikia Sain, Shahjahanpur among other communities. This is the strongest earthquake in Nepal within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.0 on September 25, 2008 and an M 6.2 on April 7, 2005 and July 11, 2004, the only such events in Nepal in the past 35 years.  " (October 3, 2023, January 24, 2023)

 

An M 5.6 hit Nepal a year ago on November 8, 2022 about the same time of day as today's event of M 4.1. It is likely further moderate to large earthquakes will occur in Nepal in the coming week. Forecast 157521 had expected today's activity in Nepal was likely in late October.

 

O: 31OCT2023 21:29:57  25.3N   82.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

O:  1NOV2023 03:11:50  26.0N   84.2E ML=4.1  EMSC   UTTAR PRADESH-BIHAR REG., INDI

P: 23OCT2023 157521    27.0N   88.0E 3.5-5.5 CACAA  Nepal                      

 

As noted above, Eastern Iran was at the maximum of the lunar eclipse of October 28. Forecast 157786 had expected today's enhanced activity in eastern Iran of M 5.0 and M 4.1 was likely around November 3. A foreshock in this area accompanied the full moon of October 28 and was noted in this summary as:

 

"An M 5.1 occurred today in Eastern Iran.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Southern Iran was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Iran in Birdjand, Khorasan.  This occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by the full moon of October 26 which will maximize over this epicenter (see Tidal forecast in this summary). Forecast 157544 had expected today's event to the northeast was likely around October 21." (October 27, 2023)

 

 

O: 31OCT2023 09:13:43  32.0N   59.9E MB=5.0  EMSC   EASTERN IRAN                 

O: 31OCT2023 19:20:48  32.1N   59.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   EASTERN IRAN                 

P:  3NOV2023 157786    32.0N   60.0E 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  So. Iran/Persian Gulf      

 

O: 31OCT2023 22:26:07  34.6N   61.9E ML=4.3  EMSC   WESTERN AFGHANISTAN          

P:  8NOV2023 157807    35.0N   62.0E 3.8-5.2 CAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The M 4.0 is the strongest earthquake in the Kenai Peninsula since an M 4.8 on April 10, 2023 and an M 5.4 on March 19, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6-4.8 in Kenai, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Alaska at Kenai, Anchorage, Sterling, among others.  This is the strongest earthquake in the Kenai Peninsula since an M 5.4 about 200 km southwest of this on March 19, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The last earthquake of larger magnitude within about 200 km of today's event  occurred about 50 km south of today's epicenter on January 24, 2016 with M 7.1 and prior to that an M 6.2 on July 29, 2015. Both of these events were associated with strong solar outbursts. Today's earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon (like the M 7.2 in Northern California yesterday) and was likely promoted by strong tidal and geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour." (April 10, 2023, December 21, 2021)

 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kenai Peninsula, Alaska in Homer, Anchor Point.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Point Possession (IV),   Today's earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 157923 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around November 2, 2023.

 

O: 31OCT2023 23:34:47  61.0N  150.7W ML=3.0  EMSC   KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA

O: 31OCT2023 23:12:34  61.0N  150.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA      

P:  2NOV2023 157923    61.2N  151.2W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

A light earthquake of M 2.5 hit the Mount Hood area of Oregon today. This may be related to volcanic activity at this northwestern U.S. volcano. The last earthquake of M>=2.5 in the Mount Hood area was an M 2.5 on October 18, 2021 and an M 4.0  on June 6, 2021. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"An unusually large M 3.9-4.0 earthquake shook the Mount Hood area of Oregon today. NEIC reported intensity IV in Oregon at Government Camp, Rhododendron, and Cascake Locks, Oregon with III in Mount Hood, Parkdale, Welches, Brightwood, Hood River,  Sandy, Mosier and Estacada. It was followed by aftershocks of M 2.1 and 2.4 and may represent subterranean volcanism in the area. The only earthquake in the past 30 years in the Mount Hood area of Oregon with M>=4 was an M 4.5 on June 29, 2002." (June 6, 2021)

 

Forecast 157886 had expected this activity at Mount Hood within about 5 km

of today's epicenter was likely around November 2.

 

O: 31OCT2023 11:21:59  43.4N  122.1W MD=2.1  EMSC   OREGON                       

O: 31OCT2023 16:34:59  45.3N  121.7W ML=2.5  EMSC   MOUNT HOOD AREA, OREGON      

P:  2NOV2023 157886    45.3N  121.7W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  Oregon state, U.S.         

 

MODERATE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES JAMAICA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 30, 2023

 

 

A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.4-5.5 shook much of the island of Jamaica today. NEIC reported maximum shaking with intensity VIII in Jamaica at Mona, Kingston, Above Rocks, Saint Catherine; VI in Kingston, Half Way Tree, Constant Spring an dHope Bay, Portland and V in Port Antonio, Stony Hill, Gordon Town and Anotto Bay, Saint Mary, Saint Andrew. It was reported felt as far as Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica and in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. This is the strongest earthquake in Jamaica within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 on January 17, 2017.  At the time of this event this summary noted:

 

"The largest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8-5.9 in Cuba. This event was reported felt with intensity VI in Guisa, Cuba and II in Guantanamo. In Jamaica intensity IV was felt in Ocho Rios and II-III in Spaldings, Half Way Tree, Saint Andrew, and Montego Bay, Saint James. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.8 was an on May 25, 1992 with M 6.8, a month before M 7.5 in Landers, Southern California. Forecast 104360 had expected this earthquake was possibly around January 20 to the west of this epicenter. Cuba is not a highly seismic area and the occurrence of this event at this time may be related to the general activation of the northern Caribbean" (January 17, 2017)

 

Two moderate earthquake have occurred in Jamaica in the past three years - an M 4.3 on September 22, 2023 and an M 4.6 on April 15, 2023.

 

Today's event may have been promoted by a tropical cyclone nearby as noted in this summary:

 

"A tropical cyclone may be forming south of the Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. This system is currently located near 17N 67W and likely to track to the west. Some effect on regional seismicity in the area from Puerto Rico to Jamaica and later in Central America is expected with this system which NHC expects could become a Tropical Depression in the next two days with 30% likelihood." (October 30-31, 2023)

 

Forecast 157775 had expected today's event to the northeast was likely in early November.

 

O: 30OCT2023 15:57:21  18.2N   76.6W MW=5.5  EMSC   JAMAICA REGION               

P:  5NOV2023 157775    19.0N   73.0W 3.0-4.5 BACAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.6 also occurred in the Dominican Republic north of Jamaica today. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the Dominican Republic was a similar M 4.6 on March 13, 2023 but the last event of larger magnitude in the Dominican Republic occurred on February 1, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 5.0 shook regions of the Dominican Republic today. NEIC reported maximum intensity V in the Dominican Republic at Matanzas, Pizarrete, San Cristobal, IV in Bani, Sabana Buey (VI), Bajos de Haina, El Carril, San Jose de Ocoa and Santo Domingo with lesser shaking throughout most of the Dominican Republic.

Local news reported it initially with M 5.3-5.6. It occurred on the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault south of Santo Domingo and was most strongly felt from Barahona to Santo Domingo and Santiago. It was also felt as far as the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Widespread panic accompanied the earthquake and some businesses evacuated employees. Structural damage was reported in three schools in the Matanzas area. This included cracks and fallen plaster and ceiling tiles. Classes were suspended for the day. The last earthquake with M>=5.0 in the Dominican Republic and within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 5.2 about 200 km northwest of this epicenter on September 23, 2018. The last similar event was an M 5.1 on July 7, 2012 - an aftershock of an M 5.5 on January 5, 2012." (February 1, 2023)

 

Forecast 157513 had expected today's event was likely within about 75 km around October 28.

 

O: 30OCT2023 07:54:28  20.1N   70.3W ML=4.6  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION    

O: 30OCT2023 07:10:46  20.0N   70.3W ML=3.5  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION

P: 28OCT2023 157513    20.0N   71.0W 3.0-4.4 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4,3 north of the Fox Islands in the Pribilof Islands. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The only event reported by NEIC in the past year was an M 4.8 on September 27, 2023. Before that an M 4.7 occurred on October 26, 2022. Forecast 157905 had expected regional seismic enhancement was likely in early November, 2023.

 

O: 31OCT2023 00:10:04  56.5N  170.4W MB=4.3  EMSC   PRIBILOF ISLANDS, ALASKA REGIO

P:  5NOV2023 157905    53.7N  167.0W 3.5-5.1 BCBAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

 

QUIET DAY MAY PRECEED ENHANCED GLOBAL SEISMICITY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 29, 2023

 

It was a relatively quiet day in global seismicity today. Several factors favor an increase in global seismicity over the next several days. This increased seismicity is likely to include several large earthquakes near the geomagnetic equator or at high latitudes. These include lingering effects of the full moon and lunar eclipse of October 28 as well as effects associated with the strong geomagnetic storm which peaked today with high latitudes showing a major storm with AP 49 today and 86 yesterday. This is the strongest geomagnetic storm at high latitudes in more than a year – since AP reached 91 on September 4, 2022. Expected seismicity related to this storm was reported in this summary as:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw minor storm  conditions today. The AP level was 28.  High latitudes  saw major storm conditions with AP 49. Middle latitudes were at active conditions with AP 21. The strong storm at high latitudes is likely to enhance seismicity in that region and most of the rest of the world - especially near the geomagnetic equator - in the next several days." (October 30, 2023)

 

The strongest earthquake today in the U.S. or Canada was an M 4.2 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last event of stronger magnitude in the eastern Andreanof Islands was an M 4.5 on August 6, 2023. Forecast 157634 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around October 30. 

 

O: 29OCT2023 08:48:06  52.1N  173.3W ML=4.2  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 30OCT2023 157634    51.9N  174.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.1 in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with equal or greater magnitude was an M 5.6, 5.2 and 5.1 about 150 km north of this on June 23, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest seismicity in the world today was a series of moderate to moderately strong events in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The largest of these was M 5.6 but others of M 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0 were also recorded. These events were not reported felt in these epicentral areas. This swarm began within minutes of local solar noon with an M 5.0 and 4.5 and were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximized at this hour. Two earthquakes have been recorded within about 300 km of today's events with M>=5.6 in the past 35 years - an M 5.6 on August 31, 2011 and an M 5.9 on March 28, 2021." (June 23, 2023)

 

Today's event also occurred within several minutes of local solar noon and was likely promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

 

Forecast 157614 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in late October.

 

O: 29OCT2023 13:57:42  44.0N   28.4W MB=5.1  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

P: 24OCT2023 157614    45.0N   28.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  No. Mid-Atlantic Ridge     

 

 

STRONG VANUATU QUAKE TRIGGERED BY TROPICAL CYCLONE LOLA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 28, 2023

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 6.0 and M 5.6 in Southern Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Vanuatu at Isangel and III in Vila Shefa with II-III in New Caledonia at We Iles, and Noumea. This was likely promoted by the passage of a strong Tropical Cyclone (Lola)through the area over the past several days as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"Tropical Cyclone Lola (01P) continued over central  Vanuatu today with winds up to 35 kts. This system is moving to the south and west. Some increases in seismicity in Vanuatu likely with this storm including a possible strong regional earthquake in the next three days." (October 25-28, 2023)

 

Today's M 6.0 in southern Vanuatu is the strongest since events of M 6.0-6.1 on September and September 21, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

“The strongest earthquake of the day in the world was an M 6.1 in northern Vanuatu. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Luganville, Sanma, Vanuatu. This may be an aftershock of an M 6.5 which occurred on August 16, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.5 in northern Vanuatu. The mainshock was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity VII in Vanuatu at Sola Torba and IV in Sanma at Port Olry and Luganville and possibly in the Solomon Islands and New South Wales, Australia. The mainshock was preceded by an M 5.2 regional foreshock several hours earlier. That event was

felt with intensity III in Luganville, Sanma, Vanuatu. An aftershock of M 4.3 was felt with intensity IV in Port Olry, Sanma, Vanuatu. The mainshock within minutes of local solar midnight and most likely was promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon which was completed within hours of the occurrence of this earthquake.

 

...

 

Today's event of M 6.5 is the largest in northern Vanuatu since an M 7.0 about 150 km south of this epicenter on January 8, 2023. The last within 100 km at this magnitude level was an M 6.6 on January 15, 2019. (September 21, 2023, August 16, 2022)

 

Forecasts 157677, 157682 and 157678 had expected today's activity in Vanuatu was likely in late October.

 

O: 28OCT2023 09:55:28  13.1S  167.1E MW=5.6  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 29OCT2023 157677    13.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 28OCT2023 21:42:56  17.1S  171.6E MB=4.8  EMSC   VANUATU REGION               

P: 27OCT2023 157682    22.0S  172.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA  Loyalty Islands            

 

O: 29OCT2023 04:32:09  19.4S  168.8E MW=6.0  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 22OCT2023 157678    19.0S  169.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

Several aftershocks in western Afghanistan also occurred today. NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 5.0 and M 4.8 in Western Afghanistan were felt with intensity IV-VI in the area(s) of Western Afghanistan in Herat at Karokh (VI) and Herat (IV) and in Taibad, Khorasan Iran and Kabul, Afghanistan. The strongest of these - the M 5.0 occurred within minutes of the maximum full moon and eclipse today and was probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with  that alignment as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"The full moon will arrive on October 28, 2023 at 20:24 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar midnight at this time are near 50 East while those at local solar noon are near 130 West. In the east these include areas of Iran and the horn of Africa and in the east much of western North America including the area from California north to British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These are the areas most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity within a week of this full moon. This full moon is nearer the earth with high tidal stresses and will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. This is a partial eclipse which will be fullest in the area of Yemen and Ethiopia at local midnight. It will also be visible in eastern U.S. at moonrise and throughout most of Africa, Asia and Europe maximizing in western Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf of Aden and Ethiopia. The eclipse will maximize at 20:15 UT. The last Saros series lunar eclipse occurred on October 17, 2005. It occurred within days of the M 7.5 in Pakistan and India of October 8, 2005 which killed more than 100,000 people. Earthquakes nearer the eclipse time included strong events in the Marshall Islands, Sumatra, Southern California, Western Turkey, Taiwan (M 7.0), Tokyo, Japan (M 6.6) and Fiji.  A strong earthquake is likely to accompany or to follow several days after the eclipse in this region. This is the 11th lunar eclipse in the Pharos series which began in 1843." (October 23-24, 2023)

 

Forecast 157544 had expected enhanced seismicity would continue in this area into late October.

 

O: 29OCT2023 04:50:33  34.5N   61.9E mb=4.8  EMSC   WESTERN AFGHANISTAN

O: 28OCT2023 19:27:40  34.6N   62.1E MW=4.9  EMSC   WESTERN AFGHANISTAN          

P: 21OCT2023 157544    34.0N   62.0E 3.8-5.2 CAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in the Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. This is the strongest aftershock to date of the M 6.4-6.7 about 50 km to the east of today's epicenter on October 16, 2023. Forecast 157633 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km to occur around October 27.

 

O: 28OCT2023 08:38:53  51.4N  177.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 27OCT2023 157633    50.9N  178.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

 

MODERATE EARTHQUAKES IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA WITH FULL MOON, LUNAR ECLIPSE

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 27, 2023

 

 

A series of earthquakes occurred today in southeastern Alaska. The largest of these were of M 5.1 and M 5.3. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Alaska at Haines and Hoonah and II-III in Skagwaym Elfin Cove, Douglas, Juneau, Sitka, and Angoon and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada and Fraser Lake, British Columbia, Canada and perhaps as far as Anchorage and Beaver, Alaska nearly 1000 km to the north. Aftershocks were felt with intensity II-III in Southeastern Alaska at Elfin Cove, Douglas, Juneau and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is likely these events were promoted by tidal stresses with today's full moon and eclipse as noted in previous issues of this summary as:

 

"The full moon will arrive on October 28, 2023 at 20:24 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar midnight at this time are near 50 East while those at local solar noon are near 130 West. In the east these include areas of Iran and the horn of Africa and in the east much of western North America including the area from California north to British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These are the areas most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity within a week of this full moon. This full moon is nearer the earth with high tidal stresses and will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. This is a partial eclipse which will be fullest in the area of Yemen and Ethiopia at local midnight. It will also be visible in eastern U.S. at moonrise and throughout most of Africa, Asia and Europe maximizing in western Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf of Aden and Ethiopia. The eclipse will maximize at 20:15 UT. The last Saros series lunar eclipse occurred on October 17, 2005. It occurred within days of the M 7.5 in Pakistan and India of October 8, 2005 which killed more than 100,000 people. Earthquakes nearer the eclipse time included strong events in the Marshall Islands, Sumatra, Southern California, Western Turkey, Taiwan (M 7.0), Tokyo, Japan (M 6.6) and Fiji.  A strong earthquake is likely to accompany or to follow several days after the eclipse in this region. This is the 11th lunar eclipse in the Pharos series which began in 1843." (October 23-24, 2023)

 

Today's event in southeastern Alaska is the strongest within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 6.2 and 5.3 on May 1, 2017 followed by aftershocks of M 5.6 and 5.7. At the time this summary noted in regard to this series:

 

" ... The only moderate seismicity in this year (2017) in the area prior to today occurred on January 16 with M 4.1 and 4.3. An M 6.2 hit the are 17 years ago on January 6, 2000. The M 6.3 in this region today is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on July 1, 1973. Other events of M>=6.3 were recorded on July 10, 1958 (M 7.9); February 3, 1944 (M 6.4); October 24, 1927 (M 7.1); January 18, 1901 (M 7.1) and in September, 1899 (M 8.6). A strong aftershock is considered likely since it has been 44 years since the last such event in the region." (May 1, 2017)

 

Forecast 157646 had expected today's activity within about 25 km was likely

in late October between October 22 and 28, 2023.

 

O: 28OCT2023 03:44:11  59.0N  136.5W Mw=5.3  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

O: 28OCT2023 03:44:14  59.2N  136.3W MB=5.2  ECAN WSW OF SKAGWAY, AK  

O: 28OCT2023 03:01:51  59.3N  136.1W MB=4.7  ECAN WSW OF SKAGWAY, AK  

O: 28OCT2023 03:01:50  59.0N  136.5W MW=5.1  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA          

O: 28OCT2023 05:11:57  59.0N  136.4W ML=3.8  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

O: 28OCT2023 06:00:36  59.0N  136.5W ML=3.2  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

P: 22OCT2023 157646    59.0N  137.0W 3.0-4.8 CAAAA  Southeast Alaska           

P: 28OCT2023 157646    57.0N  138.0W 3.0-4.6 ABAAA  Southeast Alaska           

 

A light M 2.9 in Northern California south of the San Francisco Bay area occurred following the M 5.1 in SE Alaska and may have been triggered by it. The California quake was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in San Jose, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Boulder Creek, Walnut Creek and San Francisco. This activity occurred during a minor geomagnetic storm in conjunction with the full moon and lunar eclipse today and was probably promoted by stresses associated with those two factors. The last earthquake in San Francisco of similar size was an M 3.6 on December 17, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"Today's event of M 3.6 is the strongest within the San Francisco Bay area of

California within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M  M 4.1 on June 2, 2022 and prior to that an M 3.9 on June 20, 2021 and an M 4.5 on October 15, 2019. At the time of the last such event on June 2, 2022, this summary noted:

 

 

"An earthquake of M 4.2 also shook the region of San Francisco, California today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Sulsun City with intensity III throughout most of the rest of the San Francisco Bay area including at Concord, Benicia, Pittsburg, Birds Landing, and Pleasant Hill among others. This is the strongest earthquake in the San Francisco Bay area of California since an M 4.5 on October 15, 2019 and prior to that, events of M 4.2-4.3 on July 16, 2019 and January 4, 2018. The last earthquake of significantly larger magnitude in the San Francisco Bay area was an M 6.0 in the Napa area on August 24, 2014. These are the only events of M>=4.2 in the San Francisco area in the past 13 years." (December 17, 2022, June 2, 2022)

 

Forecast 157538 had expected today's activity in  San Francisco was likely within about 50 km in late October.

 

O: 28OCT2023 01:38:31  37.6N  122.4W Mw=3.7  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

O: 28OCT2023 03:24:11  37.6N  122.4W MD=2.2  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P: 23OCT2023 157538    38.0N  122.4W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA  Central California         

 

A light to moderate earthquake also occurred earlier in the San Francisco Bay area of California with M 3.7. NEIC reported this event was felt with maximum intensity IV in the area of San Francisco at Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Brisbane, Daly City, Pacifica, and as far as southern California, Oregon and Arizona.

 

O: 28OCT2023 03:21:11  37.2N  121.7W MD=2.8  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 28OCT2023 03:32:47  37.3N  121.7W MD=2.1  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

P: 23OCT2023 157538    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 28OCT2023 01:38:31  37.6N  122.4W Mw=3.7  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

O: 28OCT2023 03:24:11  37.6N  122.4W MD=2.2  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P: 23OCT2023 157538    38.0N  122.4W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported earthquakes of M 3.4 and M 4.2 in Central California were felt with intensity II-III today in the area(s) of Central California in Topaz,  Coleville (IV), Bridgeport, Markleeville, South Lake Tahoe, and in Nevada in Wellington, Smith, Gardnerville, Minden, Yerington and Glenbrook among others.  An aftershock of M 2.8 was felt with intensity III in Gardnerville, Nevada. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter in Central California with equal or greater magnitude was an M 4.5 on August 8, 2022. These are aftershocks of an M 6.0 of July 8, 2021. In August, 2022 this summary commented:

 

 

"The M 4.4-4.6 on the border between Central California and Nevada today occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal/geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour as well. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in California at Topaz, Coleville, Gardnerville, Markleeville, Bridgeport and in Nevada at Wellington, Smith, Gardnerville, Minden among others. NEIC reported aftershocks of M 2.5-3.5 in Central California were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  in Carson City, Nevada. The M 4.4-4.6 is the strongest aftershock of the M 6.0 which shook the area on July 8, 2021 since that date.  Forecasts 145565 and 145563 had expected today's activity within about 25 km of this epicenter in early August." (August 8, 2022)

 

Forecast 157536 had expected today's activity was likely within about 30 km

around October 26.

 

O: 28OCT2023 05:40:18  38.6N  119.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 28OCT2023 05:48:58  38.6N  119.5W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 28OCT2023 05:59:15  38.6N  119.5W MD=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 28OCT2023 06:54:31  38.6N  119.5W MD=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 28OCT2023 05:49:48  38.5N  119.5W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 26OCT2023 157536    38.3N  119.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

A moderate earthquake of M 3.9 also shook the island of Hawaii today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.7-3.9 in Hawaii was widely felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii at Hawaii National Park, Pahala, Naalehu, Volcano, Pahoa, Mountain View, Captain Cook, Hilo, Keaau, Hakalau. Only two earthquakes of equal or larger magnitude have occurred in Hawaii in the past 8 months - an M 4.5 on February 15 and an M 4.3 on August 13, 2023. Forecast 157517 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely towards the end of October.

 

O: 27OCT2023 15:07:22  19.2N  155.3W ML=3.9  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 23OCT2023 157517    19.3N  155.1W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Hawaii area                

P: 26OCT2023 157517    20.4N  155.1W 4.0-5.8 ABAAA  Hawaii area                

 

A major swarm of moderate earthquakes occurred off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico today. Most of these followed an M 4.7 mainshock but a foreshock of M 4.1 was also recorded. The total solar eclipse of October 14 was visible in Chiapas around 17:15 UT and may have helped trigger today's activity. A series of foreshocks began shortly after the solar eclipse and included an M 5.0 on October 21 and an M 4.9 on October 20, 2023. These may be regional aftershocks of an M 6.3 in Chiapas which occurred on July 14, 2023.  Forecast 157493 had expected today's activity within about 100 km was likely around October 29.

 

O: 28OCT2023 02:16:59  13.7N   92.8W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 08:45:06  14.0N   93.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:31:14  14.0N   93.6W ML=4.3  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 20:43:17  14.0N   93.7W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:21:56  14.1N   93.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:15:17  14.2N   93.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:25:35  14.2N   93.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:37:29  14.2N   93.3W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:41:44  14.2N   93.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 11:32:37  14.2N   93.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 11:34:34  14.2N   93.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:34:23  14.3N   93.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 27OCT2023 09:01:03  14.3N   93.3W MB=4.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO 

O: 27OCT2023 13:24:00  14.7N   92.1W ML=4.4  EMSC   GUATEMALA                    

P: 29OCT2023 157493    15.0N   92.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Guatemala                  

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today continued the seismic activation of the Southwestern Pacific region. These occurred with M 5.5 in the Solomon Islands and another of M 5.5 in the Fiji region where several moderate size

earthquakes have occurred in the past few days including an M 5.5 on October 23 and an M 5.5 on October 22. This is an active region and is likely to see additional event of strong magnitude through the end of October. Forecast 157687 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around October 25.

 

O: 28OCT2023 04:33:30  20.6S  176.4W MW=5.5  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 25OCT2023 157687    20.0S  176.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

The M 5.5 in the Solomon Islands is the strongest in that area since an M 5.6

near today's epicenter on May 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A moderate earthquakes also shook the region of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands today where NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Honiara. This appears to be an aftershock of an M 6.1 of May 21, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"A strong M 6.1 was also felt in the Solomon Islands today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in the Solomon Islandsa 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 28, 2023, May 21, 2023)

 

Forecast 157668 had expected today's event in the Solomon Islands within

about 100 km was likely around October 25.

 

O: 28OCT2023 05:31:58  10.2S  161.3E MW=5.5  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS              

P: 25OCT2023 157668    10.0S  160.0E 4.0-5.4 BABAA  No. of Santa Cruz Islands  

 

FULL MOON BRINGS ENHANCED SEISMICITY TO OCEAN RIDGES

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 26, 2023

 

The full moon and lunar eclipse will arrive on October 28 as noted in this and previous summaries:

 

"The full moon will arrive on October 28, 2023 at 20:24 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar midnight at this time are near 50 East while those at local solar noon are near 130 West. In the east these include areas of Iran and the horn of Africa and in the east much of western North America including the area from California north to British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These are the areas most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity within a week of this full moon. This full moon is nearer the earth with high tidal stresses and will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. This is a partial eclipse which will be fullest in the area of Yemen and Ethiopia at local midnight. It will also be visible in eastern U.S. at moonrise and throughout most of Africa, Asia and Europe maximizing in western Afghanistan, Iran, and the Gulf of Aden and Ethiopia. The eclipse will maximize at 20:15 UT. The last Saros series lunar eclipse occurred on October 17, 2005. It occurred within days of the M 7.5 in Pakistan and India of October 8, 2005 which killed more than 100,000 people. Earthquakes nearer the eclipse time included strong events in the Marshall Islands, Sumatra, Southern California, Western Turkey, Taiwan (M 7.0), Tokyo, Japan (M 6.6) and Fiji.  A strong earthquake is likely to accompany or to follow several days after the eclipse in this region. This is the 11th lunar eclipse in the Pharos series which began in 1843." (October 24-27, 2023)

 

This is accompanied by a moderate geomagnetic storm today. The two probably

helped promoted enhanced global seismicity - especially in Oceanic areas - adding about 0.5 magnitude units to the largest events. Moderately strong earthquakes were recorded with an M 5.9 in the area west of Macquarie Island and nearby an M 5.6 in the Balleny Islands area. These were not felt. The Balleny Islands event is antipodal to the increase is Icelandic seismicity today – which also continued unabated. Today's high latitude seismicity was likely  also promoted by a moderate geomagnetic storm with AP of 29 at high latitudes.

The earthquake of M 5.6 in the Balleny Islands was the largest within about

250 km of the epicenter since an M 5.8 on August 23, 2022. An earthquake of M 5.9 also hit the Balleny Islands about 350 km from today's event on July 6, 2023 also in conjunction with enhanced seismicity in Iceland as reported in this summary at the time:

 

 

"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 authorities as more than 2000 light to moderate quakes have occurred in this region in the past two days.

...

 

 

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)

 

Today's event in the Balleny Islands occurred two minutes after the start of Flare 7800 and may have been promoted by SFE from the flare (See Flare listing below).

 

The M 5.9 in the Macquarie Island area is the largest within about 250 km of that event since an M 6.1 on March 20, 2021. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The last earthquake in the Macquarie Islands within about 300 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.1 occurred on February 27, 2018 wih M 6.1, The last of larger magnitude was an M 6.6 on October 9, 2012." (March 20, 2021)

 

O: 26OCT2023 07:21:25  58.9S  149.0E MW=5.9  EMSC   WEST OF MACQUARIE ISLAND     

 

O: 26OCT2023 19:20:10  61.2S  160.5E MW=5.6  EMSC   BALLENY ISLANDS REGION       

 

O: 26OCT2023 17:15:23  29.5N   42.8W MB=4.7  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

P: 25OCT2023 157520    29.0N   44.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Mid-Atlantic Ridge         

 

O: 26OCT2023 09:51:48  63.9N   22.4W ML=3.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 26OCT2023 09:54:37  63.9N   22.4W ML=3.2  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 26OCT2023 09:43:51  63.9N   22.4W ML=3.3  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P: 24OCT2023 157656    63.0N   24.0W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

An earthquake of high latitudes also occurred today in the Komandorsky Islands of Russia with M 5.9. This is the strongest earthquake in the Komandorsky Islands since an M 6.0 on September 20, 2022, the only such event in the past 3 years. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the Komandorsky Islands, Alaska. It may have been lightly felt as far as Alaska. The last earthquake of larger magnitude than M 6.0 in the Komandorsky Islands occurred as an M 6.6 to the west of today's event on March 16, 2021." (September 20, 2023)

 

The earthquake in the Komandorsky Is, as well as those in the Balleny and Macquarie Island region today were at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 6.8 in New Guinea of October 7 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 157638 had expected today's event in the Komandorsky Islands within about 25 km was likely around October 27.

 

O: 26OCT2023 16:05:13  56.1N  164.8E MW=5.9  EMSC   KOMANDORSKIYE OSTROVA REGION 

P: 27OCT2023 157638    56.0N  165.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Komandorsky Isl            

 

An M 5.1 occurred today in Eastern Iran.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Southern Iran was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Iran in Birdjand, Khorasan.  This occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by the full moon of October 26 which will maximize over this epicenter (see Tidal forecast in this summary). Forecast 157544 had expected today's event to the northeast was likely around October 21.

 

O: 26OCT2023 20:34:13  32.1N   59.7E MW=5.1  EMSC   EASTERN IRAN                 

P: 21OCT2023 157544    34.0N   62.0E 3.8-5.2 BBBAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

Enhanced seismicity also continued today in the southwestern Pacific today. This included an M 5.6 in Tonga and an M 5.2 in the Loyalty Islands south of Vanuatu. This event was probably promoted by Tropical Cyclone Lola, a major storm which was passing through this area when this event occurred as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"Tropical Cyclone Lola (01P) continued over central  Vanuatu today with winds up to 35 kts. This system is moving to the south and west. Some increases in seismicity in Vanuatu likely with this storm including a possible strong regional earthquake in the next three days." (October 24-26, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157675 had expected the event in Tonga was likely in late October while forecast 157682 had expected the event in the Loyalty Islands was likely around October 27.

 

O: 27OCT2023 03:02:21  17.5S  173.7W MB=5.6  EMSC   TONGA                        

P: 22OCT2023 157675    16.0S  173.0W 4.0-5.9 BBAAA  Tonga Islands              

P: 30OCT2023 157675    19.0S  173.0W 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 26OCT2023 23:26:16  22.9S  170.3E MW=5.2  EMSC   SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS 

P: 27OCT2023 157682    22.0S  172.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Loyalty Islands             

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 near Hudson Bay in the Clyde River area of Nunavut, Canada. This is the largest earthquake in this region within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.5 on November 19, 2022 and an M 4.3 on September 26, 2021. In the past 15 years there have been 10 events in this region of M>=4.1 - most - 7 of the 10 have occurred in the period August through November suggesting a seasonal bias, perhaps related to melting ice.

 

Forecast 157661 had expected enhanced activity in this area was likely around October 28.

 

O: 26OCT2023 02:39:59  71.1N   71.4W MB=4.1  ECAN OF CLYDE RIVER, NU             

P: 28OCT2023 157661    73.3N   73.5W 2.5-3.9 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

ENHANCED SEISMICITY CONTINUES IN SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 25, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in the central Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. It was not reported felt in this remote area. It is probably an aftershock of the M 6.1 that hit the area on October 23 as noted at the time in this summary:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the Kermadec Islands. It was preceded by an M 5.1 foreshock and followed by an M 4.5 which followed near local solar noon while the M 6.1 occurred near local solar midnight. It is likely that this activity was promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near these times. The last earthquake in the Kermadec Islands of M>=6 occurred as an M 6.6 on September 8, 2023. That event occurred near the antipode of an M 6.9 in Morocco of the same date." (October 24, 2023)

 

Forecast 157699 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around

October 26.

 

O: 26OCT2023 02:59:00  30.0S  177.5W MW=5.4  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

P: 26OCT2023 157699    31.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

An earthquake of M 5.5 also occurred in the Banda Sea, Indonesia today.

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.5 in East Timor, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of East Timor, Indonesia in Dare, Dili and in northern Territory, Australia. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.5 was an M 5.8 on September 22, 2023. Today's event is probably an aftershock of the September event An M 7.6 hit near this epicenter on January 9, 2023.

 

Forecast 157462 had expected this event within about 50 km was likely around

October 23.

 

O: 26OCT2023 05:44:17   7.2S  129.3E MW=5.5  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA    

P: 23OCT2023 157462     7.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred in the area near Reykjavik, Iceland today.

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Iceland  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Iceland in Njarovik, Suournes. This occurred along with a strong associated sequence of smaller tremors. An M 5.1 earthquake occurred about 300 km to the northeast of this in Iceland on October 24 and was reported in this summary. These are distinct epicenter and yesterday's event may have had little effect on the M 4.6 today. Volcanism near today's M 4.6 has occurred periodically in the past three years. Rather the two events are most likely related to regional stresses from other sources. At the time of the M 5.1 yesterday this summary noted:

 

"A series of earthquake were felt in Iceland today. The largest of these occurred in central Iceland with M 5.1 and was reported by NEIC to have been felt with light intensity in Reykjavik, Iceland. An M 3.5 aftershock was felt to the west of the M 5.1 with intensity III in Keflavik, Suournes, Iceland. The only earthquake in the past three years within about 200 km of the M 5.1 with equal or greater magnitude was an M 5.1 on September 8, 2022." (October 24, 2023)

 

Forecast 157656 had expected today's event in Iceland was likely within about 150 km of this epicenter around October 24.

 

O: 26OCT2023 04:24:27  63.9N   22.5W ML=3.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION

O: 25OCT2023 08:18:41  63.9N   22.4W MB=4.6  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P: 24OCT2023 157656    63.0N   24.0W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.8 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This is probably an aftershock of the M 4.3 in the Fox Islands on October 20. Forecast 157373 had expected today's event was likely in mid-October within about 10 km of today's epicenter.

 

O: 25OCT2023 13:35:45  52.3N  169.4W ML=3.8  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 17OCT2023 157373    52.4N  169.4W 3.5-4.9 CAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

A light earthquake of M 2.5 occurred in Illinois today.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Illinois was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Illinois in Sullivan.  The last earthquake in Illinois within about 100 km of today's epicenter with M>=2.5 occurred on June 16, 2022 (M 2.5) but the last event in this area of larger magnitude was an M 3.1 on July 1, 2017. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"A light earthquake of M 3.1 shook parts of Illinois today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Illinois at Vandalia, Mulberry Grove, Greenville, Carlyle, Pocahontas, Brownstown, Ramsey, Kinmundy, Springfield, Champaign and in Missouri at Saint Louis, Bergen. It was also reported lightly felt in Jasper, Indiana and in Dayton, Ohio. A lighter earthquake occurred in southern Illinois on June 27 (M 2.1) and on May 31 with M 2.2, but this is the strongest earthquake in Illinois during 2017. The last earthquake in Illinois or larger magnitude within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred on May 30, 2015. The strongest event in the state in the past 25 years was an M 3.9 on June 7, 2011." (July 1, 2017)

 

Forecast 157553 had expected elevated seismicity in this area around October 23.

 

O: 26OCT2023 03:36:17  39.2N   89.0W ML=2.5  EMSC   ILLINOIS                     

P: 23OCT2023 157553    38.0N   87.0W 2.0-4.3 BBBAA  New Madrid area            

 

MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES GANSU, CHINA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 24, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Gansu, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Gansu, China at Zhangye. A smaller foreshock hit the region near this epicenter on October 22, 2023. The last event in the region of Gansu with M>=5.5 however occurred as an M 5.5 on April 15, 2022 – part of a sequence of events in early 2022 with an M 5.6 on January 23 and an M 5.7 on January 23, 2022. This sequence was described in this summary at the time as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 in Northern Qinghai, China. It was probably felt with moderate intensity in this remote area but this has not been reported by NEIC. This appears to be an aftershock of similar events of M 5.6 and M 5.7 on January 23 and March 25, 2022. At that time his summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the region of Northern Qinghai, China. This is a regional aftershock of the M 6.9 in Qinghai of January 7, 2022. It occurred about 400 km northwest of that earlier epicenter. No major damage was reported with this earthquake. The last earthquake of M>=5.7 within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred as an M 6.3 about 200 km to the southwest of this epicenter on August 27, 2009. The only event within 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 30 years was an M 5.9 about 150 km east of this on October 26, 1993. Today's earthquake was followed by moderate aftershocks of M 5.1 and 5.0 among others. The mainshock occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour." (March 26, 2022)

 

Like the event in March, today's earthquake also occurred within a day of the full moon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses." (April 15, 2022)

 

Forecast 157577 had expected today's earthquake in Gansu was likely within about

150 km around October 23.

 

O: 24OCT2023 11:32:14  39.3N   97.3E MW=5.5  EMSC   GANSU, CHINA                 

P: 23OCT2023 157577    38.0N   97.0E 3.5-5.2 ABAAA  So. China                  

 

A series of earthquake were felt in Iceland today. The largest of these occurred in central Iceland with M 5.1 and was reported by NEIC to have been felt with light intensity in Reykjavik, Iceland. An M 3.5 aftershock was felt to the west of the M 5.1 with intensity III in Keflavik, Suournes, Iceland. The only earthquake in the past three years within about 200 km of the M 5.1 with equal or greater magnitude was an M 5.1 on September 8, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

"A strong series of moderate earthquakes including those of M 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 4.6 hit the area of northern Iceland today. These are not part of the current volcanic eruption in the Reykjavik area of southern Iceland about 500 km away to the south. Nevertheless these events are probably related to incipient volcanism in the area. The last activity with M>=5 within about 200 km of these epicenters occurred on  June 20 and 21, 2020 with M 5.4, 5.7 and 6.0." (September 8, 2022) 

 

Forecast 157656 had expected today's activity in this area was likely around

October 24-26.

 

O: 24OCT2023 22:19:47  64.7N   17.7W MW=5.1  EMSC   ICELAND                      

P: 26OCT2023 157656    67.0N   17.0W 3.0-4.8 ACAAA  Iceland area               

 

O: 25OCT2023 02:58:38  64.0N   22.7W ML=3.5  EMSC   ICELAND REGION               

P: 24OCT2023 157656    63.0N   24.0W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9 in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of equal or greater magnitude in the Northwest Territories was an M 4.4 on September 11, 2023. This epicenter is near that which occurred today. At the time this summary noted it as:

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 also occurred today in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It was probably felt lightly in the epicentra area near Nahanni Butte but this has not been reported. The last earthquake with M>=4.4 within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred on October 24, 2020 with M 4.7." (September 11, 2023)

 

Forecast 157632 had expected regional seismic enhancement to the south east of this was possible at the end of October.

 

O: 24OCT2023 11:37:06  62.2N  124.4W ML=3.9  EMSC   NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA

O: 24OCT2023 11:37:06  62.2N  124.4W MB=3.9  ECAN OF WRIGLEY, NT                 

P: 29OCT2023 157632    56.0N  120.0W 2.0-4.3 BCBAA  Alberta                     

 

ENHANCED EARTHQUAKES MARK GLOBAL SEISMICITY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER 23, 2023

 

A series of moderately strong earthquake occurred in many areas today. Included

among these was an M 5.7 in South Island, New Zealand; an M 5.7 in Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan; an M 4.8 in Puerto Rico; an M 4.8 in the Vancouver Island of British Columbia, Canada; an M 5.5 in Fiji and a M 6.0 in the Kermadec Islands.

 

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. Forecast 157528 had expected today's activity around October 21-26 within about 40 km of these events.

 

Forecast 157528 had expected today's events in Taiwan were likely within about

50 km around October 21-26.

 

O: 23OCT2023 23:05:23  24.1N  122.6E mb=5.6  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION

O: 24OCT2023 02:54:25  24.1N  122.6E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION

O: 23OCT2023 13:19:20  23.0N  121.4E MB=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION                

O: 23OCT2023 23:05:20  23.9N  122.8E MB=5.7  CWB    TAIWAN REGION                

P: 21OCT2023 157528    22.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

P: 26OCT2023 157528    24.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Taiwan                      

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the Kermadec Islands. It was preceded by an M 5.1 foreshock and followed by an M 4.5 which followed near local solar noon while the M 6.1 occurred near local solar midnight. It is likely that this activity was promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near these times. The last earthquake in the Kermadec Islands of M>=6 occurred as an M 6.6 on September 8, 2023. That event occurred near the antipode of an M 6.9 in Morocco of the same date.  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 157696 and 157699 had expected today's activity in the Kermadec Islands

within about 100 km was likely around October 23-26.

 

O: 23OCT2023 08:03:13  30.0S  177.4W mb=5.1  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

O: 23OCT2023 10:10:13  30.1S  177.4W Mw=6.1  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

O: 23OCT2023 23:02:12  30.1S  177.4W MW=4.5  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

P: 23OCT2023 157696    30.0S  179.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

P: 24OCT2023 157699    31.0S  179.0W 4.0-5.6 AABAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

P: 26OCT2023 157699    31.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

A moderate earthquake M 5.6 also occurred in New Zealand today in South Island. GEONET reported the M 5.6 was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand. 2111 felt reports were published including 1420 of weak and 605 of light shaking; 76 moderate; 4 strong; 1 severe and 2 extreme shaking in northern South Island. A similar earthquake of M 5.6 hit south of this epicenter on September 19, 2023 and was discussed in this summary at the time as:

 

 

"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" (September 19, 2023)

 

Forecast 157438 had expected today's event of M 5.6 was likely within about 100 km around October 23.

 

O: 23OCT2023 09:09:04  42.7S  171.8E MS=5.6  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P: 23OCT2023 157438    42.0S  173.0E 3.0-5.3 BAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

Another moderate earthquake in the southwest Pacific also occurred with M 5.5

in the region of Fiji. This follows a similar M 5.5 in the region yesterday

to the southwest of today's epicenter which was described in this summary at

the time as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Fiji Islands.

It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Fiji Islands with equal or larger magnitude was an M 5.7 on September 5. The last within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.0 on July 24, 2023." (October 23, 2023)

 

Today's event had been expected within about 100 km in the Samoa Islands to the

west was likely around October 27.

 

O: 23OCT2023 10:31:35  15.1S  176.1W MW=5.5  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 27OCT2023 157669    15.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Samoa Islands              

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.8 occurred in Puerto Rico today. This follows a similar event in Puerto Rico yesterday. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Puerto Rico at Yauco, Ensenada, Sabana Grande and IV in Guayanilla, Penuelas, Ponce, and Adjuntas among others. This was probably triggered by landfall of Hurricane Tammy today as expected in this summary in  previous issues:

 

"Hurricane Tammy continued today east of the Leeward Islands with winds up to 85 kts. It is expected to track to the north and west reaching the Virgin Islands around October 22. Some seismic promotion is likely at that time in the northeastern Caribbean Islands." (October 21-22, 2023)

 

The last earthquake of M>=4.8 in Puerto Rico was an M 5.0 on November 17, 2022 and an M 4.8 on October 8, 2021.

 

Forecasts 57507 and 157408 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around October 28.

 

O: 23OCT2023 12:58:02  17.9N   66.8W MB=4.8  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 24OCT2023 157507    18.0N   68.0W 3.4-4.9 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

P: 28OCT2023 157508    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.1 BBAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.8 in the Vancouver Island area of British Columbia, Canada. It was reported felt in the Port Hardy area. The last earthquake with equal or greater magnitude in Vancouver Island area was an M 4.9 on October 16, 2023 and prior to that an M 5.6 on September 17, 2023 with the last two new moons. At the time of the October event this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Vancouver Island area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in British Columbia at Port Hardy, Prince Rupert and IV in Gresham, Oregon. Lesser shaking was reported in British Columbia in Vancouver, Victoria,; in Washington at Freeland, Seattle and in Portland, Oregon. It is likely that this event was promoted by the new moon and solar eclipse of October 14, 2023 which was visible at this epicenter at 16:14 UT - the beginning of the eclipse ...

 

A similar earthquake of M 5.6 hit Vancouver Island with the last new moon on

September 17, 2023." (October 16, 2023)

 

Forecasts 157627 and 157636 had expected this activity in Vancouver was likely within about 25 km around October 22-24.

 

O: 24OCT2023 05:58:20  50.5N  130.3W MB=4.8  ECAN OF PORT HARDY, BC  

O: 24OCT2023 05:58:24  50.7N  129.7W MB=4.7  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO

P: 22OCT2023 157627    48.9N  129.3W 2.8-5.3 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

P: 24OCT2023 157636    50.4N  130.2W 3.0-4.9 AAAAA  British Colombia