MODERATE EARTHQUAKE IN TONGA ON ANOTHER QUIET DAY IN SEISMICITY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 24, 2023

 

It was another quiet day in global seismicity. This is likely to continue for several  more days as seismic stress builds back following the unusual series of earthquakes on March 21-22 probably promoted by a strong GRB, geomagnetic storm and new moon. The only earthquake of M>=5 reported in the world today was an M 5.6 in Fiji.

 

This earthquake of M 5.6 in Central Tonga/Fiji was not reported felt in this remote area. It occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An M 4.4 about 150 km west of the mainshock occurred near local solar noon, another time when tidal stress maximizes. Forecast 151939 had expected this activity was likely around March 22, 2023.

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:01:34  20.3S  176.6W Mw=5.6  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 22MAR2023 151939    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 24MAR2023 22:41:30  20.5S  178.1W mb=4.4  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 22MAR2023 151939    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

 

The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was a light earthquake in Southern California near Borrego Springs of M 3.1-3.4. Earthquakes at this magnitude level in this area of Southern California are common.  Today's M 3.4 follows similar earthquakes within about 50 km of this epicenter most recently on February 1, 2023 (M 3.1) an January 9 and 11, 2023 (M 3.2) but the last event in the area of larger magnitude was an M 4.2 on December 31, 2022. Forecast 141804 had expected today's epicenter would be active around March 26.

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 2.9 and 3.4  in Borrego Springs, California  were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Borrego Springs, California in El Cajon, San Diego, Palm Desert, Julian, Descanso, Ramona, Alpine, Boulevard, Lakeside, Escondido and La Quinta.

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:59:00  33.2N  116.4W Ml=2.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 24MAR2023 15:04:04  33.2N  116.4W ML=2.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 24MAR2023 13:45:13  33.2N  116.4W ML=3.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 24MAR2023 13:45:13  33.2N  116.4W ML=3.4  ANSS   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA           

P: 26MAR2023 151804    33.4N  116.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Tajikistan of M 7.2, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 24MAR2023 10:04:18  23.7N  121.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

O: 24MAR2023 10:04:18  23.7N  121.3E ML=4.2  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan               

P: 24MAR2023 151760    23.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Hualien and I in Nantou, Taichung,Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Chiayi Counties, Taiwan.

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 24MAR2023 14:26:44   2.3S  139.0E ML=4.6  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

O: 24MAR2023 09:26:32   2.6S  138.9E mb=4.7  EMSC   PAPUA, INDONESIA             

P: 21MAR2023 151711     1.0S  137.0E 4.0-5.6 BBBAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 25MAR2023 06:23:47   2.7N  125.9E ML=4.5  EMSC   KEPULAUAN SANGIHE, INDONESIA 

P: 31MAR2023 151682     2.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 24MAR2023 23:59:22   6.5N  126.0E ML=4.5  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 26MAR2023 151686     6.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 24MAR2023 11:32:38   7.1S  126.0E mb=4.5  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI

P: 31MAR2023 151691     8.0S  125.0E 4.0-5.7 CAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 24MAR2023 14:11:36  10.8S  113.3E ML=4.3  EMSC   SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA     

O: 24MAR2023 12:16:12  10.9S  113.3E mb=4.6  EMSC   SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA

P: 21MAR2023 151706     9.0S  114.0E 4.0-5.6 BBAAA  So. of Bali                

 

O: 24MAR2023 15:13:22  14.5N  123.1E ML=4.4  EMSC   LUZON, PHILIPPINES           

P: 25MAR2023 151727    14.0N  122.0E 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Luzon, Philippines         

 

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:13:38  11.5S   73.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   CENTRAL PERU                 

P: 24MAR2023 151912    15.0S   73.0W 4.0-5.5 ACAAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 25MAR2023 01:42:13  13.0N   61.2W ML=3.4  EMSC   ST. VINCENT REGION, WINDWARD I

P: 27MAR2023 151743    11.0N   63.0W 3.4-5.1 ABBAA  Windward Islands           

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.4 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Stint Vincent and The Grenadines at Port Elizabeth, Hamilton, Kingstown and the Netherlands Antilles.

 

O: 24MAR2023 14:01:21  13.7N   90.5W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUATEMALA           

P: 24MAR2023 151722    13.0N   90.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Guatemala                  

 

O: 24MAR2023 22:34:25  15.0N   94.2W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO 

P: 25MAR2023 151719    16.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 24MAR2023 09:44:57  15.5N   93.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO     

P: 26MAR2023 151722    15.0N   92.0W 3.5-5.1 AABAA  Guatemala                   

 

O: 24MAR2023 08:30:18  16.0N   95.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO

O: 24MAR2023 14:41:45  16.1N   96.2W mb=4.3  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

P: 24MAR2023 151735    15.0N   96.0W 3.5-5.4 ABAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Oaxaca, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oaxaca, Mexico in Cacaotepec.

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:10:36  16.8N   99.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

P: 23MAR2023 151736    17.0N   99.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 25MAR2023 03:27:35  17.9N  100.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

P: 27MAR2023 151730    17.0N  101.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:40:38  18.0N   66.2W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 25MAR2023 151737    18.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 24MAR2023 21:27:57  18.3N  102.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

P: 21MAR2023 151731    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.6 BAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 24MAR2023 22:03:35  18.4N   73.5W ML=3.9  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 25MAR2023 151739    19.0N   73.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 24MAR2023 20:08:41  19.0N   65.2W Md=3.4  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION        

P: 22MAR2023 151744    20.0N   66.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

P: 29MAR2023 151725    19.0N   65.0W 3.0-5.3 BAAAA  Leeward Islands            

 

O: 25MAR2023 01:04:48  22.4S   69.1W ML=3.9  EMSC   ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE           

P: 27MAR2023 151932    22.0S   69.0W 4.0-6.0 AAAAA  Coast No. Chile            

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:10:34  38.0N   37.6E mb=4.4  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 24MAR2023 13:51:24  38.0N   36.3E ML=4.0  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 25MAR2023 04:39:32  38.1N   37.0E ML=4.4  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 25MAR2023 06:33:40  37.9N   36.3E ML=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 23MAR2023 151820    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:09:57  40.9N   48.2E ML=4.2  EMSC   AZERBAIJAN                   

P: 27MAR2023 151835    40.0N   50.0E 4.0-5.8 BABAA  Kazakhstan                 

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:01:34  20.3S  176.6W Mw=5.6  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 22MAR2023 151939    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 24MAR2023 22:41:30  20.5S  178.1W mb=4.4  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 22MAR2023 151939    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 24MAR2023 18:27:40  32.8N   39.8W mb=4.5  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

P: 21MAR2023 151792    32.0N   41.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  No. Mid-Atlantic Ridge     

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were recorded in the regions of Zealandia or Australia

today. GeoNet did not report any felt events in the area.

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:25:34  36.4N  140.3E Mw=4.7  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

O: 24MAR2023 08:20:30  37.8N  141.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 23MAR2023 151790    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in Eastern Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Eastern Honshu, Japan in Ibaraki and Saitama (IV) and in Tokyo.

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:59:00  33.2N  116.4W Ml=2.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 24MAR2023 15:04:04  33.2N  116.4W ML=2.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 24MAR2023 13:45:13  33.2N  116.4W ML=3.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 26MAR2023 151804    33.4N  116.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 24MAR2023 09:49:09  34.4N  119.7W ML=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 24MAR2023 151809    34.7N  119.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 25MAR2023 04:32:10  35.5N  118.5W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 25MAR2023 04:32:10  35.5N  118.5W ML=2.9  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 27MAR2023 151811    35.4N  118.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.9 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Bodfish and Caliente.

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:50:34  37.3N  115.1W ml=2.2  EMSC   NEVADA                       

P: 27MAR2023 151786    37.3N  114.9W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA  Nevada area                

 

O: 24MAR2023 07:46:09  38.4N  122.6W ML=2.4  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 24MAR2023 07:46:09  38.4N  122.6W ML=2.6  ANSS   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 24MAR2023 13:02:01  38.4N  122.6W Md=2.0  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

P: 26MAR2023 151771    38.5N  122.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Santa Rosa, Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Santa Rosa, Northern California in Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol. Petaluma.

 

ALASKA

 

O: 24MAR2023 20:47:34  52.2N  170.4W ML=3.5  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 28MAR2023 151879    52.5N  169.2W 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

O: 25MAR2023 01:48:07  54.3N  159.8W ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTH OF ALASKA              

P: 26MAR2023 151889    54.7N  161.2W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

O: 24MAR2023 20:23:20  60.1N  151.6W ML=3.2  EMSC   KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA      

P: 23MAR2023 151898    61.3N  152.3W 3.2-5.1 BAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Kasilof.

 

O: 24MAR2023 15:43:37  62.3N  151.0W ML=3.0  EMSC   CENTRAL ALASKA               

P: 25MAR2023 151898    62.6N  151.4W 3.2-5.1 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 24MAR2023 20:16:36  47.2N  118.3W Ml=2.0  EMSC   WASHINGTON

O: 24MAR2023 18:44:42  47.4N  117.9W Ml=2.2  EMSC   WASHINGTON                   

P: 30MAR2023 151841    47.7N  117.4W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

O: 24MAR2023 08:45:10  47.5N  123.0W Ml=2.4  EMSC   PUGET SOUND REGION, WASHINGTON

P: 24MAR2023 151866    46.9N  122.0W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Washington state, U.S.     

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 24MAR2023 16:19:28  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 24MAR2023 20:22:08  31.7N  104.2W ML=2.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 24MAR2023 12:15:07  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 24MAR2023 151800    31.5N  103.6W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 24MAR2023 16:50:36  32.1N  102.7W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                 

P: 26MAR2023 151800    31.5N  101.6W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 24MAR2023 13:43:51  36.4N   96.9W ML=2.2  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 25MAR2023 151817    36.0N   97.0W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  Southern Plains            

 

HAWAII

 

O: 24MAR2023 11:53:01  19.3N  155.4W ML=3.0  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 27MAR2023 151723    19.2N  155.2W 3.0-4.7 BAAAA  Hawaii                     

 

QUIET SEISMICITY RETURNS AFTER SEISMIC STRESS RELIEVED IN PREVIOUS DAYS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 23, 2023

 

Global seismicity quickly returned to quiet conditions today after most seismic strain was used up in the firestorm of seismicity yesterday with the beginning of the geomagnetic storm and the new moon as described in the previous issue of this summary:

 

 

"A series of events today appear to have helped ignite an equally surprising series of moderately large to large earthquakes around the world turning the daily earthquake map red.  This activity included events of M 6.5 in Argentina followed by an M 5.9 in Tajikistan; an M 5.7 in Papua New Guinea; an M 5.6 in the northern Philippines; an M 5.6 in Northern Honshu, Japan; an M 5.5 in the Kermadec Islands. Unusual events in the France-Switzerland border (M 4.2) and in southern Australia (M 4.9) were among a number of other notable earthquakes today." (March 24, 2023)

 

 

"The strongest and only  moderate to moderately large earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 hit the Turkey-Iran Border region today. NEIC reported it was felt strongly in Iran with intensity VI in Khoi, Sahbuz, Dilman, Azerbaijan; IV in Merand, Azar and Tebriz and II-III in Alamdar and Orumiyeh among others.

This is the largest earthquake along the Turkey-Iran border within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 and 5.9 in January, 2023. At the time  this summary noted in this regard:

 

“The strongest earthquake in the world today was a strong M 5.9 near the Turkey-Iran border in the area of Azerbaijan. NEIC reported it was felt with damage with intensity VIII in Azerbaijan, Iran in Khoi, Dilman; V in Tebriz, IV inOrumiyeh, Ardakan, Yaed, Chalus, Mazandaran and II in Merand with intensity IV in Yerevan, Armenia. Iranian state media reported some homes were destroyed and that the "amount of destruction of some houses and buildings in  the city of Khoy is relative high". News reported at least 300 injured including 122 in the city of Khoy - a toll which included three deaths. Emergency teams were dispatched to the area which was in the midst of a strong winter storm with sub-zero temperatures and power outages at the time of the earthquake.  This event appears to continue enhanced seismicity with strong tidal stresses associated with the new moon of January 21 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as defined in previous issues of this summary:

 

 

 

The last earthquale of M 5.9 within about 200 km of today's mainshock was an

M 6.0 on February 23, 2020. The only other event of M>=5.9 in this region in the past 35 years was an M 7.1 on October 23, 2011. At the time of the M 6.0 in February, 2020 this summary noted: 

 

"This area of Turkey-Iran border first became active on February 16, 2020 with an M 4.8 foreshock. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's M 6.0 with equal or larger magnitude occurred on August 11, 2012 with M 6.3 and 6.4 about 200 km east of today's epicenter. The only other such event in the region in the past 30 years was an M 7.1-7.3 on October 23, 2011." (February 24, 2020)

 

Today’s epicenter is located at 144 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands and at similar distance from other recent major quakes in Tonga and Fiji and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.

 

Forecasts 151538 and 151821 had expected today' event was likely in mid-March.

 

O: 24MAR2023 03:16:57  38.4N   44.9E Mw=5.6  EMSC   TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151538    38.0N   44.0E 3.5-5.4 CAAAA  Turkey                      

P: 25MAR2023 151821    38.0N   43.0E 3.5-5.1 AABAA  Turkey                     

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today near local solar noon and local solar midnight in the region of the Izu Islands, Japan. They were not

reported felt in this remote area south of Honshu, Japan. The M 5.4 is this strongest

 event within about 200 km of these epicenter in the Izu Islands since an M 5.8 on February 5, 2023. Forecast 151794 had expected this activity was likely around March 23, 2023. This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands of March 16, 2023 at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:25:27  30.0N  142.0E Mw=5.4  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 24MAR2023 04:37:10  30.0N  141.9E mb=4.7  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 24MAR2023 04:38:09  30.0N  141.9E mb=5.0  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 23MAR2023 18:36:42  30.0N  142.0E mb=4.6  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION    

P: 23MAR2023 151794    31.0N  142.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

A light to moderate earthquake of M 3.9-4.2 was felt widely in Hawaii today. NEIC reported intensity II-III in Hawaii at Hawaii National Park, Hilo, Volcano, Paauilo, Mountain View, Captain Cook, Papaikou, Kakalau, Pahoa and Pepeekeo. The last earthquake in Hawaii of M>=4.2 was an M 4.8 on February 15, 2023.

At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The M 4.5-4.8 in Hawaii was felt throughout the big island. NEIC reported maximum intensity V in Naalehu with IV in Volcano, Captain Cook, Pahoa, Mountain View with III in Hawaii National Park, Hilo, Holualoa and Kurtistown among others. The mainshock was preceded by an M 3.7 which was felt with intensity III in Naalehu and Captain Cook. This is the strongest earthquake in Hawaii since an M 5.0 on October 14, 2022 and prior to that an M 6.2 south of Hawaii on October 10, 2021." (February 15, 2023)

 

Forecast 151723 had expected enhanced seismicity in Hawaii around March 24.

 

O: 24MAR2023 03:04:00  19.5N  155.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 24MAR2023 151723    19.9N  156.1W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  Hawaii                     

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Tajikistan, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 23MAR2023 10:26:48  21.7N  100.5E ML=4.5  EMSC   MYANMAR-CHINA BORDER REGION  

P: 23MAR2023 151753    26.0N  101.0E 4.0-5.6 ACAAA  Myanmar                    

 

O: 23MAR2023 13:21:09  24.3N   94.3E ML=3.8  EMSC   MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION

O: 24MAR2023 03:22:40  24.2N   93.9E ML=3.9  EMSC   MANIPUR, INDIA REGION        

P: 23MAR2023 151752    25.0N   95.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Myanmar                    

 

O: 24MAR2023 05:01:49  26.0N   78.3E ML=4.0  EMSC   MADHYA PRADESH REGION, INDIA 

P: 22MAR2023 151824    30.0N   82.0E 3.8-5.2 ACCAA  Xizang                     

 

O: 23MAR2023 08:44:28  28.9N   97.0E ML=4.2  EMSC   EASTERN XIZANG-INDIA BORDER RE

P: 21MAR2023 151753    27.0N   97.0E 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  Myanmar                    

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:06:24  29.6N   81.8E mb=4.2  EMSC   NEPAL                        

P: 22MAR2023 151824    30.0N   82.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA  Xizang                     

 

O: 23MAR2023 11:38:07  33.3N   72.6E ML=3.9  EMSC   PAKISTAN                     

P: 20MAR2023 151512    33.0N   74.0E 3.8-5.6 BAAAA  Pakistan                   

 

O: 23MAR2023 07:18:18  36.3N   71.2E mb=4.3  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P: 27MAR2023 151779    36.0N   71.0E 3.8-5.4 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 23MAR2023 10:36:23  51.4N  159.9E mb=4.0  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA  

O: 23MAR2023 10:38:40  51.4N  160.0E mb=4.2  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA

P: 27MAR2023 151880    52.0N  159.0E 4.0-5.9 BAAAA  Kamchatka                  

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 23MAR2023 08:36:47   3.9S  133.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   PAPUA, INDONESIA             

P: 25MAR2023 151712     2.0S  134.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 24MAR2023 02:38:52   7.1S  125.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI

P: 24MAR2023 151690     6.0S  125.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Banda Sea                  

P: 24MAR2023 151696     8.0S  124.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Flores Island area         

 

O: 23MAR2023 11:21:29   7.8S  126.6E ML=4.4  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA

O: 23MAR2023 07:56:38   7.7S  127.9E mb=4.8  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI

P: 30MAR2023 151691     8.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 23MAR2023 08:51:56   9.9S  116.1E ML=4.0  EMSC   LOMBOK REGION, INDONESIA     

P: 18MAR2023 151635    10.0S  116.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Sumbawa Island area        

 

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

 

O: 23MAR2023 17:50:36  11.5S   73.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL PERU                 

P: 24MAR2023 151912    15.0S   73.0W 4.0-5.5 ACAAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:28:36  18.8N   71.1W ML=3.8  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 23MAR2023 151739    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:36:09  19.2N   66.6W Md=3.7  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 22MAR2023 151744    20.0N   66.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

O: 24MAR2023 05:03:36  19.5N   70.6W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 23MAR2023 151739    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:33:25  23.0S   66.6W mb=4.3  EMSC   JUJUY, ARGENTINA             

P: 22MAR2023 151930    24.0S   66.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA  Argentina                  

O: 22MAR2023 16:00     23.5S   66.7W mb=6.5  GUC    Antofagasta at Antofagasta, V

O: 22MAR2023 15:18     23.5S   66.7W mb=5.3  GUC    Argentina                    

P: 22MAR2023 151930    24.0S   66.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA  Argentina                  

 

GUC reported this earthquake of M 6.5 was felt with intensity VI in  Antofagasta at Antofagasta, V in Mejillones, Maria Elena, Tocopilla, Sierra Gorda, Calama; III in Taltal; IV in Atacama at Chanaral, Diego de Almagro, El Salvador, III in Caldera, Copiapo, Tierra Amarilla; in Tarapaca with IV in Iquique, Alto Hospicio, El Loa, Huara, Pozo Almonte; III in La Tirana, Pica and II in Camina; in Arica and Parinacota with IV in Cuya, II in Arica, Chile.

 

 

O: 24MAR2023 06:13:24  30.1S   71.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   COQUIMBO, CHILE              

O: 24MAR2023 06:13     30.1S   71.3W mb=4.1  GUC    Coquimbo at La Higuera; III in

P: 23MAR2023 151944    30.0S   71.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in  Coquimbo at La Higuera; III in Monte Patria, Ovalle, Andacollo, La Serean, Vicuna, Chile.

 

 

O: 23MAR2023 21:24:11  36.7S   70.3W Mw=4.5  EMSC   NEUQUEN, ARGENTINA           

P: 24MAR2023 151947    37.0S   70.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Central Chile              

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 23MAR2023 10:04:56  38.0N   36.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 24MAR2023 00:39:55  38.0N   36.4E Mw=4.6  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 23MAR2023 09:19:52  38.0N   36.4E mb=4.9  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY                

P: 23MAR2023 151820    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in Central Turkey was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Turkey in Kayseri, Gaziantep (IV), Adana, Urfa.

 

O: 24MAR2023 03:16:57  38.4N   44.9E Mw=5.6  EMSC   TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151538    38.0N   44.0E 3.5-5.4 CAAAA  Turkey                     

P: 25MAR2023 151821    38.0N   43.0E 3.5-5.1 AABAA  Turkey                     

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 24MAR2023 05:32:02  15.4S  175.0W mb=4.2  EMSC   TONGA                        

P: 24MAR2023 151915    15.0S  173.0W 4.0-5.6 AABAA  Samoa Islands              

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were recorded in the regions of Zealandia or Australia

today. GeoNet did not report any felt events in the area.

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 24MAR2023 04:25:27  30.0N  142.0E Mw=5.4  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 24MAR2023 04:37:10  30.0N  141.9E mb=4.7  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 24MAR2023 04:38:09  30.0N  141.9E mb=5.0  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 23MAR2023 18:36:42  30.0N  142.0E mb=4.6  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION    

P: 23MAR2023 151794    31.0N  142.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 23MAR2023 10:05:52  31.5N  116.0W ML=3.4  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 23MAR2023 09:53:00  31.1N  116.7W Ml=3.9  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

P: 22MAR2023 151802    30.8N  116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 24MAR2023 05:20:06  33.9N  118.7W ML=2.4  EMSC   CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN

P: 22MAR2023 151806    34.0N  118.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 24MAR2023 00:30:20  35.5N  117.4W ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151526    35.0N  117.7W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Ridgecrest, Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Ridgecrest, Central California.

 

O: 23MAR2023 09:50:11  35.5N  118.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 22MAR2023 151811    35.6N  118.4W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 23MAR2023 11:21:02  58.1N  138.2W ml=3.0  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA          

P: 22MAR2023 151887    57.0N  138.0W 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  Southeast Alaska           

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

 

O: 23MAR2023 11:13:15  48.5N  123.2W Ml=2.6  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO

P: 25MAR2023 151867    48.4N  123.2W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Washington state, U.S.     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Vancouver, British Columbia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Vancouver, British Columbia in Victoria, Sidney, Sooke, and in Washington State in Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Camano Island.

 

O: 23MAR2023 11:13:14  48.5N  123.2W MB=2.4  ECAN of Victoria, BC                

P: 25MAR2023 151867    48.4N  123.2W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Washington state, U.S.     

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 23MAR2023 09:27:27  37.0N  112.9W Ml=2.0  EMSC   UTAH                         

P: 24MAR2023 151822    38.6N  112.7W 2.0-4.4 ABAAA  Utah area                  

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 23MAR2023 12:37:00  36.8N   98.6W ML=2.2  EMSC   OKLAHOMA

O: 23MAR2023 12:24:04  36.8N   98.5W ML=2.1  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 25MAR2023 151817    36.0N   97.0W 2.0-4.4 AABAA  Southern Plains            

 

HAWAII

 

O: 24MAR2023 03:04:00  19.5N  155.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 24MAR2023 151723    19.9N  156.1W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  Hawaii                     

 

NEW MOON; GEOMAGNETIC STORM; GRB IGNITE GLOBAL SEISMICITY FIRESTORM

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 22, 2023

 

A series of events today appear to have helped ignite an equally surprising series of moderately large to large earthquakes around the world turning the daily earthquake map red.  This activity included events of M 6.5 in Argentina followed by an M 5.9 in Tajikistan; an M 5.7 in Papua New Guinea; an M 5.6 in the northern Philippines; an M 5.6 in Northern Honshu, Japan; an M 5.5 in the Kermadec Islands. Unusual events in the France-Switzerland border (M 4.2) and in southern Australia (M 4.9) were among a number of other notable earthquakes today. The Gamma Ray Burst, the strongest in the past three weeks was described in this summary as:

 

"A strong Gamma Ray Burst was recorded today. GRB 230233B occurred at 21:10:37 with UVOT magnitude greater than 18.3, the strongest GRB since February 28.

This GRB coincided with an M 2.3 in the San Francisco Bay, California area also at 21:10 near local solar noon. Earthquakes of M 5.6 in Northern Philippines and M 5.7 in New Guinea and M 4.9 in Albania followed in the several hours after this GRB." (March 22, 2023)

 

While tidal triggering of seismicity had been expected in this and previous issues of this summary with this new moon as:

 

"The new moon will arrive on March 21, 2023 at 17:23 UT. Longitudes which are sub-solar (local solar noon) are near 83 West longitude while those at local solar midnight are centered near 97 East longitude. In the west these include area of Central and northwestern South America and eastern U.S. and in the east areas of western Indonesia, Myanmar, and eastern China. These areas are most likely to see tidal triggering with this new moon. A moderately large to large tidally triggered earthquake is considered moderately likely with this new moon." (March 17-21, 2023)

 

Furthermore the strong geomagnetic storm which began today is the strongest since AP reached 94 on February 27 and peaked at high latitudes with KP 7 at about 12-15:0 UT today as noted in the "EXTERNAL EFFECTS" section of this summary:

 

"The geomagnetic field saw active conditions today. The AP level was 14.  High latitudes saw major storm periods with AP 38. Middle latitudes were also at active conditions  with AP 17. This is the strongest storm at high latitudes since A reached 41 on March 5 and 88 on February 27 and is expected to reach levels higher than at planetary levels in the next day. This is likely to promote enhanced seismicity throughout the world at this time but especially near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes." (March 22, 2023)

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.9 occurred today off the southern coast of South Australia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in South Australia at Port Pirir and II-III in Whyalla, Gawler, Adelaide and Crafers-Bridgewater, Australia. The only earthquake with equal or larger magnitude within about 400 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years was a similar M 4.9 on October 8, 2021 about 400 km to the southeast of today's epicenter. At the time this summary noted:

 

"An unusual earthquake of M 4.9 occurred in Victoria, Australia today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Victoria and South Australia at Murray Bridge, Horsham, Midua, Moujnt Barker, Victor Harbor, Adelaide, Mount Gambler, Swan Hill, Hamilton and Maryborough. This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in at least 30 years. An M 4.8 hit the area on October 27, 2001 and about 400 km northwest of this on May 3, 1997, the only similar quakes in Victoria since 1990." (October 8, 2021)

 

Today's event in Australia occurred shortly after the Gamma Ray Burst of 21:00 UT and may have been promoted by effects related to this as well as the strong geomagnetic storm and high tidal stresses with the new moon.

 

O: 22MAR2023 23:23:09  32.8S  139.6E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.5 at an intermediate depth under Jujuy, Argentina. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Calama, Antofagasta, Chile and II-III in Antofagasta, Iquique, in Brazil at Dorados Mato Grosso do Sul, Catalao and Diadema, Sao Paulo and in Jujuy and Salta, Argentina.  A foreshock hit the same region about an hour before the mainshock with M 5.3. NEIC reported it was felt in Argentina at Jujuy and Salta and in Antofagasta, Chile. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. A foreshock of M 5.3 occurred about half an hour earlier than the mainshock. The mainshock also occurred near the maximum of solar flare 6550 which had its maximum SFE at this longitude. It is also near the maximum effect longitude of the new moon and was likely promoted that alignment. The last earthquake of M>=6.4 within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred on May 10, 2022 with  M 6.8. It was also associated with the new moon and a strong geomagnetic disturbance. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"Today's M 6.8 in Argentina is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km  of this epicenter since an M 7.2 near this epicenter on May 12, 2000, 22  years ago. An M 7.0 also occurred about 100 km north of this on May 24, 1993." (May 10, 2022)

 

Forecast 151930 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around March 22, 2023. This event is at 144 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9 and the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 22MAR2023 16:00:33  23.6S   66.6W Mw=6.4  EMSC   JUJUY, ARGENTINA             

O: 22MAR2023 15:18:49  23.6S   66.5W Mw=5.3  EMSC   JUJUY, ARGENTINA

P: 22MAR2023 151930    24.0S   66.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA  Argentina                  

 

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. Forecast 151780 had expected this earthquake within about 100 km was likely around March 26, 2023. This epicenter is located at 104 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 23MAR2023 02:53:50  39.4N   69.7E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN

O: 23MAR2023 01:52:57  39.2N   69.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

O: 22MAR2023 20:07:45  39.5N   70.0E mb=5.8  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 26MAR2023 151780    39.0N   71.0E 3.8-5.6 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan         

 

An M 5.7 occurred off the northern Coast of Papua New Guinea today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Papua New Guinea in Madang and II-III in Angoram, Laiagam, and Mount Hagen. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 was an M 6.1 on April 27, 2021. The last within about 100 km was an M 6.5 on November 7, 2017. Forecasts 151705 and 151701 had expected today's activity in New Guinea was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter around March 24-28.

 

O: 23MAR2023 00:17:39   4.4S  144.2E Mw=5.7  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF NEW GUINEA, PN

P: 24MAR2023 151705     4.0S  143.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Papua New Guinea           

P: 28MAR2023 151701     4.0S  145.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

An M 5.6 was also felt in the northern Philippine Islands today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Namuac, Cagayan Valley and III in Piddig Ilocos and Liwan Cordillera. PHIVOLCS reported it was felt with intensity V in Calayan, Cagayan; IV in Bangui, Burgos and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Claveria and Santa Praxedes, Cagayan and III in Luna , Apayao; Adams, Bacarra, Dumalneg, Pasuquin and San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; Abulug, Aparri, Pamplona, Penablanca and Sanches-Mira, Cagayan. An M 6.0 occurred near this epicenter on June 30, 2022 and this may be the strongest aftershock to date of that event. Forecast 151759 had expected today's event was likely northwest of this epicenter around March 22.

 

O: 22MAR2023 23:31:57  19.3N  121.1E Mw=5.6  EMSC   BABUYAN ISL REGION, PHILIPPINE

P: 22MAR2023 151759    21.0N  120.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

An M 5.6 also occurred in northern Honshu, Japan today. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity in Iwate and Aomori, Japan. This is the strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 5.7 on October 5, 2021. The last event of significantly larger magnitude in this region was an M 6.3 on December 20, 2020. Strong triggering by tides or SFE can indicate a buildup of seismic stress and the possibility of a larger upcoming regional event. Forecasts 151551 and 151833 had expected this event was likely around March 17-26 within about 50 km of today's epicenter.

 

O: 22MAR2023 08:23:45  40.3N  143.0E mb=4.3  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

O: 22MAR2023 07:36:59  40.3N  143.1E Mw=5.6  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPA

P: 17MAR2023 151551    40.0N  143.0E 3.5-5.6 BAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

P: 26MAR2023 151833    40.0N  142.0E 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

An M 5.5 aftershock also occurred in northern Kermadec Islands today. It was reported felt lightly at Meremere, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand.

This is the strongest aftershock to date of the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands of March 16, 2023. It occurred about 150 km northwest of that mainshock and was likely promoted by regional stress redistribution. Forecast 151949 and 151953 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 22-23.

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:16:46  30.3S  177.2W mb=5.5  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

P: 22MAR2023 151949    30.0S  176.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

P: 23MAR2023 151953    31.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

An unusually large M 4.2-4.4 hit the border of France and Switzerland today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Arlesheim, Basel-Landschaft and IV in Zuchwil, Solthurn, Switzerland and II in Chezard-Saint-Martin, Nuenbergy and in France with II-III in Allenjoie, Delle Franche-Compte, Mertzen, Ronchamp, Bettlach, Alsace, Brunstatt, Habshein. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.2 was an M 4.3 on September 10, 2022 but the last of M>=4.4 was an M 4.4 on October 24, 2015. The last earthquake significantly larger magnitude in this areas was an M 5.5 on February 23, 2004. Forecast 151827 had expected today's event south of this epicenter in this area was likely around March 26, 2023.  This epicenter is located at 142-144 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:50:34  47.4N    6.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   SWITZERLAND                  

P: 26MAR2023 151827    45.0N    7.0E 3.0-5.3 BCAAA  Austria                    

 

The largest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred in the area of Sitka, Southeastern Alaska with M 4.2 and 4.3.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.7 in Southeastern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southeastern Alaska in Elfin Cove, Gustavus and Douglas. The first of these of M 4.3 occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses and SFE from the new moon and geomagnetic storm which maximize near this hour. Forecast 151887 had expected this activity was likely within about 100 km around March 22, 2023.

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:34:04  58.1N  137.5W ml=3.7  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

O: 22MAR2023 09:59:13  58.2N  137.5W MB=4.3  ECAN of Sitka, Alaska, USA  

O: 22MAR2023 14:34:04  58.2N  137.5W MB=4.2  ECAN of Sitka, Alaska, USA  

O: 22MAR2023 09:59:13  58.2N  137.5W mb=4.0  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA          

P: 22MAR2023 151887    57.0N  138.0W 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  Southeast Alaska           

 

An unusual earthquake of M 3.6 was lightly felt in the Maliotenam area of Quebec, Canada today according to Earthquakes Canada (ECAN). This is the strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 4.1 on January 16, 2015 and an M 4.4 on September 21, 2013. The largest earthquake in this area in the past 35 years was an  M 5.1 on March 16, 1999. Forecast 151549 and 151559 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely in mid-March.

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:06:49  50.1N   66.1W MB=3.6  ECAN of Maliotenam, QC, felt        

O: 22MAR2023 14:06:49  50.1N   66.1W ML=3.6  EMSC   EASTERN QUEBEC, CANADA       

P: 11MAR2023 151549    49.0N   66.0W 2.0-4.4 CBAAA  E. of Maine                

P: 11MAR2023 151559    49.3N   67.5W 2.0-4.4 CAAAA  Maine                      

 

As noted above an M 2.3 earthquake in the San Francisco region of California today coincided with the strongest GRB in the past three weeks (see above). As this earthquake occurred near local solar noon it may have been promoted by effects associated with the GRB. If this is the case, the area is very close to a stress breaking point. Forecast 151770 had expected this earthquake was likely within about 10 km around March 25.

 

O: 22MAR2023 21:10:10  37.3N  121.7W Md=2.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 25MAR2023 151770    37.3N  121.6W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

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. Forecasts 151789 and 151858 had expected today's activity Albania was likely within about 100 km around March 24-25.

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 and M 4.9 in Albania was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Albania in Erseke, Kolonje.  This epicenter is located at 142-144 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 23MAR2023 02:09:34  40.4N   20.8E ML=3.7  EMSC   ALBANIA

O: 23MAR2023 03:30:40  40.4N   20.7E mb=4.4  EMSC   ALBANIA

O: 23MAR2023 01:43:20  40.5N   20.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   ALBANIA                      

P: 24MAR2023 151789    39.0N   21.0E 3.0-4.6 ABAAA  No. Greece                 

P: 25MAR2023 151858    40.0N   23.0E 3.0-5.3 AABAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Ecuador March 18, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 22MAR2023 15:43:06  23.7N  121.3E ML=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22MAR2023 15:43:05  23.7N  121.3E ML=4.6  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

O: 22MAR2023 21:51:05  23.7N  121.3E mb=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN                        

O: 22MAR2023 21:51:04  23.7N  121.3E ML=4.6  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

P: 24MAR2023 151760    23.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 in Nantou, Taiwan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nantou, Taiwan.

CWB reported the first  earthquake of M 4.6 was felt with intensity III in Hualien, II in Nantou, Yunlin, and I in Yilan, Taichung, Changhua, Taitung, Chiayi, and Tainan Counties, Taiwan.

CWB reported the second  earthquake of M 4.6 was felt with intensity III in Hualien, II in Nantou, Yunlin, and I in Yilan, Taichung, Changhua, Taitung, Chiayi, and Tainan Counties, Taiwan.

 

O: 22MAR2023 10:38:47  37.2N   54.7E mb=5.1  EMSC   NORTHERN IRAN                 

P: 23MAR2023 151791    37.0N   51.0E 3.8-5.4 AACAA  No. Iran                   

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Iran was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Iran IV-V in Aliabad, Bonbad-e Kavus, Astarabad, Golestan, Bandar-e Shah, Kordkouy Ashraf Mazandaran; IV in Kalaleh, Ememshahr, Sari, Mazandaran and III in Aliabad and Gonbad-e Kavus, Golestan.

 

O: 23MAR2023 02:53:50  39.4N   69.7E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN

O: 23MAR2023 01:52:57  39.2N   69.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                    

O: 22MAR2023 20:07:45  39.5N   70.0E mb=5.8  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 26MAR2023 151780    39.0N   71.0E 3.8-5.6 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 22MAR2023 12:37:57  51.8N  159.3E mb=4.4  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA   

P: 21MAR2023 151880    51.0N  158.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Kamchatka                  

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Kamchatka, Russia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kamchatka, Russia in Petropavlovsk.

 

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 22MAR2023 18:41:38   2.6S  136.4E ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P: 21MAR2023 151711     1.0S  137.0E 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 23MAR2023 00:17:39   4.4S  144.2E Mw=5.7  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF NEW GUINEA, PN

P: 24MAR2023 151705     4.0S  143.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Papua New Guinea           

P: 28MAR2023 151701     4.0S  145.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

O: 22MAR2023 08:55:46   5.3N  126.3E ML=4.4  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 23MAR2023 151686     5.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 22MAR2023 20:23:45   8.9S  123.2E mb=5.1  EMSC   FLORES REGION, INDONESIA     

P: 24MAR2023 151696     8.0S  124.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Flores Island area         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Flores Islands, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Flores Islands, Indonesia in Maumere and Kupang, Timur.

 

O: 22MAR2023 23:31:57  19.3N  121.1E Mw=5.6  EMSC   BABUYAN ISL REGION, PHILIPPINE

P: 22MAR2023 151759    21.0N  120.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:45:19  11.1S   71.6W mb=4.5  EMSC   CENTRAL PERU                 

P: 22MAR2023 151912    14.0S   71.0W 4.0-5.8 CAAAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:36:08  29.7S   72.4W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE     

P: 25MAR2023 151931    29.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

O: 22MAR2023 07:09:30   9.3N   84.2W ML=4.2  EMSC   COSTA RICA                   

P: 20MAR2023 151433    10.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Caribbean Sea              

 

O: 23MAR2023 01:44:42  10.5N   86.1W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA

O: 22MAR2023 20:30:30  10.3N   86.3W ML=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA      

P: 20MAR2023 151449    11.0N   86.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Nicaragua                  

 

O: 22MAR2023 11:57:15  13.1N   89.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR         

P: 24MAR2023 151722    13.0N   90.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Guatemala                  

 

O: 22MAR2023 17:18:46  15.8N   95.1W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO

O: 23MAR2023 02:43:07  15.2N   94.7W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO  

P: 22MAR2023 151718    15.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 23MAR2023 06:08:23  16.3S   75.1W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU   

P: 24MAR2023 151912    15.0S   76.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 22MAR2023 15:27:04  16.7N   99.2W ML=4.6  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

P: 23MAR2023 151736    17.0N   99.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:33:40  17.0N   94.0W ML=4.1  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

P: 29MAR2023 151719    17.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.3 CAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 22MAR2023 08:05:29  19.5N   70.5W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 23MAR2023 151739    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 22MAR2023 15:38:36  22.7S   68.9W mb=4.4  EMSC   ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE           

P: 27MAR2023 151932    22.0S   69.0W 4.0-6.0 BAAAA  Coast No. Chile             

 

O: 22MAR2023 15:18:49  23.6S   66.5W Mw=5.3  EMSC   JUJUY, ARGENTINA

O: 22MAR2023 16:00:33  23.6S   66.6W Mw=6.4  EMSC   JUJUY, ARGENTINA             

P: 22MAR2023 151930    24.0S   66.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA  Argentina                  

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:36:08  29.7S   72.4W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE     

P: 25MAR2023 151931    29.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

O: 23MAR2023 05:43:54  34.1S   70.2W mb=4.1  EMSC   LIBERTADOR O'HIGGINS, CHILE  

P: 23MAR2023 151946    33.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.8 ABBAA  Central Chile              

 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

 

O: 23MAR2023 05:45:21  37.9N   36.6E mb=4.4  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 23MAR2023 151820    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 22MAR2023 19:43:25  38.2N   38.1E mb=4.1  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 27MAR2023 151820    38.0N   38.0E 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 22MAR2023 07:44:01  37.9N   21.1E ML=3.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN GREECE              

P: 23MAR2023 151789    37.0N   21.0E 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  No. Greece                 

 

O: 23MAR2023 02:09:34  40.4N   20.8E ML=3.7  EMSC   ALBANIA

O: 23MAR2023 03:30:40  40.4N   20.7E mb=4.4  EMSC   ALBANIA

O: 23MAR2023 01:43:20  40.5N   20.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   ALBANIA                       

P: 24MAR2023 151789    39.0N   21.0E 3.0-4.6 ABAAA  No. Greece                 

P: 25MAR2023 151858    40.0N   23.0E 3.0-5.3 AABAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:50:34  47.4N    6.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   SWITZERLAND                  

P: 26MAR2023 151827    45.0N    7.0E 3.0-5.3 BCAAA  Austria                    

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 23MAR2023 05:52:22  10.7S  164.6E Mw=5.2  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS REGION    

P: 23MAR2023 151926    11.0S  164.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands             

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 23MAR2023 03:37:56  42.6S   82.6W mb=4.7  EMSC   WEST CHILE RISE

O: 23MAR2023 02:56:56  42.8S   82.4W Mw=5.1  EMSC   WEST CHILE RISE              

P: 12MAR2023 151663    43.0S   83.0W 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Chile Rise                 

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:16:46  30.3S  177.2W mb=5.5  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

P: 22MAR2023 151949    30.0S  176.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

P: 23MAR2023 151953    31.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 22MAR2023 23:23:09  32.8S  139.6E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 22MAR2023 19:32:30  37.0N  141.3E ML=3.9  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 23MAR2023 151790    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-4.9 AABAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

 

O: 22MAR2023 08:23:45  40.3N  143.0E mb=4.3  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

O: 22MAR2023 07:36:59  40.3N  143.1E Mw=5.6  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPA

P: 17MAR2023 151551    40.0N  143.0E 3.5-5.6 BAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

P: 26MAR2023 151833    40.0N  142.0E 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:50:43  33.0N  115.5W Ml=2.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151521    32.8N  116.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 22MAR2023 19:44:50  32.8N  115.5W Ml=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 22MAR2023 11:15:57  32.8N  115.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 21MAR2023 151803    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 22MAR2023 15:25:24  35.7N  117.6W Ml=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 22MAR2023 23:09:36  35.5N  117.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151526    35.0N  117.7W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 23MAR2023 04:53:38  35.5N  118.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 22MAR2023 151811    35.6N  118.4W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 22MAR2023 21:10:10  37.3N  121.7W Md=2.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 25MAR2023 151770    37.3N  121.6W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 23MAR2023 03:38:53  36.7N  121.3W Md=3.4  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 21MAR2023 151769    36.7N  121.4W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.4 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Gonzales, Hollister, Salinas, San Juan Bautista, Marina, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Carmel.

 

O: 23MAR2023 00:23:15  38.1N  122.0W Md=2.5  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P: 24MAR2023 151770    38.0N  122.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in the San Francisco California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of San Francisco California in  Pittsburg and Gustine.

 

O: 22MAR2023 18:12:19  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.1  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 24MAR2023 151771    38.8N  122.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 22MAR2023 07:45:09  39.4N  122.9W Md=2.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 19MAR2023 151568    40.0N  123.0W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  Northern California        

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:34:04  58.1N  137.5W ml=3.7  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

O: 22MAR2023 09:59:13  58.2N  137.5W MB=4.3  ECAN of Sitka, Alaska, USA  

O: 22MAR2023 14:34:04  58.2N  137.5W MB=4.2  ECAN of Sitka, Alaska, USA  

O: 22MAR2023 09:59:13  58.2N  137.5W mb=4.0  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA          

P: 22MAR2023 151887    57.0N  138.0W 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  Southeast Alaska           

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 23MAR2023 01:45:25  47.8N  120.9W Ml=2.2  EMSC   WASHINGTON

O: 22MAR2023 22:08:00  47.8N  120.9W ML=2.8  EMSC   WASHINGTON                   

P: 16MAR2023 151584    47.7N  120.3W 2.0-3.9 CAAAA  Washington state, U.S.     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Washington State was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Washington State in Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee, Black Diamond and Seattle.

 

O: 22MAR2023 17:42:28  53.3N  133.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

O: 22MAR2023 17:42:28  53.3N  133.0W MB=3.2  ECAN of Village of Queen Charlotte, BC

P: 22MAR2023 151875    54.0N  134.0W 3.0-5.4 AAAAA  British Colombia           

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:40:22  28.6N   98.3W ML=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

P: 27MAR2023 151754    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.7 BAAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

O: 22MAR2023 17:18:49  35.7N  104.8W ML=2.5  EMSC   NEW MEXICO                   

P: 21MAR2023 151801    35.4N  101.8W 2.0-4.4 AACAA  SW U.S.A                   

P: 29MAR2023 151775    37.1N  104.7W 2.0-4.2 CBAAA  Colorado area              

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in New Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of New Mexico in Santa Fe and Tucumcari.

 

O: 23MAR2023 06:57:06  44.5N  107.7W ML=2.8  EMSC   WYOMING                      

P: 28MAR2023 151830    41.9N  108.7W 2.0-3.9 BCAAA  Colorado area              

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 22MAR2023 13:40:22  28.6N   98.3W ML=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

P: 27MAR2023 151754    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.7 BAAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

 

O: 22MAR2023 14:06:49  50.1N   66.1W MB=3.6  ECAN of Maliotenam, QC, felt        

P: 11MAR2023 151549    49.0N   66.0W 2.0-4.4 CBAAA  E. of Maine                

P: 11MAR2023 151559    49.3N   67.5W 2.0-4.4 CAAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 21MAR2023 20:49:25  48.2N   69.4W MB=1.9  ECAN of Trois-Pistoles, QC   

O: 21MAR2023 23:10:54  47.7N   70.1W MB=0.7  ECAN of La Malbaie, QC              

P: 19MAR2023 151564    47.3N   70.5W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  New England                

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

NEW MOON BRINGS STRONG SEISMIC ENHANCEMENT

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 21, 2023

 

The new moon today was closely associated with a strong M 6.5 in Afghanistan and an M 5.6 in Central Chile near Valparaiso. These events occurred within about an hour of the new moon and were probably triggered by strong associated tidal stresses. Seismicity seems strongly triggered by this new moon and moderately large to large earthquakes, especially near these events in Chile and Central Asia should be expected in the next two days.

 

An M 6.5 earthquake shook Afghanistan and Pakistan today. NEIC reported

the quake was felt with maximum intensity VII in Dir, North-West Frontier, Pakistan with V in Bat Khela, Qurgoonteppa, Tordher, IV in Khorug, Tall, Tordher; in Afghanistan at Qundoz, Falzabad, Badahsan and in Tajikistan at Qurgonteppa, Obigarm, Karotegin. More than 200 people were hospitalized - mostly from shock - but at least 9 were also killed in this intermediate focus earthquake. Because the focus was at an intermediate depth (165 km) damage

on the surface was minimal and included many homes and buildings in Pakistan and Afghanistan downed by the intensity of the shaking. Some were crushed by falling debris. In Islamabad, buildings cracked resulting in mass evacuations. Power was out in many areas and highways were blocked by landslides. This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and within about an hour of the new moon at a longitude near that of maximum tidal stress with this new moon as previously published in this summary:

 

"The new moon will arrive on March 21, 2023 at 17:23 UT. Longitudes which are sub-solar (local solar noon) are near 83 West longitude while those at local solar midnight are centered near 97 East longitude. In the west these include area of Central and northwestern South America and eastern U.S. and in the east areas of western Indonesia, Myanmar, and eastern China. These areas are most likely to see tidal triggering with this new moon. A moderately large to large tidally triggered earthquake is considered moderately likely with this new moon." (March 17-21, 2023)

 

The mainshock was preceded by an M 4.0 foreshock within minutes of local solar noon which was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the new moon as well. The last earthquake of equal or greater magnitude within about 250 km of this epicenter occurred on April 10, 2016 - an aftershock of the M 7.5 of October 26, 2015. At the time of the M 6.6 in April, 2016 this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"A series of earthquakes today hit at 103 degrees from the earthquakes of M 6.6-7.0 which occurred on April 3, 6 and 7, 2016. The largest of these events was an M 6.6 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan but others occurred in Mexico with M 5.6 and in Oklahoma. An unusual earthquake in western Nebraska of M 3.2 today was also located at 102 degrees from Vanuatu. Seismic energy from large earthquakes directed into the earth arrives at the core-mantle boundary which reflects and refracts this energy. The reflected and refracted returns to the surface within a degree or two of 103 degrees from the mainshock epicenter (depending on the depth of the mainshock and the far field location). This is the edge of the seismic shadow zone between about 103 and 144 degrees where little seismic energy returns to the surface. The concentration of this energy near 103 degrees can help trigger seismicity in seismic zones at 103 and 144 degrees from the mainshock. This summary has adhered to this position since its inception and has noted hundreds of examples of this type of seismic triggering." (April 10, 2016)

 

The mention of the earthquake in Nebraska at 103 degrees from this event reminds that an unusual earthquake in Nebraska (at 103 degrees from today's epicenter also occurred on March 17 with M 2.9 and was noted in this summary as:

 

"An M 2.9 in Nebraska today could be a precursor to a stronger earthquake along the western boundary of the North American Plate." (March 17, 2023)

 

and

 

"Today's event in Nebraska is located at 101-102 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands of March 16, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source" (March 17, 2023)

 

Forecasts 151495 and 151779 had expected enhanced seismicity within about

100 km was likely around March 18 and 25. This event is located at 141 degrees from the M 6.8 of January 20 in Argentina and at the third node (120 degrees) from  the recent major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and the Kermadec Islands and at 103 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and the M 6.4 off northern California of December 20, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 21MAR2023 16:47:24  36.5N   71.0E Mw=6.5  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

O: 21MAR2023 07:25:46  36.9N   71.0E mb=4.0  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P: 18MAR2023 151495    37.0N   72.0E 3.8-5.2 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 23MAR2023 151779    36.0N   69.0E 3.8-5.3 AABAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 25MAR2023 151779    37.0N   70.0E 3.8-5.4 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

Less than an hour after the earthquake in Pakistan/Afghanistan an M 5.6 shook the region  of Valparaiso, Chile. NEIC reported it was felt in Valparaiso at San Antonio, Quilpue, Limache,  and V in Villa Alemana and in Metropolitana at Santiago, San Bernardo, Lampa, Penaflor, Melipilla with lesser shaking in Valparaiso. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and within minutes of the new moon. Seismic enhancement at this time and longitude had been expected with this new moon in previous issues of this summary (see above).

 

An M 5.5 earthquake hit west of this epicenter on December 10, 2022 but the last event in Valparaiso, Chile of greater magnitude was an M 5.7 on November 3, 2021 but the last event of significantly larger size within about 200 km of today's event occurred on August 1, 2019 about 150 km southwest of today's epicenter on August 1, 2019. At the time of the January 24, 2021 event this summary noted in this regard:

  

"An earthquake of M 5.8 was also felt widely in the Santiago area of Central Chile today. NEIC reported maximum intensity V in Graneros, O'Higgins with IV ikn the Santiago, Chile area at Puente Alto, Lampa, Paine, Penaflor, Talagante and III in San Bernardo, Buin and San Felipe, Valparaiso. A foreshock to the east in Mendoza, Argentina of M 4.2 was felt with intensity III in Mendoza and Corrientes, Argentina. Large earthquakes in this area of Chile occur almost exclusively to the west of this epicenter by about 150+ km. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5.8 as an M 6.4 on June 16, 2000." (January 24, 2021)

 

Forecast 151946 had expected today's earthquake in Valparaiso, Chile was likely within about 100 km around March 23, 2023. This event is located at 144 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Molucca area of January 18 and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 6.4 off Northern California of December 20, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:38:13  33.6S   71.3W Mw=5.6  EMSC   VALPARAISO, CHILE            

P: 23MAR2023 151946    33.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Central Chile              

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.9-5.0 also occurred today in northeastern Siberia,

Russia. It was not reported felt. The only events within about 300 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years was an M 5.0 on March 19, 2023 and an M 4.8 on October 9, 2021. This is a co-mainshock with that event. Neither of these earthquakes were reported felt. Forecast 151902 had expected today's event within about 150 km was likely around March 21.

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:23:33  63.3N  158.5E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAGADANSKAYA OBLAST', RUSSIA 

P: 21MAR2023 151902    62.0N  158.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  North of Kamchatka         

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 aftershock of the M 6.4 quake of December 20, 2022 off the coast of northern California.

NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in northern California in Ferndale, Loleta, Fortuna, Rio Dell, III in Hydesville, Eureka, Petrolia, Scotia, Samoa, Eureka and as far as San Jose, California and Olympia, Washington. The only aftershock of larger magnitude since the mainshock of December 20 was an M 5.4 on January 1, 2023. This event was discussed in this summary at the time as:

 

"An M 5.4 aftershock of the M 6.4 in Northern California of December 20, 2022 was widely felt with additional damage today. NEIC reported maximum intensity VII in Rio Dell with VI in Scotia, Carlotta, Redcrest, Hydesville, V in Petrolia, Ferndale and Fortuna and IV in Myers Flat and Kneeland. It was reported felt as far as Nevada, Southern California, Washington and Oregon and British Columbia with intensity up to IV. The quake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by SFE and/or tidal stresses which maximize near this hour." (January 1, 2023)

 

Forecast 151852 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around

March 22, 2023. This event is located at 102 degrees from the M 6.5 in Afghanistan today and the recent major earthquakes in Turkey and Tajikistan and  may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:18:20  40.6N  124.4W Mw=4.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

P: 22MAR2023 151852    40.7N  124.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.4 also occurred today in western Greenland. This event near local solar midnight may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's new moon as it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment. This is an unusually large earthquake for this region. Two earthquakes of M>=4.6 have occurred within about 400 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years - an M 4.9 on January 22, 2001 and an M 4.7 near this epicenter on April 6, 2016. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in North America today occurred as an M 4.7 in the area of Western Greenland near Aasiaat. This earthquake was not reported felt in this remote area, part of the Baffin and Davis Straits seismic zone. The is the strongest earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in this zone in at least the past 25 years." (April 6, 2016)

 

Forecast 151613 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around March 17 while forecast 151892 had expected it about 200 km to the south around March 21, 2023. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from recent large earthquakes in Tonga/Fiji and the Vanuatu Islands and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:56:56  68.9N   53.4W MB=4.7  ECAN of Qeqertasuaq, GL             

P: 17MAR2023 151613    69.0N   53.0W 2.5-4.0 BAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

P: 21MAR2023 151892    67.0N   54.0W 2.5-4.2 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

A series of moderate earthquakes in the Atlantic Basin joined the event in Greenland today.  The strongest of these  was an M 5.3 in the South Sandwich Islands which was not reported felt in this area. It had been anticipated in forecasts 151964 and 151965 within about 150 km of this epicenter to occur around March 21-25. This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's new moon.

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:25:30  59.7S   26.2W mb=5.3  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 21MAR2023 151964    58.0S   25.0W 4.0-5.9 ABAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

P: 25MAR2023 151965    61.0S   26.0W 4.0-5.8 BBAAA  Southern  Ocean            

 

The other moderate earthquakes in the Atlantic today occurred in the Northern Mid-Atlantic with M 4.9, 5.0, 5.0. These were not felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5 within about 200 km of these epicenters was recorded on January 10, 2022 with M 6.0. Today's events may be aftershocks, the strongest to date of the January, 2022 event.  Forecast 151468 had expected today's activity within about 50 km was likely around March 18. This activity is located at 141 degrees from the M 6.9 and 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands of March 4 and March 16 and may have been promoted by  energy from those sources.

 

O: 21MAR2023 20:46:54  28.4N   43.6W mb=5.0  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

O: 21MAR2023 20:41:08  28.6N   43.6W mb=4.9  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O: 21MAR2023 20:49:21  28.6N   43.7W mb=5.0  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

P: 18MAR2023 151468    29.0N   44.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Mid-Atlantic Ridge         

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Ecuador March 18, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 21MAR2023 21:27:29  29.7N  104.7E mb=4.2  EMSC   EASTERN SICHUAN, CHINA       

P: 23MAR2023 151753    26.0N  101.0E 4.0-5.6 ACCAA  Myanmar                    

 

O: 21MAR2023 16:47:24  36.5N   71.0E Mw=6.5  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

O: 21MAR2023 07:25:46  36.9N   71.0E mb=4.0  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P: 18MAR2023 151495    37.0N   72.0E 3.8-5.2 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 23MAR2023 151779    36.0N   69.0E 3.8-5.3 AABAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 25MAR2023 151779    37.0N   70.0E 3.8-5.4 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:23:33  63.3N  158.5E mb=4.9  EMSC   MAGADANSKAYA OBLAST', RUSSIA 

P: 21MAR2023 151902    62.0N  158.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  North of Kamchatka         

 

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 21MAR2023 14:40:30   2.4N  128.8E mb=4.9  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

P: 27MAR2023 151682     2.0N  129.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 21MAR2023 19:32:42   2.5S  140.7E mb=4.5  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P: 27MAR2023 151705     3.0S  143.0E 4.0-5.4 CABAA  Papua New Guinea           

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Papua, Indonesia was felt with intensity IV in the area(s) of Papua, Indonesia in Jaya Pura.

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:15:29   3.6S  131.2E mb=4.5  EMSC   CERAM SEA, INDONESIA         

P: 25MAR2023 151713     5.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 BBBAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 21MAR2023 13:46:19   4.1N  128.7E ML=4.5  EMSC   NORTH OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA

O: 21MAR2023 11:21:14   4.3N  127.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA  

P: 23MAR2023 151686     5.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 21MAR2023 20:37:55   6.5S  130.2E mb=4.4  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 25MAR2023 151713     5.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 22MAR2023 04:28:14   6.8N  126.2E mb=4.8  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 22MAR2023 151677     7.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Central Philippines        

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Mati and Davao.

 

O: 21MAR2023 09:00:48   7.7S  127.5E mb=4.4  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI

P: 22MAR2023 151690     6.0S  128.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Banda Sea                   

 

O: 22MAR2023 01:24:13   7.8S  106.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   JAVA, INDONESIA              

P: 22MAR2023 151707     7.0S  106.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  So. of Java                

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 22MAR2023 00:43:53  15.4N   94.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO     

P: 22MAR2023 151718    15.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:24:20  15.4N   95.7W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO

O: 22MAR2023 05:11:04  15.4N   95.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO

O: 21MAR2023 23:37:37  15.9N   96.4W ML=4.2  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

P: 24MAR2023 151735    15.0N   96.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico              

P: 25MAR2023 151719    16.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 22MAR2023 05:59:27  17.5N   94.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   VERACRUZ, MEXICO             

P: 17MAR2023 151435    18.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.2 BAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico             

 

O: 21MAR2023 20:43:19  18.2N  101.8W ML=4.0  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

P: 21MAR2023 151731    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 21MAR2023 18:33:02  18.6N   73.3W ML=3.5  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 25MAR2023 151739    19.0N   73.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 21MAR2023 22:09:20  19.1N   66.3W Md=3.1  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 22MAR2023 151744    20.0N   66.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

O: 21MAR2023 11:05:28  19.5N  102.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

P: 21MAR2023 151731    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.6 ABAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:38:13  33.6S   71.3W Mw=5.6  EMSC   VALPARAISO, CHILE            

P: 23MAR2023 151946    33.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Central Chile              

 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 22MAR2023 00:01:09  24.4N   33.3E ML=4.0  EMSC   EGYPT                        

P: 11MAR2023 151458    19.0N   39.0E 3.0-5.2 CCCAA  Sudan                      

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:49:51  38.0N   37.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 27MAR2023 151820    38.0N   38.0E 3.5-5.0 CAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 22MAR2023 04:51:00  45.5N   26.3E ML=3.8  EMSC   ROMANIA                      

P: 24MAR2023 151860    46.0N   25.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

O: 21MAR2023 16:56:41  65.8N   17.7W ML=3.5  EMSC   ICELAND                      

P: 21MAR2023 151901    66.0N   17.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 21MAR2023 11:30:37  19.8S  170.2E mb=4.7  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 23MAR2023 151928    19.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:25:30  59.7S   26.2W mb=5.3  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 21MAR2023 151964    58.0S   25.0W 4.0-5.9 ABAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

P: 25MAR2023 151965    61.0S   26.0W 4.0-5.8 BBAAA  Southern  Ocean            

 

O: 21MAR2023 20:46:54  28.4N   43.6W mb=5.0  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

P: 18MAR2023 151468    29.0N   44.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Mid-Atlantic Ridge         

O: 21MAR2023 20:41:08  28.6N   43.6W mb=4.9  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O: 21MAR2023 20:49:21  28.6N   43.7W mb=5.0  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were recorded in the regions of Zealandia or Australia

today. GeoNet did not report any felt events in the area.

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 22MAR2023 01:46:41  29.3N  130.4E mb=4.7  EMSC   RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN        

P: 19MAR2023 151498    31.0N  131.0E 3.5-4.9 BBAAA  Kyushu, Japan area         

 

O: 22MAR2023 03:19:15  33.3N  137.8E mb=4.2  EMSC   NEAR S. COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

P: 21MAR2023 151774    33.0N  138.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Central/So. Honshu Japan   

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:36:32  30.7N  116.2W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

P: 22MAR2023 151802    30.8N  116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:30:16  31.5N  115.6W ML=3.4  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 21MAR2023 151803    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 21MAR2023 08:15:16  32.4N  115.2W Ml=2.0  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 21MAR2023 151803    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:24:40  33.5N  116.7W Ml=2.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 22MAR2023 03:21:34  33.5N  116.6W Ml=2.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 21MAR2023 20:47:34  33.5N  116.7W Ml=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 26MAR2023 151804    33.4N  116.7W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Rancho Mirage.

 

O: 21MAR2023 15:45:42  33.5N  118.3W Ml=2.3  EMSC   SAN PEDRO CHANNEL, CALIFORNIA

P: 22MAR2023 151806    34.0N  118.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:05:52  35.1N  119.0W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 24MAR2023 151809    34.7N  119.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:11:16  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 21MAR2023 151769    36.7N  121.4W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 21MAR2023 19:41:23  38.0N  122.9W Md=2.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

P: 24MAR2023 151770    38.0N  122.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sam Ramon.

 

O: 21MAR2023 17:32:57  38.4N  122.8W MD=2.4  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 26MAR2023 151771    38.5N  122.7W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 22MAR2023 05:49:22  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.0  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 21MAR2023 18:18:31  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.8  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 24MAR2023 151771    38.8N  122.8W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Kelseyville, Calistoga, Boonville.

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:18:20  40.6N  124.4W Mw=4.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

P: 22MAR2023 151852    40.7N  124.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

O: 22MAR2023 06:56:30  41.9N  119.6W ml=2.0  EMSC   NEVADA                        

P: 22MAR2023 151828    40.5N  119.5W 2.5-4.8 ABAAA  California/Nevada area     

P: 22MAR2023 151828    41.3N  118.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

ALASKA

 

O: 21MAR2023 15:57:12  53.1N  172.4E mb=4.3  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 22MAR2023 151882    53.0N  171.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Near Islands               

 

O: 21MAR2023 09:13:31  56.9N  158.1W ML=3.0  EMSC   ALASKA PENINSULA             

P: 14MAR2023 151588    54.8N  158.7W 3.5-4.9 CCAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

O: 22MAR2023 02:22:40  62.0N  146.8W ML=3.6  EMSC   CENTRAL ALASKA               

P: 27MAR2023 151897    61.3N  147.2W 3.2-4.9 BAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.5 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Talkeetna, Willow, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Wasilla, Chugiak, Anchorage and Eagle River.

 

O: 22MAR2023 03:40:24  62.1N  150.4W ml=3.5  EMSC   CENTRAL ALASKA               

P: 23MAR2023 151900    62.9N  150.2W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.4 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Glennallen.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 22MAR2023 01:18:26  43.6N  128.2W ML=3.3  EMSC   OFF COAST OF OREGON          

P: 23MAR2023 151854    43.9N  128.4W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  Off Coast of Oregon        

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 off the coast of Oregon  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oregon in Port Orford and Rockaway Beach.

 

O: 21MAR2023 15:16:10  56.1N  116.6W ML=2.9  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA              

P: 22MAR2023 151871    56.0N  116.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Alberta                    

 

O: 21MAR2023 18:16:20  50.1N  129.6W MB=3.2  ECAN of Port Alice, BC               

P: 21MAR2023 151865    49.9N  130.2W 2.8-5.1 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

No earthquakes of M>=2 were located in the Rocky Mountain region today.

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:40:37  28.7N   98.3W ML=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 21MAR2023 13:04:24  28.6N   98.3W ML=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

P: 27MAR2023 151754    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.7 CAAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

O: 21MAR2023 09:50:44  36.6N   89.6W Md=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI        

P: 23MAR2023 151787    36.0N   89.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

O: 21MAR2023 23:10:54  47.7N   70.1W MB=0.7  ECAN of La Malbaie, QC  

O: 21MAR2023 20:49:25  48.2N   69.4W MB=1.9  ECAN of Trois-Pistoles, QC   

O: 21MAR2023 10:17:54  47.5N   69.9W MB=2.0  ECAN of Saint-Pascal, QC            

P: 19MAR2023 151564    47.3N   70.5W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  New England                

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:56:56  68.9N   53.4W MB=4.7  ECAN of Qeqertasuaq, GL             

P: 17MAR2023 151613    69.0N   53.0W 2.5-4.0 BAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

P: 21MAR2023 151892    67.0N   54.0W 2.5-4.2 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKES IN COSTA RICA AND ROMANIA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 20, 2023

 

 

A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.5 was widely felt in the region of Costa Rica today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Costa Rica in Puntarenas at Quepos, and in San Jose in Mercedes, Santiago and San Isidro with III shaking in Parrita, Palmares, Daniel Flores, Tobosi, Paraiso, and Escazu. A regional foreshock of M 4.4 was felt with intensity III in San Jose, Costa Rica at San Rafael and Sabanilla. This event was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with today's new moon as it occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with this alignment as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"The new moon will arrive on March 21, 2023 at 17:23 UT. Longitudes which are sub-solar (local solar noon) are near 83 West longitude while those at local solar midnight are centered near 97 East longitude. In the west these include area of Central and northwestern South America and eastern U.S. and in the east areas of western Indonesia, Myanmar, and eastern China. These areas are most likely to see tidal triggering with this new moon. A moderately large to large tidally triggered earthquake is considered moderately likely with this new moon." (March 17-21, 2023)

 

The M 5.5 in Costa Rica today is the strongest earthquake in Costa Rica within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 6.0 on August 24, 2020. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"The last earthquake in Costa Rica with M>=6.0 within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 6.5 on November 13, 2017. Events of M 6.0-6.2 occurred about 250 km to the southeast of today's epicenter on June 26 and May 12, 2019 and on August 17, 2018." (August 24, 2020)

 

Forecast 151433 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around

March 20, 2023. This activity is at 144-146 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and the M 7.2 in Molucca of January 18 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources..

 

O: 21MAR2023 01:44:15   9.5N   84.2W Mw=5.5  EMSC   COSTA RICA                   

O: 21MAR2023 03:54:30   9.6N   84.0W ML=4.0  EMSC   COSTA RICA

P: 20MAR2023 151433    10.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Caribbean Sea              

 

An M 4.9 aftershock was also widely felt today in southern Romania. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Barna, Timis and Targu, Jiu Gorj, Romania. Lesser shaking of II-III was felt in Romania at Danesti, Lupeni, Sarmizegetusa, Simeria, Deva, Hunedoara, Craiova, Dragasani, Dolj and Valcea and in Negotin, Serbia. This is the strongest aftershock to date of the M 5.6 in Romania of February 14, 2023. Forecast 151860 had expected today's event within about 15 km was likely in Romania around March 21, 2023. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Ecuador of March 18, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources. An M 4.4 today in Greece was similarly located with respect to Ecuador.

 

O: 20MAR2023 14:02:16  45.1N   23.1E ML=4.9  EMSC   ROMANIA                       

P: 21MAR2023 151860    45.0N   23.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

An M 3.8 in eastern Romania occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 151577 and 151860 had expected this activity in mid-March.

 

O: 20MAR2023 21:49:26  45.5N   26.4E ML=3.8  EMSC   ROMANIA                      

P: 16MAR2023 151577    46.0N   27.0E 3.0-4.9 BAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

P: 24MAR2023 151860    46.0N   25.0E 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in the Fox Islands in Nikolski. The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=4.9 was an M 4.9 on December 5, 2022 and prior to that an M 5.5 on November 21, 2022. At the time of that event this summary noted:

 

 

"The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.6 and 6.8 on January 11, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"Strong earthquakes of M 6.8 and M 6.4 shook the region of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska today. NEIC reported the M 6.8 was felt with intensity VI in Nikolski; IV in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, False Pass and II-III in Akutan, Atka, Cold Bay, and Adak,  Alaska. The M 6.4 aftershock was reported with intensity IV in Nikolski, Alaska and III in Unalaska. An aftershock of M 5.8 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Nikolski and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in the Fox Islands with M>=6.8 was an M 6.9 on July 27, 2015 about 150 km west of today's epicenter." (January 11-12, 2022, November 21, 2022)

 

 

Forecast 151599 and 151879 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter around March 18-21.

 

O: 20MAR2023 23:25:28  53.9N  169.8W mb=4.9  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 18MAR2023 151599    52.4N  169.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

P: 21MAR2023 151879    52.7N  169.2W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.4 also occurred today in western Greenland. This event near local solar midnight may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's new moon as it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment. This is an unusually large earthquake for this region. Two earthquakes of M>=4.6 have occurred within about 400 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years - an M 4.9 on January 22, 2001 and an M 4.7 near this epicenter on April 6, 2016. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in North America today occurred as an M 4.7 in the area of Western Greenland near Aasiaat. This earthquake was not reported felt in this remote area, part of the Baffin and Davis Straits seismic zone. The is the strongest earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in this zone in at least the past 25 years." (April 6, 2016)

 

Forecast 151613 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around March 17 while forecast 151892 had expected it about 200 km to the south around March 21, 2023. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from recent large earthquakes in Tonga/Fiji and the Vanuatu Islands and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:56:56  69.1N   53.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   WESTERN GREENLAND            

P: 17MAR2023 151613    69.0N   53.0W 2.5-4.0 BAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

P: 21MAR2023 151892    67.0N   54.0W 2.5-4.2 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Ecuador March 18, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 21MAR2023 01:45:20  23.5N  121.5E Mw=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

O: 21MAR2023 01:45:19  23.7N  121.3E ML=5.3  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

O: 21MAR2023 01:46:12  23.6N  121.3E ML=4.4  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

P: 24MAR2023 151760    23.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity  IV in Hualien, III in Nantou and Taitung,  II in Yunlin, Taichung, Yilan, Changhua, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, I in Taipei, Hsincu, Taoyuan, Miaoli Counties, Taiwan.

The aftershock of M 4.4 was felt with intensity IV in Hualien, II in Nantou and I in Taitung, Yunlin, Taichung, Yilan Counties, Taiwan.

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Taiwan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Taiwan in Hualien, Changhua, Taipei Counties.

 

O: 20MAR2023 18:38:08  44.3N   81.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   NORTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA     

P: 19MAR2023 151556    42.0N   83.0E 4.0-5.4 ACBAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang        

 

O: 21MAR2023 05:02:22  53.2N  159.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA 

P: 22MAR2023 151877    54.0N  160.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  E. of Kamchatka            

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 21MAR2023 01:21:16   3.5N   97.8E ML=3.3  EMSC   NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

P: 22MAR2023 151688     2.0N   98.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  So. Sumatera               

 

O: 20MAR2023 18:56:09   5.4S  147.0E mb=4.4  EMSC   EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G

P: 23MAR2023 151702     6.0S  148.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  New Ireland                

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in New Guinea was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of New Guinea in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands.

 

O: 20MAR2023 21:13:28   7.4N  123.8E mb=4.5  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 30MAR2023 151677     7.0N  124.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Central Philippines        

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 20MAR2023 10:20:56   2.7S   81.2W ML=4.4  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR        

P: 27MAR2023 151695     3.0S   80.0W 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Ecuador                    

 

O: 21MAR2023 01:44:15   9.5N   84.2W Mw=5.5  EMSC   COSTA RICA                   

O: 21MAR2023 03:54:30   9.6N   84.0W ML=4.0  EMSC   COSTA RICA

P: 20MAR2023 151433    10.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Caribbean Sea              

 

O: 20MAR2023 14:11:30  10.6N   86.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA

O: 20MAR2023 07:09:18  10.9N   86.5W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA      

P: 20MAR2023 151449    11.0N   86.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Nicaragua                  

 

O: 21MAR2023 00:58:08  13.8N   92.1W ML=4.3  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUATEMALA           

P: 19MAR2023 151439    15.0N   92.0W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA  Guatemala                   

 

O: 20MAR2023 19:01:06  16.2S   74.0W ML=4.8  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU  

P: 24MAR2023 151912    15.0S   73.0W 4.0-5.5 BBAAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 20MAR2023 10:09:58  17.4N   94.7W ML=4.1  EMSC   VERACRUZ, MEXICO

O: 20MAR2023 09:38:51  16.8N   94.9W ML=4.3  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

P: 25MAR2023 151719    16.0N   95.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 20MAR2023 09:28:14  17.0N  101.6W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO    

P: 23MAR2023 151730    18.0N  101.0W 3.5-5.6 BAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 21MAR2023 02:14:00  18.1N   98.8W ML=4.0  EMSC   PUEBLA, MEXICO               

P: 18MAR2023 151453    19.0N   99.0W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 20MAR2023 13:39:54  18.3S   70.4W mb=4.3  EMSC   OFFSHORE TARAPACA, CHILE

O: 21MAR2023 01:24:51  18.2S   71.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF TARAPACA, CHILE 

P: 18MAR2023 151651    20.0S   70.0W 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

O: 20MAR2023 10:34:41  18.5N   66.7W ML=3.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION

O: 21MAR2023 04:16:22  19.0N   67.2W Md=3.3  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 21MAR2023 151738    18.0N   68.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 20MAR2023 15:40:34  37.3N   36.7E mb=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 23MAR2023 151820    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 20MAR2023 20:42:45  38.0N   37.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 21MAR2023 03:45:29  38.2N   37.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 20MAR2023 09:57:09  38.0N   37.3E ML=4.5  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

O: 20MAR2023 17:47:21  38.0N   38.5E ML=3.8  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 27MAR2023 151820    38.0N   38.0E 3.5-5.0 CAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 21MAR2023 00:20:14  39.0N   21.2E ML=4.5  EMSC   GREECE                       

P: 18MAR2023 151502    39.0N   20.0E 3.0-4.4 BAAAA  No. Greece                 

P: 24MAR2023 151789    39.0N   21.0E 3.0-4.6 BAAAA  No. Greece                 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Greece was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Greece in Nidrion, Levkas and Larisa.

 

O: 20MAR2023 14:02:16  45.1N   23.1E ML=4.9  EMSC   ROMANIA                      

P: 21MAR2023 151860    45.0N   23.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

O: 20MAR2023 21:49:26  45.5N   26.4E ML=3.8  EMSC   ROMANIA                      

P: 16MAR2023 151577    46.0N   27.0E 3.0-4.9 BAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

P: 24MAR2023 151860    46.0N   25.0E 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:56:56  69.1N   53.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   WESTERN GREENLAND            

P: 17MAR2023 151613    69.0N   53.0W 2.5-4.0 BAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

P: 21MAR2023 151892    67.0N   54.0W 2.5-4.2 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

O: 20MAR2023 11:57:15  56.2S   27.9W mb=5.1  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 16MAR2023 151672    57.0S   27.0W 4.0-6.0 BAAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

P: 24MAR2023 151962    56.0S   27.0W 4.0-6.2 BAAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 21MAR2023 01:54:29  35.3S  178.7E ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z

P: 22MAR2023 151950    35.0S  179.0E 3.0-4.4 AAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

O: 20MAR2023 15:48:27  38.0S  176.7E mb=4.1  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

P: 22MAR2023 151951    38.0S  177.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.1 in the Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand in Kawerau, Whakatane, Te Puke.

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 20MAR2023 07:08:27  29.9N  142.3E mb=4.9  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION    

P: 23MAR2023 151794    31.0N  142.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

O: 20MAR2023 12:06:20  36.1N  142.2E mb=4.6  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPA

P: 23MAR2023 151790    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-4.9 BABAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

 

O: 20MAR2023 21:28:39  42.4N  142.9E ML=4.6  EMSC   HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION       

P: 25MAR2023 151833    43.0N  145.0E 3.5-5.6 BABAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

O: 21MAR2023 04:58:05  47.6N  153.5E mb=4.7  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 12MAR2023 151580    48.0N  153.0E 3.5-5.4 CAAAA  So. Kurils                 

P: 24MAR2023 151863    46.0N  154.0E 3.5-5.6 BBAAA  So. Kurils                 

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 20MAR2023 21:09:50  31.4N  115.4W ML=3.4  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 20MAR2023 18:52:53  31.2N  115.5W ML=3.2  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 22MAR2023 151802    30.8N  116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 20MAR2023 11:33:28  31.9N  116.2W Ml=2.3  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

O: 20MAR2023 12:40:10  32.7N  115.5W ML=2.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151521    32.8N  116.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

P: 21MAR2023 151803    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 20MAR2023 22:07:58  34.0N  116.9W Ml=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151520    33.9N  116.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 20MAR2023 07:28:45  34.8N  116.3W ML=2.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 18MAR2023 151524    34.6N  116.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in White Water.

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:09:10  35.8N  121.2W Md=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 21MAR2023 151797    35.7N  121.2W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Off So. California         

 

O: 20MAR2023 08:23:13  37.2N  121.3W Md=2.0  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA           

O: 20MAR2023 16:09:39  37.3N  121.7W ML=2.8  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 16MAR2023 151485    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  Central California         

P: 25MAR2023 151770    37.3N  121.6W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 near San Jose, California  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) near San Jose, California in San Jose, Mount Hamilton, Morgan Hill among others.

 

O: 20MAR2023 17:21:04  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 20MAR2023 22:09:54  37.4N  118.6W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151482    37.8N  118.2W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 20MAR2023 07:18:33  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.1  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA           

P: 18MAR2023 151487    38.9N  122.8W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 20MAR2023 07:42:28  41.8N  126.0W ML=2.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN

P: 18MAR2023 151570    42.5N  126.8W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Off Coast of Oregon        

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 20MAR2023 23:25:28  53.9N  169.8W mb=4.9  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 18MAR2023 151599    52.4N  169.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

P: 21MAR2023 151879    52.7N  169.2W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

O: 20MAR2023 12:11:23  60.1N  153.4W ML=3.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN ALASKA              

P: 19MAR2023 151615    60.3N  153.0W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

No events of M>=2 were located in the northwestern U.S. or western Canada today.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 20MAR2023 10:38:34  31.6N  104.4W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 18MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 20MAR2023 10:00:29  32.8N  100.6W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 17MAR2023 151514    32.6N  101.6W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 21MAR2023 00:34:36  44.5N  115.2W ML=2.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN IDAHO               

P: 23MAR2023 151839    44.4N  115.1W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 21MAR2023 06:56:56  69.1N   53.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   WESTERN GREENLAND            

P: 17MAR2023 151613    69.0N   53.0W 2.5-4.0 BAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

P: 21MAR2023 151892    67.0N   54.0W 2.5-4.2 ABAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

O: 20MAR2023 23:47:16  35.2N   97.7W ML=2.1  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 16MAR2023 151533    35.0N   97.0W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA  Southern Plains            

 

HAWAII

 

O: 20MAR2023 16:26:32  19.2N  155.5W ML=3.2  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 19MAR2023 151440    19.9N  156.1W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA  Hawaii                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu, Captain Cook, Kailua Kona and Mililani.

 

MODERATE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 19, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Southern Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Alaska at Anchor Point, Homer, Ninilchik, IV in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and III in Clam Gulch, Kasilof, Soldotna, Sterling, Cooper Landing, Kenai, Anchorage, Girdwood, Iliamna, Fort Richardson, Eagle River, Willow, Wasilla, Chugiak, Palmer and Valdez. This is the largest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska since an M 5.8 about 100 km southwest of today's epicenter on May 27, 2019. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

 

“The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Kodiak Island region of Southern Alaska. NEIC reported intensity IV in Homer and Anchor point and II-III in Ninilchik, Pedro Bay, Kodiak Kenai NTL, Kasilof, Soldotna and Sterling, Alaska among others. This is the strongest earthquake in the Kodiak area within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 7.1 to the north on January 24, 2016." (May 27, 2019)

 

An M 5.9 at intermediate depth also occurred about 200 km northwest of today's epicenter in the Kenai Peninsula on December 21, 2021. At the time this

summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred in the Kenai area of Southern Alaska with M 5.9. NEIC reported maximum intensity V in southern Alaska at West Kenai, and IV in Anchor Point, Ninilchik, Calm Gulch, Kasilof, Soldotna, Homer, Sterling, Pedro Bay and North Lake among other communities in southern Alaska. This earthquake occurred on a day when the Wolf Sunspot number was the highest since the last solar active period six years ago

 

...

 

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." (December 21, 2021)

 

Forecasts 151615 and 151893 had expected today's activity around March 19-21 within about 50-150 km of this epicenter. This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the recent earthquakes of M 6.9 and 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. Other activity at this distance from the Kermadec Islands today included events in Colorado, Texas, Queen Charlotte Island, Guerrero, Mexico.

 

O: 19MAR2023 15:06:26  59.6N  151.9W Mw=5.4  EMSC   KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA      

P: 19MAR2023 151615    60.3N  153.0W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

P: 21MAR2023 151893    59.5N  151.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

This earthquake may have been precursed by a light earthquake in Nebraska on March 17, 2023 as noted in this summary:

 

 

An M 2.9 in Nebraska today could be a precursor to a stronger earthquake along the western boundary of the North American Plate. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Lawrence, Nebraska. This area often sees enhanced seismic creaking prior to such earthquakes.

 

and

 

Earthquakes in Nebraska and South Dakota often precede strong earthquakes along the western rim of North America and with a strong coming geomagnetic storm this is a possibility. ..." (July 18, 2022, March 17, 2023)

 

The second strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 4.9-5.0 in Southern Sumatra, Indonesia. This epicenter is near the antipode of the M 6.8 in Ecuador of March 18. Enhanced seismicity was expected at this time in this antipodal area in the previous issue of this summary as:

 

"The antipode of today's event in Ecuador is at 3N 100E in the Andaman Islands, India and Sumatra Indonesia which is an active seismic zone. Seismic enhancment in this area is likely." (March 19, 2023)

 

Forecast 151427 had expected today's earthquake in Sumatra within about 25 km of this epicenter was likely around March 18, 2023.

 

O: 19MAR2023 19:30:15   3.7S  101.9E mb=4.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

O: 19MAR2023 19:30:15   3.7S  101.9E mb=5.0  BMG    SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

P: 18MAR2023 151427     4.0S  102.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  So. of Sumatera            

 

A light earthquake of M 3.8 also occurred in Southern Colorado today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Trinidad and Aguilar and II-III in Weston, Walsenburg, Colorado and in Raton, New Mexico. The last earthquakes of larger magnitude then M 3.8 occurred on March 10, 2023 of two with M 4.3. This was unusually large magnitudes for this swarm as noted in this summary at the time:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.3 occurred today in the area of Trinidad, southern Colorado. These were reported by NEIC to have been felt with maximum intensity IV in Colorado in Weston and in Raton, New Mexico and III in Colorado at Aguilar, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Fort Garland, Blanca and in New Mexico at Cimarron and Questa among others. This swarm which began in September, 2001 several days before the attack on 9-11-2001 of the Trade Center in New York City also is off and on and has been extensively investigated. No definitive conclusions on the cause of these earthquakes (or earth disturbances) has been found to this time. Today's M 4.3 occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses. The last event in this region of M>4 was an M 5.3 on August 23, 2011 and occurred in conjunction with an M 5.8 near Washington D.C. on the same day which did extensive damage in the Washington area, including to the National Cathedral and the Washington Monument. This was also associated with one of the strongest Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB) recorded. The temporal relation is clear but the physical relation of these events is still fuzzy. The only other event of M>4.3 in this series occurred as an M 4.9-5.0 on August 10, 2005 and as an M 4.5 on September 5, 2001 with the initial start of these events. These events occur with approximate 11-year intervals and could be related to solar cycles of the same length." (March 10, 2023)

 

Forecast 151775 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around March 21, 2023.

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:10:10  37.3N  104.4W Mw=3.8  EMSC   COLORADO                     

P: 21MAR2023 151775    37.3N  104.6W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  Colorado area              

 

A light earthquake of M 2.5-2.9 along the Quebec-Ontario border of Canada was felt today. NEIC reported intensity II in L'Annunciation, and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada and in Colchester, Vermont. ECAN reported this event was lightly felt in the epicentral area. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=2.9 was an M 3.1 on March 29, 2020. An M 3.9 also occurred slightly further than this to the northwest on May 9, 2020. This summary noted this event at the time as:

 

"An earthquake of M 3.9-4.3 was also widely felt in southern Quebec, Canada today. NEIC reported intensity IV in Quebec at Ferre-Neuve, Mont-Laurier, Shawville, and II-III in Maniwaki, Pembroke, Buckingham, Ottawa, Kanata, Eganville and Chesterville. The last earthquake of M>=4.3 in southern Quebec within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.4 on May 17, 2013." (May 9, 2020)

 

Today's earthquake is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.9 and 7.0 earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands of January 8 and March 16, 2023 and from  the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and the Solomon Islands M 7.0 of November 22, 2022 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources. Forecasts 151565 and 151846 had expected this epicenter to see active seismicity in mid-March.

 

 

O: 19MAR2023 20:38:12  46.0N   75.1W mb=2.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN QUEBEC, CANADA      

O: 19MAR2023 20:38:12  46.0N   75.1W MB=2.9  ECAN of Duhamel, QC, felt  

P: 15MAR2023 151565    45.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.4 BAAAA  New York State             

P: 22MAR2023 151846    46.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.6 BAAAA  New York State             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.8 in the area of the Ecuador March 18, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 20MAR2023 01:49:21  27.3N   55.1E mb=4.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN IRAN                

P: 22MAR2023 151758    28.0N   56.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  So. Iran/Persian Gulf      

 

O: 19MAR2023 08:28:47  29.6N   51.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN IRAN                 

P: 16MAR2023 151473    29.0N   53.0E 3.5-5.1 BABAA  So. Iran/Persian Gulf      

P: 17MAR2023 151530    31.0N   50.0E 3.8-5.3 ABAAA  So. Iran                   

 

O: 19MAR2023 17:07:33  38.1N   73.4E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 16MAR2023 151496    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.5 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 21MAR2023 151780    38.0N   74.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 19MAR2023 22:18:38   2.8S  128.2E mb=4.8  EMSC   CERAM SEA, INDONESIA         

P: 23MAR2023 151694     1.0S  127.0E 4.0-5.4 BBBAA  Ceram area                 

 

O: 19MAR2023 19:30:15   3.7S  101.9E mb=4.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

O: 19MAR2023 19:30:15   3.7S  101.9E mb=5.0  BMG    SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

P: 18MAR2023 151427     4.0S  102.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  So. of Sumatera            

 

O: 20MAR2023 01:14:50   4.3N  126.4E ML=4.2  EMSC   KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA  

P: 19MAR2023 151408     4.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.7 AABAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

P: 23MAR2023 151686     5.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 19MAR2023 18:33:55   6.4S  103.9E ML=3.8  EMSC   SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESI

P: 20MAR2023 151425     6.0S  105.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. of Java                

 

O: 19MAR2023 23:36:18   7.3S  129.9E ML=4.1  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA   

P: 25MAR2023 151713     5.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 CCAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 19MAR2023 12:13:52  11.6S  117.9E ML=4.4  EMSC   SOUTH OF SUMBAWA, INDONESIA  

P: 12MAR2023 151635    11.0S  118.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA  So. of Indonesia           

 

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 19MAR2023 15:15:23   5.9S   75.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   NORTHERN PERU                

P: 18MAR2023 151422     6.0S   79.0W 4.0-5.4 AACAA  No. Peru                   

 

O: 19MAR2023 14:22:30  10.6N   86.6W ML=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA

O: 19MAR2023 14:12:31  10.8N   86.4W mb=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA

O: 20MAR2023 07:09:18  10.9N   86.5W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA

O: 19MAR2023 09:51:58  10.6N   86.4W mb=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA      

P: 20MAR2023 151449    11.0N   86.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Nicaragua                  

 

O: 19MAR2023 07:23:50  17.0N  100.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO    

P: 17MAR2023 151446    18.0N  101.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 19MAR2023 08:14:41  17.1S   71.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU  

P: 14MAR2023 151634    18.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

P: 19MAR2023 151633    16.0S   70.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

O: 19MAR2023 20:32:11  18.2N  103.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO   

P: 21MAR2023 151731    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.6 AABAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 19MAR2023 08:29:52  18.3N   67.2W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 18MAR2023 151454    19.0N   68.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 19MAR2023 12:56:44  38.0N   36.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 19MAR2023 12:54:25  38.0N   36.5E mb=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 19MAR2023 14:59:55  64.6N   17.5W ML=3.1  EMSC   ICELAND                       

P: 16MAR2023 151620    65.0N   18.0W 3.0-4.7 BAAAA  Iceland area               

 

O: 19MAR2023 19:59:07  71.2N    8.8W ML=2.9  EMSC   JAN MAYEN ISLAND REGION      

P: 13MAR2023 151626    71.0N    8.0W 3.5-5.5 CAAAA  Jan Mayen Isl. area        

P: 23MAR2023 151909    71.0N    8.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Jan Mayen Isl. area        

 

O: 19MAR2023 10:59:11  73.0N    6.7E mb=3.9  EMSC   GREENLAND SEA                

P: 21MAR2023 151908    72.0N    0.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Norway                     

 

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 20MAR2023 05:08:33  15.3S  177.4W mb=4.3  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 18MAR2023 151631    15.0S  176.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Samoa Islands              

 

O: 19MAR2023 10:45:57  17.2S  179.2W mb=4.2  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 19MAR2023 151638    18.0S  180.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:09:03  73.2N    6.6E Mw=3.8  EMSC   GREENLAND SEA

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were recorded in the regions of Zealandia or Australia

today. GeoNet did not report any felt events in the area.

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 20MAR2023 01:59:24  35.5N  140.9E Mw=4.6  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 21MAR2023 151796    35.0N  140.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Southeastern Honshu, Japan  was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Southeastern Honshu, Japan in Chiba Prefecture.

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:00:30  37.8N  141.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 17MAR2023 151531    38.0N  143.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. of Honshu              

 

O: 20MAR2023 07:08:27  29.9N  142.3E mb=4.9  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION    

P: 23MAR2023 151794    31.0N  142.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

O: 19MAR2023 18:00:03  47.0N  150.5E mb=4.4  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 20MAR2023 151579    47.0N  146.0E 3.5-5.4 AACAA  So. Kurils                  

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 19MAR2023 07:27:03  30.8N  116.4W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 19MAR2023 16:29:16  30.8N  116.4W ML=3.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 19MAR2023 20:24:10  31.0N  115.6W ML=3.3  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 19MAR2023 10:04:50  31.3N  115.3W ML=3.2  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 19MAR2023 21:47:23  30.5N  116.1W ML=3.4  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

O: 19MAR2023 14:14:01  31.6N  115.7W Ml=2.7  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 17MAR2023 151515    30.7N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 20MAR2023 01:25:26  32.7N  115.5W Ml=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 21MAR2023 151803    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 19MAR2023 09:53:32  35.5N  118.4W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 18MAR2023 151527    35.6N  118.4W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.7 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Bodfish (IV) and Caliente.

 

O: 19MAR2023 22:18:01  36.1N  117.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151478    36.1N  118.1W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  California/Nevada area      

 

O: 20MAR2023 02:14:22  36.1N  120.6W Md=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 21MAR2023 151797    35.7N  121.2W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Off So. California         

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:34:10  36.6N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 20MAR2023 04:10:07  36.5N  121.1W Md=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 18MAR2023 151484    36.7N  121.4W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 20MAR2023 03:24:29  38.1N  122.2W Md=2.1  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P: 24MAR2023 151770    38.0N  122.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Kelseyville.

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:19:50  38.5N  119.5W ML=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151483    38.3N  119.3W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:35:57  38.9N  122.8W Md=2.5  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 18MAR2023 151487    38.9N  122.8W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  Central California         

 

ALASKA

 

O: 19MAR2023 15:59:42  56.3N  152.3W ML=3.2  EMSC   KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P: 25MAR2023 151903    55.0N  149.0W 3.0-5.1 CBBAA  Northern Alaska            

 

O: 20MAR2023 06:29:40  59.4N  144.8W ML=3.0  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA               

P: 15MAR2023 151616    60.9N  147.4W 3.2-4.9 BBBAA  Central Alaska             

 

O: 19MAR2023 15:06:26  59.6N  151.9W Mw=5.4  EMSC   KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA      

P: 19MAR2023 151615    60.3N  153.0W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

P: 21MAR2023 151893    59.5N  151.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

O: 19MAR2023 10:12:11  63.1N  151.0W mb=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL ALASKA               

P: 19MAR2023 151618    63.2N  151.4W 3.2-5.1 AAAAA  Central Alaska              

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.7 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Talkeetna and Eagle River.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 17MAR2023 12:21:51  51.7N  131.1W MB=3.3  ECAN of Village of Queen Charlotte, B

P: 20MAR2023 151596    53.0N  132.0W 3.0-5.4 BBAAA  British Colombia           

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 19MAR2023 20:11:30  31.6N  104.5W ML=2.5  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 19MAR2023 09:16:07  31.7N  104.2W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 19MAR2023 13:29:28  31.7N  104.4W ML=3.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 19MAR2023 13:39:29  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.7  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 19MAR2023 11:24:16  31.6N  104.5W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 18MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 19MAR2023 11:10:10  37.3N  104.4W Mw=3.8  EMSC   COLORADO                     

P: 21MAR2023 151775    37.3N  104.6W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA  Colorado area              

 

O: 19MAR2023 16:42:41  44.8N  111.0W Ml=2.3  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

P: 16MAR2023 151586    44.2N  110.8W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 20MAR2023 03:35:41  37.0N   98.1W ML=2.5  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 18MAR2023 151534    37.0N   96.0W 2.0-4.2 AABAA  Southern Plains            

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Broken Arrow.

 

O: 19MAR2023 20:38:12  46.0N   75.1W mb=2.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN QUEBEC, CANADA      

O: 19MAR2023 20:38:12  46.0N   75.1W MB=2.9  ECAN of Duhamel, QC, felt  

P: 15MAR2023 151565    45.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.4 BAAAA  New York State             

P: 22MAR2023 151846    46.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.6 BAAAA  New York State             

 

O: 19MAR2023 19:40:43  45.6N   77.0W MB=2.0  ECAN of Eganville, ON               

P: 15MAR2023 151565    45.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.4 BABAA  New York State             

 

O: 17MAR2023 09:06:18  68.8N   69.1W MB=2.8  ECAN of Clyde River, NU  

O: 17MAR2023 10:22:49  68.9N   68.9W MB=2.5  ECAN of Clyde River, NU             

O: 17MAR2023 22:46:49  72.0N   75.4W MB=2.4  ECAN of Pond Inlet, NU              

P: 29MAR2023 151907    73.3N   73.5W 2.5-3.9 AAAAA  Baffin/Davis Strait Canada 

 

O: 17MAR2023 07:24:07  47.5N   70.2W MB=1.2  ECAN of La Pocati├¿re, QC           

P: 19MAR2023 151564    47.3N   70.5W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  New England                

 

HAWAII

 

O: 19MAR2023 08:25:34  19.2N  155.4W ML=3.2  EMSC   ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII     

P: 15MAR2023 151440    19.0N  155.2W 3.0-4.7 BAAAA  Hawaii                     

P: 19MAR2023 151440    19.9N  156.1W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA  Hawaii                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE DEADLY IN ECUADOR

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 18, 2023

 

A strong M 6.7-6.8 hit the coast of Western Ecuador and northern Peru today.

NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IX at Balao, Guayas, Ecuador; VIII in Naranjito; VI in Naranjal, VI in Plahyas, Guayaquil, Santa Lucia, Cuenca Azuay, V in Samborondon, Eloy Alfaro among others. Initial news reports indicate extensive but minor damage to buildings and structures with at least eleven people killed in the quake including one in Peru. Much of the damage and casualties occurred in Cuenca and Machala when walls collapsed. The epicenter was near Balao about two hours from Guayaquil. It was felt in at least 13 provinces of Ecuador. Many communities lost power and a two-story home and wharf collapsed. No tsunami was observed nor expected. 

 

The time of this earthquake in Ecuador was within about 12 minutes of local solar noon at a longitude near the longitude of maximum tidal stress (see above) with the coming new moon.  It is likely this earthquake was promoted by strong tidal stresses associated  with the new moon of March 21 as noted in this and previous issues of this summary as:

 

"The new moon will arrive on March 21, 2023 at 17:23 UT. Longitudes which are sub-solar (local solar noon) are near 83 West longitude while those at local solar midnight are centered near 97 East longitude. In the west these include area of Central and northwestern South America and eastern U.S. and in the east areas of western Indonesia, Myanmar, and eastern China. These areas are most likely to see tidal triggering with this new moon. A moderately large to large tidally triggered earthquake is considered moderately likely with this new moon." (March 16-28, 2023)

 

This epicenter is also near 90 degrees (node 4) from the major earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands of March 4 and March 16 and near 103 degrees from the major quakes in Turkey of February 6 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. A smaller event north of this in Ecuador occurred yesterday and was reported in this summary in the previous issue as:

 

"Seismicity also continued near 103 degrees from the Kermadec Islands today. This includes distances from the M 6.9 of March 4, 2023 and of March 16, 2023 (M 7.0). Examination of the daily earthquake map shows much of the activity near 103 degrees from the current Kermadec Islands earthquake lies on the low side of 100-103 degrees, but near the 103 distance from the first event in that region. Among earthquakes today included two of M 5.0 and 4.3 in Ecuador." (March 17-18, 2023)

 

 

O: 17MAR2023 19:19:23   0.3S   80.7W mb=4.5  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR        

P: 13MAR2023 151415     1.0S   81.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Ecuador                    

 

Today's earthquake of M 6.7 is the strongest in Ecuador within about 200 km of this epicenter in at least 35 years. An M 7.5 hit about 300 km northeast of this on February 22, 2019 and another was an M 7.1 on August 12, 2010. These were both at intermediate epicenters and were felt on the surface with moderate intensity as reported on February 22, 2019:

 

 

"A major earthquake of M 7.5 (EMSC) to 7.7 (IGP) hit the coast of Ecuador today. It occurred at an intermediate depth of 132 km and was felt with moderate intensity throughout much of Ecuador. NEIC reported maximum intensity V-VII in Ecuador was felt … in general within about 1000 km from the epicenter.

IGP reported intensity V in Pastaza with an aftershock of M 5.7 felt with III in Zarumilla, Peru. Some damage was reported. News sources on the web reported 

NEIC reported this aftershock at M 5.5 was felt in Ecuador with intensity V in Guayaquil, and Santa Lucia, and II-III in Ecuador at Eloy Alfara, Guayas, Cuenca Azuay, Machala, Pajan, Santa Elena, Montecristi, Banos and Manta, Ecuador. No injuries associated with the quake. This was probably due to the intermediate depth. A shallow quake would have caused considerable damage and destruction.  A slightly larger quake of M 7.8 on April 16, 2016 killed more than 700 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings and cost more than $3 billion in damages. Earthquakes of this size in Ecuador can help promote seismicity in California several months later. This summary will follow this in future issues.

 

...

 

The last earthquake located within about 250 km of today's M 7.5 occurred more than 30 years ago. The only comparable event in the region in this time period was the M 7.8 off Ecuador on April 16, 2016. That event occurred about 350 km northwest of today's epicenter." (February 22, 2019)

 

Forecast 151415 had expected today's earthquake was likely within about 100-150 km around March 17. The antipode of today's event in Ecuador is at 3N 100E in the Andaman Islands, India and Sumatra Indonesia which is an active seismic zone. Seismic enhancement in this area is likely. A minor earthquake hit at the antipode yesterday as:

 

O: 17MAR2023 11:33:21   1.7N   99.1E ML=3.0  EMSC   NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

P: 17MAR2023 151410     3.0N   99.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  So. Sumatera               

 

Today's mainshock is at 148 degrees from the M 7.6 of January 9, 2023 and at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.0 in the Solomon Islands of November 22, 2022 and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 6.4 off Northern California of December 20, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:22:37   2.9S   79.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:22:38   2.9S   80.0W ML=4.7  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:55:33   2.9S   79.9W ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:55:33   2.8S   79.9W ML=3.8  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 19MAR2023 09:47:25   2.4S   77.0W ML=3.6  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:12:53   2.8S   79.9W ML=6.7  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:12:55   2.8S   79.8W Mw=6.7  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR        

P: 17MAR2023 151415     2.0S   78.0W 4.0-5.5 AABAA  Ecuador                    

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. The last earthquakes of larger magnitude in the Near Islands occurred on February 24 and M 4.5 on January 4, 2023. Forecast 151601 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km around March 16, 2023. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in the region of Ecuador but occurred about 8 minutes before it. The relation between these two epicenters is unclear.

 

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:04:54  52.2N  172.7E mb=4.2  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 16MAR2023 151601    53.0N  171.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Near Islands                

 

Moderate earthquakes of M 3.8 and M 3.9 continued the series near Mammoth Lakes, California today. This has been discussed in previous issues of this summary as for example on March 18:

 

"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in California-Nevada border was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of California-Nevada border in Silverpeak, Nevada. This continues a strong swarm of minor earthquakes in this area which began on March 14, 2023 with an M 3.9, the largest event in the current swarm and the largest since an M 4.8 on January 6, 2022 within about 50 km of today's epicenter. At the time of the event in January, 2022 this summary noted: 

 

"The first event of M 4.8 near Mina, Nevada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in Nevada at Luning, Silverpeak, Gabbs, Goldfield, Hawthorne, Round Mountain (IV), Tonopah (IV) and Glenbrook and in California at Bishop and Yosemite National Park. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is an aftershock of the M 6.5 on May 15, 2020, the strongest aftershock in the region in more than a year - since an M 4.9 on December 12, 2020." (January 6, 2022, March 18, 2023)

 

Forecast 151482 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around March 20, 2023.

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.7 and M 3.9 in California/Nevada was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Silverpeak.

 

 

O: 18MAR2023 14:23:06  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 14:39:43  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 07:03:42  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151482    37.8N  118.2W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.0 and M 6.7 in Ecuador in the areas of the Kermadec Islands, March 16, 2023 and March 18, 2023 (pink), where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 19MAR2023 05:12:16  22.8N  121.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION                

O: 19MAR2023 05:12:16  22.8N  121.1E ML=4.2  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan               

P: 20MAR2023 151474    21.0N  120.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  Taiwan                     

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Taitung, and I in Hualien, Kaohsiung and Pingtung Counties, Taiwan.

 

O: 19MAR2023 06:01:19  38.5N   73.4E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 16MAR2023 151496    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.5 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 18MAR2023 11:29:28  39.7N   69.8E mb=4.7  EMSC   KYRGYZSTAN                   

O: 18MAR2023 11:35:22  39.7N   70.0E mb=4.3  EMSC   KYRGYZSTAN                   

P: 16MAR2023 151496    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.5 ABBAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 18MAR2023 151495    37.0N   72.0E 3.8-5.2 ACBAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

 

O: 18MAR2023 09:06:20   1.3S  126.9E ML=4.0  EMSC   KEPULAUAN SULA, INDONESIA    

P: 16MAR2023 151407     2.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.4 BCBAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 19MAR2023 06:23:26   2.5N  127.8E ML=4.5  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA

O: 18MAR2023 16:30:49   2.3N  128.9E mb=4.9  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA

O: 19MAR2023 01:25:43   2.3N  128.9E mb=4.9  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA

O: 18MAR2023 07:14:45   2.3N  128.9E mb=4.7  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

P: 15MAR2023 151405     3.0N  129.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 19MAR2023 02:45:33   3.4S  146.8E mb=4.9  EMSC   BISMARCK SEA

O: 19MAR2023 03:09:07   3.6S  146.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   BISMARCK SEA

O: 19MAR2023 02:55:05   3.3S  146.8E mb=4.7  EMSC   BISMARCK SEA                 

P: 15MAR2023 151421     5.0S  146.0E 4.0-5.5 BBAAA  New Ireland                

 

O: 18MAR2023 08:50:29   5.1N  127.3E mb=4.1  EMSC   PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION    

P: 13MAR2023 151405     5.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 18MAR2023 10:05:20   7.1S  155.6E mb=4.8  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS              

P: 17MAR2023 151428     7.0S  155.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Solomon Islands            

 

O: 18MAR2023 19:25:21   9.4S  119.0E ML=4.5  EMSC   SUMBA REGION, INDONESIA      

P: 20MAR2023 151429     9.0S  118.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Sumbawa Island area        

 

O: 18MAR2023 23:14:46  18.1S  178.0W mb=4.8  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 17MAR2023 151638    18.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Tonga Islands               

 

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:22:37   2.9S   79.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:22:38   2.9S   80.0W ML=4.7  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:55:33   2.9S   79.9W ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:55:33   2.8S   79.9W ML=3.8  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 19MAR2023 09:47:25   2.4S   77.0W ML=3.6  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:12:53   2.8S   79.9W ML=6.7  EPN    NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR

O: 18MAR2023 17:12:55   2.8S   79.8W Mw=6.7  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR        

P: 17MAR2023 151415     2.0S   78.0W 4.0-5.5 AABAA  Ecuador                    

 

O: 18MAR2023 10:07:01  15.5N   96.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO      

P: 15MAR2023 151452    16.0N   96.0W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 18MAR2023 21:17:56   4.5S   77.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   NORTHERN PERU                

P: 18MAR2023 151422     6.0S   79.0W 4.0-5.4 ABBAA  No. Peru                   

 

O: 18MAR2023 09:42:02  18.6N  106.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 15MAR2023 151437    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

O: 18MAR2023 11:39:45  19.5N   73.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 17MAR2023 151456    20.0N   74.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 18MAR2023 06:50:07  19.7S   66.9W ML=4.6  EMSC   POTOSI, BOLIVIA              

P: 15MAR2023 151642    22.0S   67.0W 4.0-5.8 BCAAA  Argentina                  

 

O: 19MAR2023 00:08:09  19.8N   70.9W ML=3.4  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 CAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 18MAR2023 20:30:07  23.1S   68.9W Mw=4.6  EMSC   ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE           

P: 14MAR2023 151646    24.0S   69.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Coast No. Chile             

 

O: 18MAR2023 07:02:57  24.0N  108.9W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 13MAR2023 151463    24.0N  109.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Gulf of California         

 

O: 18MAR2023 15:41:41  33.4S   68.3W mb=5.0  EMSC   MENDOZA, ARGENTINA           

P: 12MAR2023 151656    32.0S   67.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  Central Chile              

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in Argentina was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Argentina in San Martin and Mendoza.

 

O: 18MAR2023 16:33:32  22.3N  108.5W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

O: 18MAR2023 10:05:53  22.4N  108.3W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

O: 18MAR2023 13:13:44  22.4N  108.4W ML=4.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

O: 19MAR2023 04:09:26  22.0N  108.8W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA S

P: 20MAR2023 151463    20.0N  109.0W 3.5-5.1 ABAAA  Gulf of California         

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 18MAR2023 19:05:22  25.8S   29.2E ML=3.2  EMSC   SOUTH AFRICA                 

P: 20MAR2023 151648    26.0S   28.0E 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  Rep. South Africa          

 

O: 18MAR2023 11:20:56  34.5N   13.8E ML=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA    

P: 12MAR2023 151499    35.0N   14.0E 3.0-4.6 CAAAA  Mediterranean/Sicily       

 

O: 18MAR2023 12:43:40  35.3N   35.9E ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR THE COAST OF SYRIA      

P: 13MAR2023 151537    36.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 18MAR2023 13:47:28  37.4N   37.2E ML=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

O: 18MAR2023 09:25:33  37.7N   36.5E ML=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 18MAR2023 07:55:42  38.2N   38.3E ML=4.0  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 14MAR2023 151537    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 18MAR2023 14:22:16  42.0N   36.9E ML=3.0  EMSC   BLACK SEA                    

O: 18MAR2023 14:23:53  42.0N   36.9E ML=2.9  EMSC   BLACK SEA

P: 12MAR2023 151567    41.0N   36.0E 3.5-4.9 CAAAA  No. Turkey/Black Sea        

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 18MAR2023 16:06:45  27.7N   18.2W ML=2.9  EMSC   CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION 

P:  7MAR2023 151186    28.0N   16.0W 3.0-4.5 CABAA  Canary Islands             

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 19MAR2023 05:27:38  31.8S  179.8E ML=4.5  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151662    32.0S  180.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 18MAR2023 21:42:39  38.1S  176.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 18MAR2023 21:42:40  38.0S  176.7E MS=4.2  GEONET North Island, New Zealand

O: 19MAR2023 05:11:35  38.1S  176.7E ML=3.8  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

P: 18MAR2023 151660    37.0S  178.0E 3.0-4.8 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

GEONET reported the M 4.2 was felt by  866 people with 255 at weak intensity and 351 with light shaking and 212 with moderate intensity 44 with strong, 3 with severe and 1 with extreme intensity.

 

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:05:14  30.0N  141.9E mb=4.8  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 18MAR2023 15:51:42  29.9N  141.7E mb=4.4  EMSC   IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151462    28.0N  140.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA  Bonin Islands              

 

O: 18MAR2023 14:36:27  47.3N  153.1E mb=4.4  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 12MAR2023 151580    48.0N  153.0E 3.5-5.4 CAAAA  So. Kurils                  

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 18MAR2023 10:39:39  30.6N  116.4W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

P: 17MAR2023 151515    30.7N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 18MAR2023 10:58:31  31.3N  114.3W ML=3.5  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 15MAR2023 151464    30.0N  114.0W 3.5-4.9 BBAAA  Gulf of California         

 

O: 19MAR2023 01:37:08  31.7N  115.8W Ml=2.4  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

O: 18MAR2023 16:52:06  33.2N  115.8W Mw=3.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 18MAR2023 17:19:32  33.3N  115.8W ML=3.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

P: 16MAR2023 151521    33.7N  116.1W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

P: 20MAR2023 151521    32.8N  116.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.4  and 3.6 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Niland, Thermal, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Calipatria, Yucca Valley, El Cajon, Orange.

 

O: 19MAR2023 04:28:03  34.3N  116.7W Ml=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 20MAR2023 151520    33.9N  116.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 19MAR2023 06:14:59  35.5N  118.4W Ml=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 07:00:53  35.5N  118.4W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 18MAR2023 151527    35.6N  118.4W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 18MAR2023 14:25:48  37.4N  117.6W ml=2.2  EMSC   NEVADA                       

P: 16MAR2023 151479    37.2N  117.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 18MAR2023 10:44:44  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.1  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 18MAR2023 151487    38.9N  122.8W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:32:45  40.5N  124.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 18:52:35  40.4N  124.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 17MAR2023 151569    40.7N  124.6W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

 

O: 18MAR2023 14:23:06  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 14:39:43  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18MAR2023 07:03:42  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151482    37.8N  118.2W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

ALASKA

 

O: 18MAR2023 17:04:54  52.2N  172.7E mb=4.2  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 16MAR2023 151601    53.0N  171.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Near Islands               

 

O: 18MAR2023 08:08:14  56.9N  158.1W ML=3.2  EMSC   ALASKA PENINSULA             

P: 14MAR2023 151588    54.8N  158.7W 3.5-4.9 BCAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

O: 18MAR2023 15:29:15  69.1N  144.5W ML=3.0  EMSC   NORTHERN ALASKA              

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

No events of M>=2 were located in the northwestern U.S. or western Canada today.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 18MAR2023 19:35:55  31.7N  104.6W ML=3.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 18MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 18MAR2023 23:09:59  37.2N  104.7W ML=3.1  EMSC   COLORADO                     

P: 12MAR2023 151491    37.2N  104.9W 2.0-4.0 CAAAA  Colorado area              

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Colorado was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Colorado in Weston.

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

No earthquakes of M>=1 were located in the Eastern U.S. or Canada today.

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

REGIONAL SEISMIC ENHANCEMENT FOLLOWS M 7.0 KERMADEC ISLANDS EARTHQUAKE

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 17, 2023

 

 

A series of moderate earthquakes hit North Island, New Zealand today. This included an M 5.3 and a number of events of M>=4. These were reported felt with maximum intensity V-VI in Matata, Paengaroa, Rotorua, Te Puke, Murupara, Opotiki, Tauranga, Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Rotorua and Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. This activity was probably triggered by energy from the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands to the north. The first in this series was an M 3.6 at 00:58 UT (EMSC data) on March 16, 2023 - two minutes after the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands at 00:56 UT. An earthquake in North Island in the Cook Strait area followed with M 4.2 three minutes after that. Although the first of these events occurred near local solar midnight, most of the events occurred near local solar noon and were probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near these hours. The last earthquake within about 200 km of these epicenters with M>=5.3 was an M 5.4 on November 30, 2022 and prior to that an M 5.5 on August 28, 2020. Of some interest, the event of November 30, 2022 was on the same day as the M 5.3 in Alberta, Canada, similar to the activity there yesterday. The last swarm in the area similar to today's activity occurred September 1-5, 2016 about 200 km northeast of today's epicenters.  Forecast 151660 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely  around March 14-18. This activity is at 145-148 degrees from the major earthquakes in Turkey of February, 2023 and at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23, 2023 and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.2 in Molucca of January 18, 2023 and the seventh node (52 degrees) from the M 7.6 in Banda of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

NEIC reported the largest of these events were felt as follows:

 

O: 17MAR2023 15:31:06 38.1S 176.7E MS=4.7  GEONET 2120 people reported feeling this earthquake with 764 at weak intensity and 708 with light shaking and 468 with moderate intensity 156 with strong, 20 with severe and 4 with extreme intensity.

 

O: 17MAR2023 15:46:01 38.1S 176.7E MS=4.9  GEONET 2914 people reported feeling this earthquake with 1105 at weak intensity and 1068 with light shaking and 526 with moderate intensity 165 with strong, 44 with severe and 6 with extreme intensity.

 

O: 17MAR2023 19:58:07 38.1S 176.7E MS=4.8  GEONET 2770 people reported feeling this earthquake with 1216 at weak intensity and 914 with light shaking and 472 with moderate intensity 135 with strong, 29 with severe and 4 with extreme intensity.

 

O: 18MAR2023 00:42:06 43.7S 172.8E MS=4.9  GEONET Felt with light intensity in the area of Christchurch, New Zealand and in southern North Island. Of 6958 felt reports 2187 reports of light and 3691 of weak intensity with 998 of moderate shaking and 71 with strong 4 with severe and 7 with extreme intensity came from the area.

 

 

O: 17MAR2023 15:31:06  38.1S  176.7E MS=4.7  GEONET NORTH ISLAND, NZ.

O: 17MAR2023 15:46:01  38.1S  176.7E MS=4.9  GEONET NORTH ISLAND, NZ.

O: 17MAR2023 19:58:07  38.1S  176.7E MS=4.8  GEONET NORTH ISLAND, NZ.

O: 17MAR2023 20:52:49  38.1S  176.7E MS=4.2  GEONET NORTH ISLAND, NZ.

O: 17MAR2023 22:40:33  38.1S  176.7E MS=4.3  GEONET NORTH ISLAND, NZ.

O: 17MAR2023 19:58:07  38.1S  176.7E Mw=5.0  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 20:52:49  38.1S  176.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 20:54:11  38.1S  176.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 22:28:53  38.1S  176.7E ML=3.9  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 22:38:47  38.1S  176.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 22:40:33  38.1S  176.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 23:10:07  38.1S  176.7E ML=3.9  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 15:46:01  38.1S  176.7E Mw=5.3  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 17MAR2023 15:31:06  38.1S  176.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

P: 14MAR2023 151660    38.0S  178.0E 3.0-4.4 BAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 18MAR2023 151660    37.0S  178.0E 3.0-4.8 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

 

An  earthquake  of M 4.6 also occurred in southern South Island, New Zealand

in Milford Sound today.  GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with weak intensity in the area southwest of Te Anau, South Island. 234 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter with 162 weak, 67 light, 5 moderate, 0 strong, 0 severe and 0 extreme shaking.  Forecast 151668 had expected this event within about 50 km was likely around March 18, 2023. 

 

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:31:57  45.1S  167.6E ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E ML=4.6  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E MS=4.6  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P: 18MAR2023 151668    45.0S  168.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

 

An earthquake of M 4.9 was also felt in the Canterbury area of South Island

GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with light intensity in the area of Christchurch, New Zealand and in southern North Island. Of 6958 felt reports 2187 reports of light and 3691 of weak intensity with 998 of moderate shaking and 71 with strong 4 with severe and 7 with extreme intensity came from the area. today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand in Christchurch and Lyttelton.  Forecast 151667 expected today's activity was likely in this area around March 16, 2023.

 

O: 18MAR2023 01:09:01  43.7S  172.9E ML=3.8  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 18MAR2023 00:42:06  43.7S  172.8E MS=4.9  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P: 16MAR2023 151667    42.0S  173.0E 3.0-5.0 ABAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

Seismicity also continued near 103 degrees from the Kermadec Islands today. This includes distances from the M 6.9 of March 4, 2023 and of March 16, 2023 (M 7.0). Examination of the daily earthquake map shows much of the activity near 103 degrees from the current Kermadec Islands earthquake lies on the low side of

100-103 degrees, but near the 103 distance from the first event in that region.

Among earthquakes today included an event in Myanmar and two of M 5.0 and 4.3 in Ecuador.

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Gulf of Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.0 on May 2, 2016 and a similar M 5.0 on August 27, 2014. The last earthquake in this area of significantly larger magnitude than today's M 4.9, and the only such event in the area in the past 35 years was an M 5.6 on July 25, 2009. Forecast 151616 had expected today's event in this area was likely around March 15.

 

O: 17MAR2023 15:04:23  59.4N  145.0W mb=4.9  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA               

P: 15MAR2023 151616    60.9N  147.4W 3.2-4.9 ABBAA  Central Alaska             

 

A moderate earthquake of  M 4.3 also occurred today off the coast of Oregon. NEIC reported it was lightly felt with intensity II-III on the coast of Oregon at Gold Beach, Rockaway Beach, Seaside, Sherwood. Although a slightly smaller M 4.2 hit this area on March 9, the last earthquake of larger magnitude off the Coast of Oregon within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 5.0 on January 11, 2023. Today's event occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 151571 had expected today's event in this area was likely around March 17.

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.0 off the coast of Oregon. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV ... A foreshock of M 4.5 near the same epicenter was reported felt with light intensity in Rockaway Beach and Portland, Oregon. This activity occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses. ...  The M 5.0 is the strongest earthquake in the area off the coast of Oregon within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on March 27, 2022." January 12, 2023)

 

O: 17MAR2023 08:16:05  43.7N  128.2W mb=4.3  EMSC   OFF COAST OF OREGON          

P: 17MAR2023 151571    44.4N  129.3W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Off Coast of Oregon        

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in California-Nevada border was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of California-Nevada border in Silverpeak, Nevada. This continues a strong swarm of minor earthquakes in this area which began on March 14, 2023 with an M 3.9, the largest event in the current swarm and the largest since an M 4.8 on January 6, 2022 within about 50 km of today's epicenter. At the time of the event in January, 2022 this summary noted: 

 

"The first event of M 4.8 near Mina, Nevada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in Nevada at Luning, Silverpeak, Gabbs, Goldfield, Hawthorne, Round Mountain (IV), Tonopah (IV) and Glenbrook and in California at Bishop and Yosemite National Park. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is an aftershock of the M 6.5 on May 15, 2020, the strongest aftershock in the region in more than a year - since an M 4.9 on December 12, 2020." (January 6, 2022)

 

Forecast 151482 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely

around March 20, 2023.

 

 

O: 18MAR2023 07:03:42  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 18MAR2023 07:03:42  37.5N  118.0W mw=3.9  ANSS   N of Deep Springs

P: 20MAR2023 151482    37.8N  118.2W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

A minor earthquake of M 3.4 occurred today in the South Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This is a highly unusual epicenter - no earthquakes have been reported at M>=3 within about 500 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years. Earthquakes near 500 km from this epicenter were recorded as an M 3.5 to the east on November 16, 2020 and as an M 4.8 to the west of today's epicenter. At the time of the event in November, 2020, this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"An unusual earthquake of M 3.5 was widely felt in the Western Cape Province of South Africa today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in the Western Cape at Saldanha, Atlantic, and Bredasdorp and II-III in Mooreesburg, Malmesbury, Cape Town, Paarl, Steeenbosch, Somerset and Carnarvon. The last earthquake in the Cape area of South Africa with M>=3.5 within about 500 km of this epicenter occurred on December 31, 1994  with M 4.5 about 500 km northeast of today's epicenter, the only such regional event in the past 30 years." (November 16, 2020)

 

Like many other earthquakes today, this epicenter is near 100 degrees from the Kermadec Islands.

 

O: 17MAR2023 10:53:17  35.4S   13.4E ML=3.4  EMSC   SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN         

 

 

 

MODERATE QUAKES AT 103 DEGREES FROM KERMADEC IS IN U.S. AND CANADA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 16, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred as an M 4.5, 4.8 and 5.1 in Alberta, Canada. These were reported by NEIC with intensity V in Alberta in Grimshaw and IV in Peace River with II-III shaking in Falher, High Prairie, Fairview, Valleyview, Spirit River, Slave Lake, Fox Creek, Grand Prairie, Barrhead and Athabasca. These events are apparently aftershocks of an M 5.3 which hit the same epicenter on November 30, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.3 in Alberta, Canada. The mainshock was felt widely in Alberta with maximum intensity IV in Peace River, Falher, High Prairie, Manning, Fairview, and III in Grimshaw, Valleyview, Slave Lake, Spirit River and Sexsmith. It was followed by an aftershock of M 4.5 which was reported felt with intensity IV in Alberta at Slave Lake, Whitecourt and II-III in Peace River, High Prairie, Fairview, Grande Prairie, Athabasca, High Leven and Wood Buffalo and in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Foreshocks of M 4.6 and 4.9 to the M 5.3 was felt in the same area as the mainshock with maximum intensity IV in Alberta at Peace River, High Prairie, Spirit River, Sexsmith, Slave Lake and in Dawson, BC.  This activity is a continuation of events which hit the area on November 22-24, 2022. That included an M 4.5 which previous to the M 5.3 today was the largest earthquake in the area in more than 35 years as noted in this summary at the time:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in Alberta, Canada. This event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's new moon. These maximize near local sola midnight. The mainshock was followed by an M 3.8 aftershock near Reno, Alberta. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Alberta, Canada in at least 35 years. Smaller quakes hit about 200 km to the south of this as an M 4.2 on January 12, 2016 and an M 4.0 on June 13, 2015." (November 30, 2022)

 

Forecast 151589 had expected enhanced seismicity west of today's epicenter in Alberta, Canada was likely around March 16. This activity is at 101 degrees from the recent major earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands and was likely promoted by energy from those sources. Other earthquakes at this distance from the Kermadec Islands today included an M 4.5 in Colombia, an M 4.2 in Buratiya, Russia and an M 2.9 in Nebraska.

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:59:09  56.1N  116.6W mb=5.0  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA

O: 16MAR2023 15:07:46  56.1N  116.7W ML=3.8  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA

O: 16MAR2023 14:46:17  56.1N  116.6W mb=4.8  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA              

P: 16MAR2023 151589    56.0N  120.0W 2.0-4.3 AABAA  Alberta                    

 

An M 2.9 in Nebraska today could be a precursor to a stronger earthquake along the western boundary of the North American Plate. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Lawrence, Nebraska. This area often sees enhanced seismic creaking prior to such earthquakes. The only earthquake of similar or larger magnitude in Nebraska within about 250 km of today's epicenter in the past three years occurred as an M 2.7 on December 7, 2022 and an M 3.7 on July 17, 2022. When the M 2.7 occurred in December 2022 this summary noted:

 

"Earthquakes in Nebraska often precede larger earthquakes on the Pacific-North American tectonic plate boundary. Today's event is the strongest located in  Nebraska since an M 3.7 on July 17, 2022 and may be an aftershock of that event.

 

"An unusual M 3.7 also shook areas near the central Nebraska-Kansas border today. An unusual M 3.8 earthquake occurred on the Nebraska-Kansas border south of Lincoln and Grand Island, Nebraska near Superior. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Nebraska was felt with intensity IV-V   in the area(s) of Nebraska at Superior, Guide Rock and in Mankato Kansas, with lesser shaking in Hardy, Red Cloud, Deshler, Glenvil, Nebraska and in Kansas at Webber, Smith Center, Republic. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Nebraska within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 3.8 on May 6, 2021. The only event of larger magnitude in this area in the past 30 years was an M 4.5 on June 22, 2019. Earthquakes in Nebraska and South Dakota often precede strong earthquakes along the western rim of North America and with a strong coming geomagnetic storm this is a possibility. ..." (July 18, 2022)

 

This may be related to a series of earthquakes over the past week in northern Missouri and Illinois east of this epicenter. This has previously been reported in this summary. Forecast 148527 had expected regional seismic enhancement in late November or early December.

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.7 in Southern Nebraska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Nebraska in Lincoln. This epicenter is at 141 degrees from the M 6.9 in Sumatra of November 18 and at 101-103 degrees from recent major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and may have been promoted by energy from those sources." (December 8, 2022)

 

Today's event in Nebraska is located at 101-102 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands of March 16, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source and therefore may not be related to recent or future seismicity in western U.S. however.

 

Forecast 151534 had expected today's event in Nebraska was likely within about 150 km of this epicenter around March 12, 2023. This epicenter is at the  third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.2 in Molucca of January 18 and may have been promoted by energy from this source.

 

O: 17MAR2023 04:56:54  40.2N   98.3W mb=2.9  EMSC   NEBRASKA                     

P: 12MAR2023 151534    39.0N   99.0W 2.0-4.0 BBAAA  Southern Plains            

 

Another earthquake at 103 degrees from the Kermadec Islands epicenter was an

M 4.2 in Buryatiya, Russia near the Mongolian border. The last earthquake in this region of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.7 on April 14, 2022. These may be aftershocks of an M 5.0 in the area of August 31, 2021. Forecast 151609 had expected enhanced seismicity in southern Siberia within about 200 km of this epicenter was likely around March 16-18.

 

O: 16MAR2023 06:43:33  56.3N  114.1E mb=4.2  EMSC   BURYATIYA, RUSSIA            

P: 16MAR2023 151609    57.0N  121.0E 3.0-4.6 AACAA  So. Siberia                

P: 18MAR2023 151609    56.0N  110.0E 3.0-4.4 AACAA  So. Siberia                

 

In  addition to seismic enhancement near the 103 degree distance from the Kermadec Islands, the 144 degree distance also showed seismic promotion today.

Earthquake of M 5.2 occurred at this distance from the Kermadec Islands in Iran and Iraq at 144-145 degrees from the Kermadec epicenter.

 

NEIC reported the event  of M 5.1 in Iraq was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Iraq in Sulaymaniyah (IV), Irbil and in Iran at Dezh Shahpur, Kordestan (IV), Pawa, Kerman, Javanrud, Aslamabad.  Forecast 151505 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely

around March 12.

 

O: 16MAR2023 18:32:52  35.2N   46.2E mb=5.1  EMSC   IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION      

P: 12MAR2023 151505    36.0N   46.0E 3.8-5.2 BAAAA  No. Iran                   

 

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 5.2 in Northwestern Iran/Azerbaijan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northwestern Iran/Azerbaijan in Khoi (VI), Dilman (IV), Orumiyeh, Azar Shahr, Tebriz; in Van, Turkey; in Jrvesh, Armenia and Sulaymainyah, Iraq (V). Forecast 151538 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around March 16.

 

O: 16MAR2023 11:47:20  38.5N   45.1E Mw=5.2  EMSC   NORTHWESTERN IRAN            

P: 16MAR2023 151538    38.0N   44.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

 

 

 

An unusual earthquake of M 3.8 occurred in Portugal today. This area is near the antipode of the M 7.0 Kermadec Islands event earlier today but is closer to the antipode of North Island, New Zealand, where a series of moderate earthquakes is beginning. It may have been influenced by antipodal focusing of energy from these sources. The last earthquake in  Portugal with M>=3.8 was an M 3.8 on March 26, 2011. Most earthquakes of this magnitude or above occur about 100 km south of this offshore or in Spain.

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:34:59  37.1N    8.2W ML=3.8  EMSC   PORTUGAL                     

 

Regional seismicity enhancement in New Zealand also followed the M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands today. This included felt earthquakes in the Milford Sound region of southern South Island; an M 4.6 near Christchurch, Canterbury and a series of moderate earthquakes up to M 5.3 in the Bay of Plenty region of North Island later in the day. These later two will be reported on in the next issue of this summary.  The earthquake in Milford Sound had been expected within about 50 km of this epicenter to occur around March 18.

 

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:31:57  45.1S  167.6E ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E ML=4.6  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E MS=4.6  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P: 18MAR2023 151668    45.0S  168.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

While seismicity in the region of Central California declined from that of the previous two days, there were two notable events in the area today. An M 2.5 in the Livermore area near San Francisco was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in California in Livermore, Pleasanton, Union City, San Ramon, Alameda, San Francisco, Turlock and Los Banos. This is the strongest earthquake within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M 3.6 on December 5, 2022. Forecasts 151485 and 151486 had expected today's activity in this area was likely around March 16-18.

 

O: 16MAR2023 12:35:12  37.5N  121.7W Md=2.9  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA           

P: 16MAR2023 151485    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

P: 18MAR2023 151486    37.9N  122.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

A second earthquake of M 2.5 also occurred off the coast of Central California west of Templeton.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in off the coast of Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Los Osos and Ojai, California.

 

Antipodal seismicity has been occurring in three groups in the past several days. Moderate antipodal seismicity could be seen in the northern Kuril/Kamchatka area and the South Sandwich Islands; in Colombia/Panama and southern Sumatra and to a lesser extent may be expected in the Kermadec Islands and the area near the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain, Morocco and Portugal which is antipodal to the M 6.9 of March 4 and the M 7.0 of March 16, 2023. The last earthquake of M>=3 in the region antipodal to the Kermadec quakes was an M 4.9 on December 14, 2009; an M 4.0 on February 5, 2008 and an M 3.9 on March 24, 1992, the only such events in the area in the past 35 years. The most likely antipodal triggering from these Kermadec Islands earthquakes would be in the Strait of Gibraltar area which is moderately active at this time. Moderate seismic enhancement is possible in these regions in the next week.

 

Moderately large earthquakes have most recently occurred as a swarm in the Kamchatka and northern Kuril Islands beginning in late February, 2023. The largest in this swarm in the past two weeks was an M 5.2 on March 8 and an M 5.0 on March 14, 2023. Opposing earthquakes have occurred as an M 5.8 in the Kurils on March 8 and M 5.2 on March 12 and an M 5.6 on March 3, 2023.

 

Antipodal activity in Colombia and Indonesia has most recently included an M 5.4 in northern Colombia on March 10 and the eruption of Mt. Semeru in Indonesia of the same date and an M 5.3 in Sumatra of March 7, 2023. An M 5.5 event occurred in Java on February 7 following the M 7.8 in Turkey. 

 

Enhanced seismicity also continued today in the region of Puerto Rico where another M 4.5 occurred north of the Ponce aftershock zone. This series of earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic was most recently reported on in the previous issue  of this summary as:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.3 was felt in Puerto Rico today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Ensenada, and Yauco, Puerto Rico with II-III shaking in Guanica, Lajas, Sabana Grande, Yauco, San German, Cabo Rojo, Penuelas, Ponce and Mayaguez among others. NEIC reported an aftershock of M 3.5 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Puerto Rico in Ensenada (V), Guanica, Lajas and Penuelas. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Puerto Rico since an M 4.5 on  November 29, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.2-4.5 in southern Puerto Rico also shook that Island today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Guayanilla and IV in Yauco, Penuelas, Ponce, and II-III in Adjuntas, Guanica, Lares, San German among others. This is an aftershock of the M 6.4 which hit the area with much damage in the Ponce region on January 7, 2020. The last earthquake in this area of Puerto Rico of equal or greater size was an M 4.5 more than a year ago on July 18, 2021." (November 29, 2022)

 

Forecast 151454 had expected today's event was likely within about 15 km of this epicenter around March 13, 2023. This activity is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the recent major earthquakes in Turkey of February 6, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source." (March 16, 2023)

 

 

NEIC reported today's earthquake of M 4.4 in the Mona Passage, Dominican Republic was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Puerto Rico with IV in Moca and in Quebradillas, San Sebastian, Vega Alta.

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:26:21  19.1N   67.7W mb=4.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 18MAR2023 151454    19.0N   68.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.0 in the area of the Kermadec Islands, March 16, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 16MAR2023 18:32:52  35.2N   46.2E mb=5.1  EMSC   IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION      

P: 12MAR2023 151505    36.0N   46.0E 3.8-5.2 BAAAA  No. Iran                   

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Iraq was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Iraq in Sulaymaniyah (IV), Irbil and in Iran at Dezh Shahpur, Kordestan (IV), Pawa, Kerman, Javanrud, Aslamabad.

 

O: 16MAR2023 20:41:44  30.6N   50.2E mb=4.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN IRAN                

P: 17MAR2023 151530    31.0N   50.0E 3.8-5.3 AAAAA  So. Iran                   

 

O: 16MAR2023 11:47:20  38.5N   45.1E Mw=5.2  EMSC   NORTHWESTERN IRAN            

P: 16MAR2023 151538    38.0N   44.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Northwestern Iran/Azerbaijan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northwestern Iran/Azerbaijan in Khoi (VI), Dilman (IV), Orumiyeh, Azar Shahr, Tebriz; in Van, Turkey; in Jrvesh, Armenia and Sulaymainyah, Iraq (V).

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:59:47  38.8N   73.0E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 16MAR2023 151496    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.5 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 16MAR2023 06:43:33  56.3N  114.1E mb=4.2  EMSC   BURYATIYA, RUSSIA            

P: 16MAR2023 151609    57.0N  121.0E 3.0-4.6 AACAA  So. Siberia                

P: 18MAR2023 151609    56.0N  110.0E 3.0-4.4 AACAA  So. Siberia                

 

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:51:27   1.8N  127.4E mb=4.3  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

O: 16MAR2023 17:54:56   1.9N  126.4E ML=4.3  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA                  

P: 16MAR2023 151407     2.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 16MAR2023 18:02:14   2.6N   96.0E ML=4.2  EMSC   SIMEULUE, INDONESIA          

P: 17MAR2023 151409     5.0N   97.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA  Nicobar Islands            

P: 17MAR2023 151410     3.0N   99.0E 4.0-5.4 AACAA  So. Sumatera               

 

O: 16MAR2023 10:30:12   3.6S  123.4E ML=4.1  EMSC   SULAWESI, INDONESIA          

P:  9MAR2023 151149     4.0S  123.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Sulawesi area              

 

O: 16MAR2023 12:52:53   4.2S  127.9E ML=4.2  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 15MAR2023 151413     6.0S  128.0E 4.0-5.7 ABAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:38:28   4.9N  125.5E mb=4.5  EMSC   KEPULAUAN SANGIHE, INDONESIA 

P: 13MAR2023 151408     5.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:03:56   5.5N   77.4W mb=4.5  EMSC   NEAR WEST COAST OF COLOMBIA  

P: 11MAR2023 151400     5.0N   78.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Colombia                   

 

O: 16MAR2023 17:22:10   7.0N  126.3E ML=4.5  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 15MAR2023 151406     7.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 16MAR2023 09:41:43   9.1S  126.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   EAST TIMOR REGION            

P: 15MAR2023 151413     7.0S  126.0E 4.0-5.7 ACAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 16MAR2023 17:03:07  11.5N  138.8E mb=5.0  EMSC   STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA     

P: 12MAR2023 151457    12.0N  141.0E 4.0-5.4 BACAA  So. Marianas/Guam          

 

O: 16MAR2023 08:14:29  11.6S  117.4E mb=4.3  EMSC   SOUTH OF SUMBAWA, INDONESIA  

P: 12MAR2023 151635    11.0S  118.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  So. of Indonesia           

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 17MAR2023 06:11:54   0.5S   78.6W ML=4.0  EMSC   ECUADOR                      

P: 17MAR2023 151415     2.0S   78.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  Ecuador                    

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:04:21   9.3S   74.8W ML=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL PERU                 

P: 12MAR2023 151629    14.0S   73.0W 4.0-5.6 BCBAA  Central Peru               

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:35:13  13.0N   90.2W mb=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR         

P: 11MAR2023 151436    14.0N   89.0W 3.5-5.3 CAAAA  Coast of Central America   

 

O: 16MAR2023 19:09:03  14.9N   93.0W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO     

P: 16MAR2023 151434    14.0N   93.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 16MAR2023 09:16:37  16.2N   95.2W ML=4.0  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

P: 15MAR2023 151452    16.0N   96.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 16MAR2023 13:40:02  16.8N   93.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   CHIAPAS, MEXICO              

P: 15MAR2023 151435    16.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 16MAR2023 18:05:00  18.0N   73.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 17MAR2023 151456    20.0N   74.0W 3.4-5.3 ABAAA  Puerto Rico                 

 

O: 16MAR2023 21:57:24  18.1N   67.1W Md=3.4  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 17MAR2023 07:22:32  18.9N   65.1W ML=3.3  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION         

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

P: 15MAR2023 151441    18.0N   64.0W 3.0-5.1 AAAAA  Leeward Islands            

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:26:21  19.1N   67.7W mb=4.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 18MAR2023 151454    19.0N   68.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:36:43  19.5N   73.3W ML=3.7  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 17MAR2023 151456    20.0N   74.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 16MAR2023 21:30:48  19.6N   65.4W Md=3.6  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 17MAR2023 06:40:38  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

O: 17MAR2023 07:25:44  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

P: 17MAR2023 151446    18.0N  101.0W 3.5-5.6 ABBAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 16MAR2023 15:50:50  35.1N   13.7E ML=3.6  EMSC   CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA

O: 16MAR2023 10:00:10  34.5N   13.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA    

P: 14MAR2023 151499    38.0N   15.0E 3.0-4.6 ACAAA  Mediterranean/Sicily       

 

O: 17MAR2023 06:44:01  35.4N    4.8W mb=2.8  EMSC   STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR          

P: 16MAR2023 151500    37.0N    3.0W 3.5-5.2 ABBAA  Morocco/Spain              

 

O: 16MAR2023 19:59:17  36.4N   34.4E ML=4.6  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 13MAR2023 151537    36.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 BABAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:41:14  37.9N   36.6E mb=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 16MAR2023 10:55:08  40.8N   31.5E ML=4.7  EMSC   WESTERN TURKEY               

P: 16MAR2023 151567    41.0N   31.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  No. Turkey/Black Sea       

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in Western Turkey was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Western Turkey with IV in Bolu and Hendek and II-III in Duzce, Sepanca, Ankara, Sile, Istanbul.

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:34:59  37.1N    8.2W ML=3.8  EMSC   PORTUGAL                     

 

O: 16MAR2023 10:14:41  48.6N   24.4E ML=2.5  EMSC   UKRAINE                      

P: 12MAR2023 151577    46.0N   26.0E 3.0-5.1 BCAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 16MAR2023 07:06:22  15.8S  172.6W mb=4.8  EMSC   SAMOA ISLANDS REGION         

P: 16MAR2023 151631    15.0S  174.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Samoa Islands              

 

O: 17MAR2023 05:08:01  17.5S  178.8W mb=4.4  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 19MAR2023 151638    18.0S  180.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 16MAR2023 08:12:22  18.7S  168.3E mb=4.6  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 17MAR2023 151641    18.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 16MAR2023 17:27:43  23.7S  179.5W mb=4.8  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P: 16MAR2023 151653    25.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.5 ABCAA  Tonga Islands              

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 16MAR2023 12:53:07  30.6S  176.7W mb=4.7  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151659    30.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 17MAR2023 01:31:57  45.1S  167.6E ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E ML=4.6  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 17MAR2023 00:00:18  45.0S  167.5E MS=4.6  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P: 18MAR2023 151668    45.0S  168.0E 3.0-5.0 AAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were located in Japan or the Kuril Islands today.

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 16MAR2023 09:48:56  31.0N  115.5W ML=3.2  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 17MAR2023 151515    30.7N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 17MAR2023 06:22:15  31.9N  116.2W ML=2.6  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 14MAR2023 151517    32.1N  116.4W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 16MAR2023 11:53:13  33.7N  118.6W Ml=2.0  EMSC   CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA

O: 16MAR2023 11:30:15  33.9N  118.6W Ml=2.1  EMSC   CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN

P: 18MAR2023 151523    33.9N  118.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 2.0 and 2.1 in Santa Monica Bay, California were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Los Angeles, California.

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:31:08  34.0N  117.6W Ml=2.3  EMSC   GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI

P: 16MAR2023 151522    33.7N  117.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.3 in greater Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of greater Los Angeles, California in Rancho Cucamonga and Norco.

 

O: 16MAR2023 20:58:43  36.5N  121.0W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16MAR2023 07:20:59  36.8N  121.4W Md=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 16MAR2023 151485    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 16MAR2023 12:35:12  37.5N  121.7W Md=2.9  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 16MAR2023 151485    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

P: 18MAR2023 151486    37.9N  122.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 17MAR2023 05:11:27  38.7N  122.9W Md=2.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 18MAR2023 151487    38.9N  122.8W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  Central California         

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 17MAR2023 03:33:15  52.6N  170.0W mb=4.2  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 18MAR2023 151599    52.4N  169.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:00:28  53.0N  163.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P: 16MAR2023 151611    54.2N  165.0W 3.5-4.9 ABBAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

O: 16MAR2023 21:39:54  53.2N  166.7W ML=3.1  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 13MAR2023 151599    53.7N  167.0W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

O: 16MAR2023 07:02:06  57.4N  154.8W ML=3.1  EMSC   KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA

O: 16MAR2023 16:13:19  57.1N  156.4W ML=3.3  EMSC   ALASKA PENINSULA             

P: 16MAR2023 151588    54.7N  156.9W 3.5-5.5 ACAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

O: 16MAR2023 23:26:50  63.2N  150.4W ML=3.1  EMSC   CENTRAL ALASKA               

P: 15MAR2023 151618    62.8N  151.2W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 16MAR2023 20:37:11  42.2N  119.4W ml=2.9  EMSC   OREGON

O: 17MAR2023 01:25:39  42.2N  119.4W ML=2.5  EMSC   OREGON

O: 16MAR2023 20:33:40  42.2N  119.4W ML=3.3  EMSC   OREGON

P: 18MAR2023 151574    42.1N  120.3W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Oregon state, U.S.         

 

O: 17MAR2023 00:37:53  46.3N  118.1W ML=2.0  EMSC   WASHINGTON                   

P: 17MAR2023 151562    47.7N  117.4W 2.0-4.1 ABAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

O: 16MAR2023 14:59:09  56.1N  116.6W mb=5.0  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA

O: 16MAR2023 15:07:46  56.1N  116.7W ML=3.8  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA

O: 16MAR2023 14:46:17  56.1N  116.6W mb=4.8  EMSC   ALBERTA, CANADA              

P: 16MAR2023 151589    56.0N  120.0W 2.0-4.3 AABAA  Alberta                    

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 16MAR2023 09:43:45  31.6N  104.3W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 16MAR2023 17:29:46  31.6N  104.4W ML=2.6  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 17MAR2023 03:40:16  31.6N  104.5W ML=2.7  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 16MAR2023 23:44:39  31.5N  104.0W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 18MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 16MAR2023 07:42:54  31.1N  101.2W ML=2.1  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 17MAR2023 151514    32.6N  101.6W 2.0-4.0 ABAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

 

O: 17MAR2023 07:13:24  35.3N   97.7W mb=2.4  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 16MAR2023 151533    35.0N   97.0W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Southern Plains            

 

O: 17MAR2023 04:56:54  40.2N   98.3W mb=2.9  EMSC   NEBRASKA                     

P: 12MAR2023 151534    39.0N   99.0W 2.0-4.0 BBAAA  Southern Plains            

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

MAJOR EARTHQUAKE IN KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 15, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands. NEIC reported it was lightly felt as far as Whakatane Bay of Plenty and Wellington, North Island, New Zealand. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was likely promoted by high tidal stresses at this hour. It is located near the longitude of strongest tidal stresses with the previous full moon as noted in  previous issues of this summary:

 

"The full moon will arrive on March 7, 2023 at 12:40 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 10 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 170 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (March 4-6, 2023)

 

The last earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands with equal or greater magnitude than M 7.0 occurred on March 4, 2021 with M 8.1 and M 7.4. When the M 6.9 hit  near this in the Kermadec Islands on March 4, 2023, this summary noted:

 

 

"NEIC reported this earthquake in the Kermadec Islands may have been felt in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and as far to the south as Wellington, New Zealand. At M 6.9 this is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the Kermadec Islands since an M 8.1 and M 7.4 exactly two years ago on March 4, 2021 and an M 7.6 on July 6, 2011. Both those events occurred about 150-200 km east of today's epicenter." (March 4, 2023) 

 

Forecast 151659 had expected today's earthquake was likely within about 50 km  of this epicenter around March 16, 2023.

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:46:11  30.2S  176.4W mb=5.0  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION

O: 16MAR2023 00:56:02  30.1S  176.2W Mw=7.0  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151659    30.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

 

The strong swarm near Mammoth Lakes, California continued today with an M 3.8. This event was reported felt with intensity III in Silverpeak, Nevada. This continues a swarm in the region which included events of M 3.8 and 3.8  yesterday and was reported in the previous issues of this summary as:

 

"A strong swarm of earthquakes also occurred in the region of California east of

Mammoth Lakes on the Nevada border today and is continuing at this writing.

This was particularly prominent near local solar midnight. It included an

M 3.8, the second such of the day - after a similar M 3.8 at 05:00 UT -  shock which was widely felt in the area.  This swarm began several hours earlier and was described in the previous issue of this summary as: 

 

"A series of light earthquakes, including an M 3.8 also occurred in Central California east of Mammoth Lakes on the Nevada border today. This may mark the beginning of a period of enhanced seismicity in the region of California which has been relatively quiet in recent weeks. This often occurs as a regional acceleration of seismicity associated with strong nor'easters as noted in regard to the activity in Queen Charlotte Islands of the past several days. This area in Central California is at 103 degrees from the recent major earthquakes in Turkey and could see a moderate event in the next several weeks. The last earthquake in this region of stronger magnitude was an M 4.8 on January 6, 2022." (March 15, 2023)

 

Forecast 151479 had expected today's activity within about 50 km was likely around March 16. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the major activity in Turkey of February 6, 2023 and at the same distance from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23 and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the earthquakes of M 6.9 and 7.0 in the Kermadec Islands and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 15MAR2023 12:54:07  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 16:43:51  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 19:43:40  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 20:45:25  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:09:09  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:28:40  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:44:05  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:44:05  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.8  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 22:12:34  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 22:34:40  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 12:30:09  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151480    37.3N  118.3W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

 

A new series of light earthquakes also began today in Central California about

100 km south of the events near San Jose reported in the previous issue of this summary. The largest event in this new series was an M 3.5. It was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in California at Lockwood, Bradley, Cambria, Big Sur, Templeton, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Salinas and Lompoc among others. The last earthquake within about 50 km of these events with M>=3.5 occurred on October 25, 2021 with M 4.7 and 3.5. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

“The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in Central California. NEIC reported this event was felt with intensity II-III in San Simeon, Lockwood, Bradley, Cambria, Big Sur, Cayucos, Paso Robles, King City, San Arlo and Templeton among others in California. An M 3.5 aftershock was felt in the same area. This moderate activity may be related to a strong storm which hit California about the same time. This storm is considered by some to be the strongest to hit California in recent years. This storm hit northern California causing mudslides and torrential rains blocking roads, overturning trucks and flooding streets. This cyclone included a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure leading to unloading on the earth's surface which may have triggered the event in Central California. A nor'easter also appears to be forming off the east coast of the U.S. States of emergency with this storm have been called in New York and the northeastern U.S. This storm could also enhance regional seismicity along the western edge of the North American tectonic plate. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 5.4 on October 21, 2012 about 100 km to the northeast of this epicenter. A strong M 6.6 hit near this epicenter on December 22, 2003 causing deaths and considerable damage in the Templeton, California area." (October 26, 2021)

 

Readers may recall that a strong nor'easter hit the region of New England  over the past two days as noted with earlier events in this region. Forecast 151511 had expected today's event within about 10 km of this epicenter was likely around March 14, 2023. Like other activated regions at this time in California, this epicenter is at 103 degrees from recent major earthquakes in Turkey and Tajikistan and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

 

O: 15MAR2023 18:29:41  35.7N  121.3W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 15MAR2023 18:29:41  35.7N  121.2W ML=3.5  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA            

O: 15MAR2023 19:41:13  35.8N  121.2W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151511    35.7N  121.2W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off So. California         

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.3 was felt in Puerto Rico today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Ensenada, and Yauco, Puerto Rico with II-III shaking in Guanica, Lajas, Sabana Grande, Yauco, San German, Cabo Rojo, Penuelas, Ponce and Mayaguez among others. NEIC reported an aftershock of M 3.5 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Puerto Rico in Ensenada (V), Guanica, Lajas and Penuelas. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Puerto Rico since an M 4.5 on November 29, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.2-4.5 in southern Puerto Rico also shook that Island today. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Guayanilla and IV in Yauco, Penuelas, Ponce, and II-III in Adjuntas, Guanica, Lares, San German among others. This is an aftershock of the M 6.4 which hit the area with much damage in the Ponce region on January 7, 2020. The last earthquake in this area of Puerto Rico of equal or greater size was an M 4.5 more than a year ago on July 18, 2021." (November 29, 2022)

 

Forecast 151454 had expected today's event was likely within about 15 km of this epicenter around March 13, 2023. This activity is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the recent major earthquakes in Turkey of February 6, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 15MAR2023 08:10:36  17.9N   66.9W ML=3.2  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION

O: 15MAR2023 08:30:00  17.9N   66.9W ML=3.2  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION

O: 15MAR2023 11:23:01  17.9N   67.0W Md=3.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 16MAR2023 01:19:08  18.0N   67.0W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 16MAR2023 04:25:20  18.0N   67.0W Md=3.1  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 15MAR2023 07:51:46  17.9N   66.9W ML=4.3  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.0 in the area of the Kermadec Islands, March 16, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 16MAR2023 04:28:43  23.3N  121.2E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

O: 16MAR2023 04:28:43  23.3N  121.2E ML=4.1  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

P:  7MAR2023 151201    23.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Taiwan                     

P: 20MAR2023 151474    21.0N  120.0E 4.0-5.4 BCAAA  Taiwan                     

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Taitung, III in Hualien, II in Nantou and I in Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Yunlin Counties, Taiwan.

 

O: 15MAR2023 09:40:43  33.9N   82.0E mb=4.4  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG               

P: 18MAR2023 151507    35.0N   78.0E 3.8-5.2 BBCAA  Northern India             

 

O: 16MAR2023 06:43:33  56.3N  114.1E mb=4.2  EMSC   BURYATIYA, RUSSIA            

P: 18MAR2023 151609    56.0N  110.0E 3.0-4.4 AACAA  So. Siberia                

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 15MAR2023 19:49:39   2.4S  139.6E mb=4.5  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P: 12MAR2023 151430     2.0S  138.0E 4.0-5.4 BABAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 15MAR2023 21:49:17   2.9N  127.2E ML=4.1  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA                  

P: 13MAR2023 151404     3.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 15MAR2023 15:32:26   3.2N  123.3E mb=4.0  EMSC   CELEBES SEA                  

P: 19MAR2023 151408     4.0N  123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 15MAR2023 21:25:40   4.8N  127.0E Mw=5.4  EMSC   KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA  

P: 13MAR2023 151405     5.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 16MAR2023 02:06:26   9.6S  117.4E ML=4.1  EMSC   SUMBAWA REGION, INDONESIA    

P: 18MAR2023 151635    10.0S  116.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Sumbawa Island area        

 

O: 16MAR2023 05:22:42  10.6S  113.4E Mw=5.2  EMSC   SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA     

P: 18MAR2023 151635    10.0S  116.0E 4.0-5.4 AACAA  Sumbawa Island area        

 

O: 16MAR2023 04:21:26  15.5N  120.2E mb=4.7  EMSC   LUZON, PHILIPPINES           

P: 15MAR2023 151444    16.0N  120.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Luzon, Philippines         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in the Central Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Central Philippines with V in Ilocos at Bugallon and Mangatarem and IV in Luzon at Sinilian. Intensity II-III was reported from Central Luzon at Bani, San Juan, Camiling, Tarlac, Calingcuan and Banaoang and in Ilocos at Umanday.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

 

O: 15MAR2023 08:49:07   7.9N   83.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA      

P: 17MAR2023 151402     8.0N   83.0W 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  Costa Rica                 

 

O: 15MAR2023 21:50:42   3.9N   76.1W mb=4.6  EMSC   COLOMBIA                     

P:  6MAR2023 151126     5.0N   76.0W 4.0-5.5 CBAAA  Colombia                   

P: 11MAR2023 151400     5.0N   78.0W 4.0-5.7 BBBAA  Colombia                   

 

O: 15MAR2023 20:32:21  17.9N  101.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

O: 15MAR2023 10:42:16  18.1N  103.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 20:23:32  18.2N  103.2W ML=3.9  EMSC   OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO   

P: 13MAR2023 151446    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.7 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 15MAR2023 22:19:15  18.5N   73.5W ML=3.4  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 17MAR2023 151456    20.0N   74.0W 3.4-5.3 ABAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 15MAR2023 15:31:19  18.7N   70.3W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 15MAR2023 16:14:41  18.6N   65.0W Md=3.5  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION

O: 16MAR2023 00:56:16  18.6N   65.1W Md=3.2  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION

O: 16MAR2023 06:00:50  18.8N   64.6W ML=3.6  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION

O: 16MAR2023 00:41:06  18.9N   65.0W Md=3.7  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION        

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 15MAR2023 10:01:39  19.2N   66.6W Md=3.4  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

P: 14MAR2023 151461    20.0N   66.0W 3.0-5.1 AAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

O: 15MAR2023 16:09:31  19.5N  102.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

O: 15MAR2023 17:58:49  19.5N  102.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 18:47:22  19.5N  102.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 14:44:32  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.6  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 14:54:04  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.5  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 14:58:17  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.4  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

O: 15MAR2023 18:13:58  19.6N  102.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO

P: 13MAR2023 151446    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.7 ABAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 15MAR2023 21:35:21  24.4S   70.9W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFFSHORE ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE  

P: 14MAR2023 151646    24.0S   69.0W 4.0-5.8 AABAA  Coast No. Chile            

 

O: 15MAR2023 09:35:41  28.3S   70.6W mb=4.2  EMSC   ATACAMA, CHILE               

P: 16MAR2023 151645    28.0S   71.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

O: 15MAR2023 12:34:07  38.3S   75.2W ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF ARAUCANIA, CHILE

O: 15MAR2023 16:24:12  38.4S   75.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF ARAUCANIA, CHILE

P: 14MAR2023 151658    38.0S   74.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Central Chile              

 

O: 15MAR2023 16:59:12  44.1S   78.8W mb=4.6  EMSC   OFF COAST OF AISEN, CHILE    

P: 12MAR2023 151663    43.0S   83.0W 4.0-5.4 BBCAA  Chile Rise                  

 

O: 15MAR2023 08:10:36  17.9N   66.9W ML=3.2  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION

O: 15MAR2023 08:30:00  17.9N   66.9W ML=3.2  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION

O: 15MAR2023 11:23:01  17.9N   67.0W Md=3.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 16MAR2023 01:19:08  18.0N   67.0W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 16MAR2023 04:25:20  18.0N   67.0W Md=3.1  EMSC   PUERTO RICO

O: 15MAR2023 07:51:46  17.9N   66.9W ML=4.3  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 15MAR2023 19:20:10   9.8S  161.5E mb=4.8  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS              

P: 14MAR2023 151428     9.0S  157.0E 4.0-5.6 AACAA  Solomon Islands            

 

O: 15MAR2023 07:39:14  15.1S  173.4W mb=4.7  EMSC   TONGA                        

P: 16MAR2023 151631    15.0S  174.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Samoa Islands              

 

O: 15MAR2023 09:28:20  18.0S  174.3W mb=4.5  EMSC   TONGA                         

P: 16MAR2023 151639    19.0S  175.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 16MAR2023 07:06:22  15.8S  172.6W mb=4.8  EMSC   SAMOA ISLANDS REGION         

P: 16MAR2023 151631    15.0S  174.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Samoa Islands               

 

O: 15MAR2023 18:39:19  17.9S  178.6W mb=4.5  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

O: 15MAR2023 12:26:15  17.6S  178.5W mb=4.6  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 17MAR2023 151638    18.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.6 AABAA  Tonga Islands               

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:46:11  30.2S  176.4W mb=5.0  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION

O: 16MAR2023 00:56:02  30.1S  176.2W Mw=7.0  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151659    30.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:01:13  41.0S  175.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 BAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 20MAR2023 151667    41.0S  174.0E 3.0-5.1 BABAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 16MAR2023 04:24:14  50.4N  156.9E mb=4.1  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 14MAR2023 151600    52.0N  158.0E 4.0-5.9 ABAAA  Kamchatka                  

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 15MAR2023 12:54:07  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 16:43:51  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 19:43:40  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 20:45:25  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:09:09  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:28:40  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 21:44:05  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 22:12:34  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 22:34:40  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 12:30:09  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151480    37.3N  118.3W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 15MAR2023 18:29:41  35.7N  121.3W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 15MAR2023 19:41:13  35.8N  121.2W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151511    35.7N  121.2W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off So. California         

 

O: 15MAR2023 17:04:53  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 18MAR2023 151484    36.7N  121.4W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:15:37  39.3N  123.3W Md=2.1  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 15MAR2023 151488    39.6N  123.4W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 15MAR2023 18:46:31  40.5N  126.1W ML=2.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN

P: 12MAR2023 151570    42.1N  126.9W 3.0-4.5 BBAAA  Off Coast of Oregon        

P: 13MAR2023 151569    40.6N  124.9W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 16MAR2023 02:58:28  51.8N  178.1W ML=3.0  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

O: 15MAR2023 07:23:25  51.9N  178.1W ML=3.2  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 14MAR2023 151593    51.0N  179.9W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

O: 16MAR2023 07:02:06  57.4N  154.8W ML=3.1  EMSC   KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P:  5MAR2023 151338    58.0N  154.5W 3.2-5.0 CAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.2 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Bethel.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 15MAR2023 21:33:11  46.6N  122.5W Ml=2.2  EMSC   WASHINGTON                   

P: 13MAR2023 151584    47.5N  121.8W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Washington state, U.S.     

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 16MAR2023 05:34:32  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 15MAR2023 12:53:06  32.0N  103.8W ML=2.0  EMSC   NEW MEXICO

O: 16MAR2023 01:51:31  31.6N  104.3W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                 

P: 18MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:59:45  32.0N  103.8W ML=2.8  EMSC   NEW MEXICO                   

P: 15MAR2023 151513    32.6N  103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 16MAR2023 01:50:59  35.1N   95.5W ML=2.6  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 16MAR2023 151533    35.0N   97.0W 2.0-3.9 AABAA  Southern Plains            

 

O: 15MAR2023 20:43:22  36.4N   96.9W ML=2.8  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                      

P: 14MAR2023 151534    36.0N   97.0W 2.0-4.2 AAAAA  Southern Plains            

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Pawnee.

 

O: 15MAR2023 22:46:04  35.7N   84.1W Md=2.5  EMSC   EASTERN TENNESSEE            

P: 16MAR2023 151497    35.0N   82.0W 2.0-3.9 AABAA  Kentucky/Tennessee/NC      

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Eastern Tennessee was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Eastern Tennessee in Jefferson City (IV), Friendsville, Garlinburg and in Hudson, North Carolina.

 

O: 16MAR2023 05:07:53  46.6N   76.4W MB=2.2  ECAN of Maniwaki, QC   

O: 16MAR2023 05:11:12  46.6N   76.4W MB=2.0  ECAN of Grand-Remous, QC            

P: 15MAR2023 151565    45.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.4 ABAAA  New York State             

 

O: 16MAR2023 02:28:09  47.5N   70.4W MB=1.4  ECAN of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, QC   

O: 15MAR2023 05:53:51  47.7N   70.0W MB=0.8  ECAN of Saint-Sim├⌐on, QC           

P: 16MAR2023 151558    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.2 AAAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 14MAR2023 22:49:57  51.9N   92.0W MB=2.2  ECAN of Cat Lake, ON                

O: 14MAR2023 21:58:38  50.1N   94.1W MB=2.4  ECAN of English River, ON           

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

MODERATE QUAKES IN CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN AND CENTRAL CHILE

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 14, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the area of Araucania, Chile. This is the strongest earthquake in the region of Araucania, Chile within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on December 27, 2020.  A major earthquake of M 7.5-8.0 hit this area on February 27, 2010 causing major damage throughout the area. At the time of the December, 2020 event this summary noted in this regard:

 

"An earthquake of M 6.7-6.8 shook south-Central Chile in the region of Los Lagos today. This is the strongest earthquake in the world in nearly two months - since an M 7.0 in the Dodecanese Islands, Greece on October 30, 2020. It occurred  at an epicenter where the total eclipse of the sun was maximized on December 14 and is a prime example of high tidal stresses associated with eclipses affecting subsequent seismicity. A series of strong quakes has occurred in Chile since December 14, including one within minutes of the eclipse in northern Chile, but the location of today's event at precisely the point of maximum eclipse in Chile is strong evidence for tidal triggering ...

 

Today's M 6.7 in Chile was preceded by several precursory events as outlined in this summary in the previous issue:

 

 

"An unusual earthquake occurred northwest of New Zealand today with M 4.8.  This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in at least 30 years. Previous earthquakes in this region have often  occurred within hours or days of strong earthquakes in southern Chile as discussed in this summary on February 24-25, 2010, ten years ago, several days before an M 8.8 in Central Chile" (December 26-27, 2020)

 

It is of some interest that unusual activity was noted in New Zealand yesterday and reported in this summary as:

 

 

"An unusual earthquake of M 4.7 occurred today off the east coast of South Island, New Zealand. It was followed by an aftershock of M 3.7. These events were not reported felt in this remote area. This is in an area where the last earthquake of M>=4.7 occurred more than 35 years ago and is the only such event in the area since modern seismology reported epicenters accurately.   It occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon as it occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment" (March 13, 2023)

 

 

Forecast 151658 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 14, 2023.

 

O: 14MAR2023 19:56:39  38.4S   75.1W Mw=5.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF ARAUCANIA, CHILE

P: 14MAR2023 151658    38.0S   74.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Central Chile              

 

A moderate earthquake of M 5.4 occurred today in the Central Mediterranean Sea south of Greece today. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude within  about 150 km of this epicenter was an M 6.0 on November 27, 2019 and an M 6.4 on October 12, 2013. At the time of the event in November, 2019 this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.0 in Crete, Greece. NEIC reported it was felt with minor damage in Crete, Greece at Kolimvari; V in Platanos, Kissamos, Ayia Marina, Daratsos; IV in Galatas, Khania and Nerelouros anbd III in Penvolia and Vamvakopoulon. Earthquakes of M>=6 within about 200 km of this event in Crete last occurred as an M 6.4 on October 12, 2013 and prior to that as an M 6.7 on January 8, 2006. A major event occurred about 250 km northwest of this on February 14, 2008." (November 27, 2019)

 

Forecast 141402 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around March 14, 2023.

 

O: 14MAR2023 16:36:03  35.6N   22.1E Mw=5.4  EMSC   CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA    

P: 14MAR2023 151502    36.0N   22.0E 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  No. Greece                 

 

A pair of moderate earthquakes occurred in the Kermadec Islands today with M 4.6 and 4.2. These occurred within minutes of local solar noon and local solar midnight and were probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This suggests that high stresses still exist in this region following the M 6.9 in the Kermadec Islands of March 4, 2023 and that a strong aftershock in this region is still possible and perhaps likely. Today's earthquakes were not reported felt in this remote area. Forecasts 151659 and 151662 had expected this activity was likely around March 16.

 

O: 14MAR2023 23:45:26  29.7S  179.1W mb=4.6  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151659    30.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 14MAR2023 12:34:28  32.6S  179.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS    

P: 16MAR2023 151662    32.0S  180.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

A strong swarm of minor earthquakes hit the region of Central California south of San Francisco today. The major activity began with three earthquakes of M 3.4  each and included at least 10 aftershocks of M>=2 in the next half day. Most of this occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last swarm in this region with two or more events of M>=3.4 occurred on October 29, 2019 and included M 3.4, 3.1 and 3.8 events and on January 2-3, 2021 with events of M 4.3, 3.4, 3.2 and 3.2.   Forecast 151484 had expected today's activity within about 10 km of these epicenters was likely around March 12, 2023.

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.4, 3.4, 3.4, 2.9, 2.2, 3.0 in Central California were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in San Jose, Hollister, Salinas, Marina, Los Banos.  This activity is at 103 degrees from the major quakes in Tajikistan and Turkey of February, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 14MAR2023 17:47:48  36.7N  121.3W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 18:57:20  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 18:58:35  36.7N  121.4W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 19:15:55  36.7N  121.3W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 05:42:15  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 05:42:15  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 17:41:44  36.7N  121.4W ML=3.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 14MAR2023 17:41:44  36.7N  121.4W ML=3.4  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 14MAR2023 17:41:24  36.7N  121.4W ML=3.4  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 14MAR2023 17:46:51  36.7N  121.4W ML=3.4  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 12MAR2023 151484    36.8N  121.3W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

A strong swarm of earthquakes also occurred in the region of California east of

Mammoth Lakes on the Nevada border today and is continuing at this writing. This was particularly prominent near local solar midnight. It included an M 3.8, the second such of the day - after a similar M 3.8 at 05:00 UT -  shock which was widely felt in the area. This swarm began several hours earlier and was described in the previous issue of this summary as: 

 

 

"A series of light earthquakes, including an M 3.8 also occurred in Central California east of Mammoth Lakes on the Nevada border today. This may mark the beginning of a period of enhanced seismicity in the region of California which has been relatively quiet in recent weeks. This often occurs as a regional acceleration of seismicity associated with strong nor'easters as noted in regard to the activity in Queen Charlotte Islands of the past several days. This area in Central California is at 103 degrees from the recent major earthquakes in Turkey and could see a moderate event in the next several weeks. The last earthquake in this region of stronger magnitude was an M 4.8 on January 6, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

 

"A pair of earthquakes of M 4.8 preceded the aftershock off northern California today. The first event of M 4.8 near Mina, Nevada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in Nevada at Luning, Silverpeak, Gabbs, Goldfield, Hawthorne, Round Mountain (IV), Tonopah (IV) and Glenbrook and in California at Bishop and Yosemite National Park. The second about 100 km to the south of the first, occurred about an hour before and may have helped trigger the  aftershock off the coast of California. These earthquakes on the border between Central California and Nevada were reported felt with maximum intensity VI in California at Big Pine and III in Independence, Bishop, Benton, Kings Canyon National Park and in Nevada at Silverpeak, Goldfield and II in Mammoth Lakes, Shaver Lake and Dunlap, California. An M 2.2 foreshock occurred near local solar noon within about 25 km of this epicenter. The last earthquake of M>=4.8 within about 50 km of this epicenter occurred on February 14, 2015 about 30 km to the south of today's epicenter on February 14, 2015, the only such earthquake in the area in the past 30 years. An M 5.7 about 100 km northeast of today's M 4.8 occurred on August 1, 1999. Forecast 140084 had expected today's activity was likely around January 6. Like a light earthquake in the Lake Erie, Ohio area yesterday this, and other events in Nevada and California today may have been prompted by the strong meteorological storm of the past two days along the East Coast of the U.S. If this is true, a strong to major event in the western zone of the North and Central American tectonic plate is still a distinct possibility in the next several days." (January 6, 2022)

 

The nor'easter storm in the area of New England today (as occurred with the event of January 6 in California) may have helped promote today's swarm in Central California.

 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Nevada was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Silverpeak. Forecast 151479 had expected today's activity within about 50 km was likely around March 16. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the major activity in Turkey of February and at the same distance from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources." (March 14, 2023)

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.9, 3.8, 3.3, 3.2 ... in the California-Nevada border were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Nevada at Silverpeak, Glenbrook and in California at Lone Pine. This activity is at 103 degrees from the major quakes in Tajikistan and Turkey of February, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 14MAR2023 09:25:08  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:32:51  37.5N  118.0W ml=3.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:34:19  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:35:29  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:47:04  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:51:34  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:57:35  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:57:35  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:13:19  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:22:27  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:45:45  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 13:25:08  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 13:27:37  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:39:26  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:41:47  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:51:42  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 15:08:00  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 17:38:23  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 22:02:50  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 07:13:45  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151480    37.3N  118.3W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.9 in the area of  Turkey February 6, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 14MAR2023 08:32:41  31.5N   84.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG               

P:  6MAR2023 151266    30.0N   83.0E 3.8-5.2 CBAAA  Xizang                     

P: 19MAR2023 151543    31.0N   88.0E 3.8-5.4 BACAA  Xizang                      

 

O: 15MAR2023 02:32:23  35.1N   81.4E mb=4.7  EMSC   XINJIANG-XIZANG BORDER REGION

P: 18MAR2023 151507    35.0N   78.0E 3.8-5.2 BABAA  Northern India             

 

O: 14MAR2023 21:31:15  52.1N  159.0E mb=4.0  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA  

O: 14MAR2023 10:01:14  51.7N  159.6E mb=5.0  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA

P: 12MAR2023 151598    52.0N  160.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  E. of Kamchatka            

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 14MAR2023 10:31:33   2.2S  100.4E ML=4.0  EMSC   KEP. MENTAWAI REGION, INDONESI

P: 11MAR2023 151426     2.0S  100.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  So. of Sumatera            

 

O: 14MAR2023 10:23:52   2.3N  128.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

P: 13MAR2023 151404     3.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

P: 15MAR2023 151405     3.0N  129.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 14MAR2023 13:50:37   5.6N  127.0E ML=4.5  EMSC   MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES        

P: 13MAR2023 151405     5.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 14MAR2023 13:58:39  15.2N   94.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO  

P: 15MAR2023 151435    16.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 14MAR2023 20:43:45  16.4N   99.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO

O: 14MAR2023 20:21:37  16.3N   99.6W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO    

P: 17MAR2023 151453    17.0N   99.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico              

 

O: 14MAR2023 20:55:43  17.5S   69.7W mb=4.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN PERU                

P:  9MAR2023 151358    17.0S   69.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

O: 14MAR2023 16:19:38  18.5N  105.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 15MAR2023 151447    19.0N  105.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 15MAR2023 04:43:07  18.6N   73.7W ML=3.6  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 17MAR2023 151456    20.0N   74.0W 3.4-5.3 ABAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 15MAR2023 06:36:26  18.6N  106.8W mb=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 15MAR2023 151437    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

O: 15MAR2023 06:55:06  19.2N   66.5W Md=3.4  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 15MAR2023 03:30:08  19.2N   70.0W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 14MAR2023 07:11:16  27.0S   71.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE ATACAMA, CHILE      

P: 16MAR2023 151645    28.0S   71.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Coast Central Chile        

 

O: 14MAR2023 19:56:39  38.4S   75.1W Mw=5.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF ARAUCANIA, CHILE

P: 14MAR2023 151658    38.0S   74.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Central Chile              

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 15MAR2023 06:27:08  34.5N   32.5E mb=4.2  EMSC   CYPRUS REGION                

P: 16MAR2023 151535    34.0N   32.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 in Cyprus was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Cyprus in Pafos, Pissouri and Lemesos.

 

O: 14MAR2023 16:36:03  35.6N   22.1E Mw=5.4  EMSC   CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA    

P: 14MAR2023 151502    36.0N   22.0E 3.0-4.7 AAAAA  No. Greece                 

 

O: 15MAR2023 03:29:55  37.2N   36.3E ML=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 14MAR2023 14:49:48  37.9N   37.4E mb=4.8  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

O: 15MAR2023 05:49:34  38.0N   37.5E ML=4.0  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

P: 14MAR2023 151537    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in Central Turkey was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Turkey in Gaziantep.

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 15MAR2023 00:36:46  13.2S  167.1E mb=4.9  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 18MAR2023 151641    13.0S  166.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 15MAR2023 01:16:17  19.4S  173.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   TONGA                        

P: 15MAR2023 151652    20.0S  174.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 15MAR2023 03:39:51   0.9N   29.2W mb=5.0  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P: 11MAR2023 151397     1.0N   26.0W 4.0-5.6 BACAA  Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg  

 

O: 14MAR2023 12:31:25  28.1N   16.2W ML=2.2  EMSC   CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION 

P:  7MAR2023 151186    28.0N   16.0W 3.0-4.5 CAAAA  Canary Islands             

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 14MAR2023 23:45:26  29.7S  179.1W mb=4.6  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151659    30.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  No. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 14MAR2023 12:34:28  32.6S  179.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS    

P: 16MAR2023 151662    32.0S  180.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 14MAR2023 21:39:05  35.5N  140.2E mb=4.1  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

O: 14MAR2023 21:05:07  36.1N  139.9E mb=4.3  EMSC   EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN        

P: 14MAR2023 151510    36.0N  140.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.1  and M 4.3 in Honshu, Japan were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Tokyo, Saitma, Ibaraki and Kanagawa Prefectures, Japan.

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 14MAR2023 10:03:58  30.5N  116.3W ML=3.3  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

O: 14MAR2023 09:28:24  30.6N  116.1W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

P: 17MAR2023 151515    30.7N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 14MAR2023 19:42:16  31.1N  114.3W ML=3.5  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 08:25:53  31.5N  114.6W ML=3.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 15MAR2023 151464    30.0N  114.0W 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Gulf of California         

 

O: 14MAR2023 14:42:40  32.3N  115.3W Ml=2.5  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 16MAR2023 151517    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.4 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Calipatria.

 

O: 15MAR2023 01:21:16  33.2N  115.6W Ml=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 16MAR2023 151519    32.9N  115.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 14MAR2023 20:32:51  38.2N  122.3W Md=2.4  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 15MAR2023 02:09:25  37.9N  122.2W Md=2.0  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P: 12MAR2023 151486    38.0N  122.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  Central California         

P: 14MAR2023 151487    38.5N  122.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.4 in San Francisco, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of San Francisco, California in Vallejo, San Ramon.

 

O: 14MAR2023 23:47:44  40.9N  123.7W Md=2.7  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 13MAR2023 151569    40.6N  124.9W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif      

 

O: 14MAR2023 17:47:48  36.7N  121.3W ML=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 18:57:20  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 18:58:35  36.7N  121.4W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 19:15:55  36.7N  121.3W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 05:42:15  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 15MAR2023 05:42:15  36.7N  121.3W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 17:41:44  36.7N  121.4W ML=3.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 12MAR2023 151484    36.8N  121.3W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 14MAR2023 09:25:08  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:32:51  37.5N  118.0W ml=3.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:34:19  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:35:29  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:47:04  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:51:34  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:57:35  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 09:57:35  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.6  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:13:19  37.5N  118.0W Mw=3.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:22:27  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 10:45:45  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 13:25:08  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 13:27:37  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:39:26  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:41:47  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 14:51:42  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.8  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 15:08:00  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 17:38:23  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.7  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 22:02:50  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 07:13:45  37.5N  118.0W ML=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151480    37.3N  118.3W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

ALASKA

 

O: 14MAR2023 07:54:53  57.8N  154.6W ML=3.1  EMSC   KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P:  5MAR2023 151338    58.0N  154.5W 3.2-5.0 CAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.7 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Bethel.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

No events of M>=2 were located in the northwestern U.S. or western Canada today.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 14MAR2023 10:25:04  42.6N  111.3W Ml=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN IDAHO               

P: 13MAR2023 151585    42.5N  111.5W 2.0-4.2 AAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

 

O: 14MAR2023 12:37:23  31.6N  104.5W ML=2.6  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 20:28:25  31.6N  104.3W ML=2.7  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 09:59:42  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.4  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 09:59:42  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.4  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 12:14:47  31.6N  104.3W ML=2.1  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                 

P: 12MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 14MAR2023 22:47:33  32.5N  102.0W mb=3.1  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 17MAR2023 151514    32.6N  101.6W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 14MAR2023 21:33:28  35.9N   97.9W ML=2.4  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

O: 14MAR2023 19:46:51  36.3N   95.8W ML=2.1  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 14MAR2023 151534    36.0N   97.0W 2.0-4.2 AAAAA  Southern Plains             

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES PAPUA NEW GUINEA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 13, 2023

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.3 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Madang, and Lae Morobe with IV in Kainantu and Mount Hagen and III in Kerma and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This event about 100 km northwest of an M 7.7 in Eastern New Guinea of September 10, 2022 is probably a regional aftershock of that event. That mainshock occurred with the second strongest geomagnetic storm in 16 years and the full moon.  Forecast 151421 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around March 15.

 

O: 14MAR2023 00:49:09   5.4S  146.9E Mw=6.3  EMSC   EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G

P: 15MAR2023 151421     5.0S  146.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  New Ireland                

 

Seismicity remained high today in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of Canada. An M 4.2 in the Haida Gwaii was lightly felt in the area today. This area has been active at this level of seismicity for the past two days. It was reported in the previous issues of this summary as:

 

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred as an M 4.3  near Vancouver Island and as an M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of British Columbia.  These were not reported felt. This may related to a nor'easter hitting the northeastern U.S. at this time. Larger earthquakes in the Vancouver and Queen Charlotte Island area of Canada often occur in conjunction with strong nor'easters on the opposite side of the North American Plate.

 

The M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands region is the strongest in that area since an M 4.5 on December 24, 2022 and an aftershock of M 4.0 on the same date. The last earthquake of M>=5 in this region was an M 5.1 on June 4, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"An unusual M 5.1 also occurred today in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt in this area at Prince Rupert. This is the strongest earthquake in the Queen Charlotte Islands region within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on July 5, 2019 following an M 6.2 on July 4, 2019. Those events occurred during a strong activation of the western edge of North America Plate which included several strong earthquakes in central California." (June 4, 2022)

 

Forecast 151596 had expected this event was likely around March 12, 2023 within about 100 km." (March 12-13, 2023)

 

O: 13MAR2023 13:58:59  52.7N  132.3W MB=4.4  ECAN of Village of Queen Charlotte, BC

O: 13MAR2023 13:59:00  52.8N  132.2W mb=4.2  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia           

 

A series of light earthquakes, including an M 3.8 also occurred in Central California east of Mammoth Lakes on the Nevada border today. This may mark the beginning of a period of enhanced seismicity in the region of California which has been relatively quiet in recent weeks. This often occurs as a regional acceleration of seismicity associated with strong nor'easters as noted in regard to the activity in Queen Charlotte Islands of the past several days. This area in Central California is at 103 degrees from the recent major earthquakes in Turkey and could see a moderate event in the next several weeks. The last earthquake in this region of stronger magnitude was an M 4.8 on January 6, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

 

"A pair of earthquakes of M 4.8 preceded the aftershock off northern California today. The first event of M 4.8 near Mina, Nevada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in Nevada at Luning, Silverpeak, Gabbs, Goldfield, Hawthorne, Round Mountain (IV), Tonopah (IV) and Glenbrook and in California at Bishop and Yosemite National Park. The second about 100 km to the south of the first, occurred about an hour before and may have helped trigger the aftershock off the coast of California. … An M 2.2 foreshock occurred near local solar noon within about 25 km of this epicenter. The last earthquake of M>=4.8 within about 50 km of this epicenter occurred on February 14, 2015 about 30 km to the south of today's epicenter on February 14, 2015, the only such earthquake in the area in the past 30 years. An M 5.7 about 100 km northeast of today's M 4.8 occurred on August 1, 1999. … Like a light earthquake in the Lake Erie, Ohio area yesterday this, and other events in Nevada and California today may have been prompted by the strong meteorological storm of the past two days along the East Coast of the U.S. If this is true, a strong to major event in the western zone of the North and Central American tectonic plate is still a distinct possibility in the next several days." (January 6, 2022)

 

The nor'easter storm in the area of New England today (as occurred with the event of January 6 in California) may have helped promote today's swarm in Central California.

 

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Nevada was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Silverpeak. Forecast 151479 had expected today's activity within about 50 km was likely around March 16. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the major activity in Turkey of February and at the same distance from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:19:31  37.4N  117.7W ML=2.0  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 14MAR2023 06:11:19  37.4N  117.7W ml=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 04:11:29  37.5N  118.0W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 04:26:21  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 05:00:28  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 05:00:28  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.8  ANSS   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 05:32:43  37.2N  117.7W ml=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA            

P: 16MAR2023 151479    37.2N  117.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

Earthquakes of M 3.6 also occurred today in southern Idaho and western Texas and in southern Colorado. These are in regions which have recently seen seismic enhancement and may be aftershocks of those earlier events. The area of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, which has not been active in recent days also showed a strong swarm of events including 10 of magnitude 2.0-3.0 but no mainshock. This activity centered around local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last swarm of this type in Yellowstone occurred from September 18-21, 2022 and was closely associated with the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022. Forecasts 151587 and 151586 had expected enhanced seismicity in the Yellowstone area was likely around March 15-16.

 

O: 13MAR2023 17:03:28  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.7  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 17:26:26  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 18:31:36  44.6N  111.0W ML=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:47:38  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.4  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:50:53  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:59:40  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 20:45:32  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.5  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 21:00:22  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, MONTANA

O: 13MAR2023 16:20:19  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

P: 15MAR2023 151587    44.8N  111.9W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

P: 16MAR2023 151586    44.2N  110.8W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.6 was felt in the area of the Dominican Republic today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in the Dominican Republic in Juan Adrian Monsenor Nouel, Bajos de Haina, El Carril, San Cristobal, Santo Domingo and El Seibo. A foreshock of M 3.9 hit to the east of this minutes before the M 4.6. NEIC reported this foreshock was felt with intensity II-III in Otra Banda, Santo Domingo and El Carril, Dominican Republic. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude in the Dominican Republic was an M 5.0 about 50 km south of this 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 151456 had expected this earthquake within about 50 km was likely

around March 13, 2023.

 

O: 13MAR2023 09:04:59  18.5N   70.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 16:22:00  19.1N   69.6W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

O: 13MAR2023 07:22:59  19.4N   68.2W Md=3.9  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151461    20.0N   68.0W 3.0-4.9 BAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.9 in the area of the Kermadec Islands, March 4, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 13MAR2023 08:59:56  27.6N   53.3E mb=4.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN IRAN                

P: 16MAR2023 151473    29.0N   53.0E 3.5-5.1 BBAAA  So. Iran/Persian Gulf      

 

O: 13MAR2023 13:42:10  34.5N   82.0E mb=4.0  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG               

P: 18MAR2023 151507    35.0N   78.0E 3.8-5.2 BACAA  Northern India             

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 13MAR2023 19:29:49   0.1S  123.1E ML=4.1  EMSC   SULAWESI, INDONESIA          

P: 14MAR2023 151396     0.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Celebes Sea                

P: 18MAR2023 151407     0.0N  123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 in Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Indonesia in Bitung, Sulawesi.

 

O: 14MAR2023 00:31:05   0.2S  125.3E ML=4.5  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA

O: 14MAR2023 03:27:52   0.7N  125.3E mb=4.2  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA

O: 13MAR2023 20:26:48   0.1S  125.2E ML=4.5  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA                  

P:  9MAR2023 151131     1.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.5 BBAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 13MAR2023 10:16:44   1.5N  128.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   HALMAHERA, INDONESIA         

P: 11MAR2023 151404     1.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 14MAR2023 02:43:09   2.4N  126.1E ML=4.2  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA                  

P: 13MAR2023 151404     3.0N  127.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

O: 14MAR2023 03:25:32   4.3N   96.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA  

P: 17MAR2023 151409     5.0N   97.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Nicobar Islands            

 

O: 14MAR2023 00:49:09   5.4S  146.9E Mw=6.3  EMSC   EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G

P: 15MAR2023 151421     5.0S  146.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  New Ireland                

 

O: 13MAR2023 22:05:34   7.5S  128.3E mb=4.2  EMSC   KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA

O: 13MAR2023 10:55:53   7.4S  130.4E mb=4.8  EMSC   KEP. TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESI

P:  8MAR2023 151134     7.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 13MAR2023 21:46:07  11.9S  166.1E mb=5.0  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 13MAR2023 12:52:06  14.4N  123.1E mb=4.5  EMSC   LUZON, PHILIPPINES

O: 13MAR2023 10:24:32  14.4N  123.1E mb=4.7  EMSC   LUZON, PHILIPPINES           

P: 11MAR2023 151443    13.0N  124.0E 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Luzon, Philippines         

P: 16MAR2023 151443    14.0N  121.0E 3.5-5.0 BABAA  Luzon, Philippines         

 

NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.5 and M 4.7 in Bicol, Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Bicol, Philippines in Mercedes (IV).

 

O: 13MAR2023 21:53:46  20.8N  121.6E mb=4.7  EMSC   BATAN ISL REGION, PHILIPPINES

P: 20MAR2023 151474    21.0N  120.0E 4.0-5.4 CABAA  Taiwan                     

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 14MAR2023 05:07:00   6.8N   73.0W mb=4.5  EMSC   NORTHERN COLOMBIA            

P: 17MAR2023 151400     7.0N   73.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Colombia                   

 

O: 13MAR2023 18:54:04   8.4S   80.1W ML=4.2  EMSC   OFF COAST OF NORTHERN PERU   

P: 11MAR2023 151422     9.0S   81.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  No. Peru                   

 

O: 14MAR2023 02:57:22  14.4N   93.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

O: 14MAR2023 02:55:38  14.6N   93.1W ML=4.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO     

P: 16MAR2023 151434    14.0N   93.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 13MAR2023 14:56:42  15.2S   75.8W mb=4.7  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU

O: 14MAR2023 04:29:35  15.2S   75.9W ML=4.5  EMSC   NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU   

P: 15MAR2023 151633    16.0S   74.0W 4.0-5.5 AABAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Southern Peru was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Peru in Tacna, Moquegua, Arica, Punta de Bombon, Arequipa and Iquique.

 

O: 13MAR2023 22:06:02  15.8N   95.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO      

P: 15MAR2023 151452    16.0N   96.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Oaxaca, Mexico             

 

O: 13MAR2023 19:19:15  17.7S   70.3W mb=5.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN PERU                

P: 14MAR2023 151634    18.0S   72.0W 4.0-5.8 AABAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

O: 13MAR2023 11:42:53  18.0N   67.0W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 10:58:50  18.3N   64.1W Md=3.8  EMSC   VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION        

P: 15MAR2023 151441    18.0N   64.0W 3.0-5.1 AAAAA  Leeward Islands            

 

O: 13MAR2023 18:49:31  18.3N  105.8W mb=4.3  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 15MAR2023 151447    19.0N  105.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 13MAR2023 09:04:59  18.5N   70.4W mb=4.6  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC           

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 10:22:16  19.0N   66.5W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 14MAR2023 03:43:29  19.1N   72.6W ML=3.1  EMSC   HAITI REGION                 

P: 13MAR2023 151456    19.0N   71.0W 3.4-5.3 AABAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 16:22:00  19.1N   69.6W ML=3.0  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

O: 13MAR2023 07:22:59  19.4N   68.2W Md=3.9  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151461    20.0N   68.0W 3.0-4.9 BAAAA  Bahamas/No. Caribbean      

 

O: 13MAR2023 09:56:34  19.6N   65.4W Md=3.4  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 14MAR2023 151455    19.0N   66.0W 3.4-5.5 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 10:14:49  24.1S   66.7W mb=4.5  EMSC   SALTA, ARGENTINA             

P:  9MAR2023 151364    24.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Argentina                  

 

O: 13MAR2023 22:50:45  28.2S   67.6W Mw=5.2  EMSC   CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA         

P: 14MAR2023 151644    28.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Argentina                  

 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 14MAR2023 06:47:34  38.1N   36.9E ML=4.7  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Gaziantep, Turkey was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Gaziantep, Turkey.

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 13MAR2023 20:21:46  21.0S  179.1W mb=4.7  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 15MAR2023 151652    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:27:19  32.5N   19.0W mb=4.1  EMSC   MADEIRA ISLANDS, PORTUGAL REGI

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 13MAR2023 08:14:56  31.4S  178.8E ML=4.5  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 16MAR2023 151662    32.0S  180.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 13MAR2023 13:40:51  31.5S  177.8W mb=5.0  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 14MAR2023 151662    32.0S  179.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

O: 13MAR2023 16:40:37  35.4S  179.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z

P: 15MAR2023 151660    35.0S  179.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

O: 13MAR2023 09:29:42  37.3S  177.6E MS=4.1  GEONET Off East coast of North Island, New Zealand.

O: 13MAR2023 09:29:42  37.3S  177.6E ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z

P: 14MAR2023 151660    38.0S  178.0E 3.0-4.4 AAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

GEONET reported 136 people reported feeling this earthquake with 77 at weak intensity and 56 with light shaking and 3 with moderate intensity.

 

O: 14MAR2023 00:56:11  37.4S  174.3E ML=4.0  EMSC   NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ACAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 13MAR2023 19:29:30  36.8N  140.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 14MAR2023 151503    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:36:30  37.9N  141.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 14MAR2023 151503    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-5.0 AABAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

P: 17MAR2023 151531    38.0N  143.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  So. of Honshu              

 

O: 13MAR2023 14:29:53  44.7N  149.7E mb=4.9  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

O: 13MAR2023 14:40:18  45.6N  148.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   KURIL ISLANDS                

P: 16MAR2023 151580    45.0N  150.0E 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  So. Kurils                 

 

O: 13MAR2023 20:35:36  39.9N  141.8E mb=4.5  EMSC   EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN        

P:  6MAR2023 151275    40.0N  142.0E 3.5-5.4 CAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 13MAR2023 17:09:33  30.6N  116.5W ML=3.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

P: 13MAR2023 151515    30.9N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 13MAR2023 22:14:01  34.2N  116.9W ML=2.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA           

P:  8MAR2023 151248    33.9N  116.9W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Angelus Oaks, Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Highland, Redlands, Apple Valley, San Bernardino and Landers among others.

 

O: 13MAR2023 11:42:52  34.6N  119.5W Ml=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 12MAR2023 151525    34.7N  119.0W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 14MAR2023 05:18:06  36.6N  120.7W Md=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 12MAR2023 151484    36.8N  121.3W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:19:31  37.4N  117.7W ML=2.0  EMSC   NEVADA

O: 14MAR2023 06:11:19  37.4N  117.7W ml=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 04:11:29  37.5N  118.0W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 04:26:21  37.5N  118.0W ml=2.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 05:00:28  37.5N  118.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 14MAR2023 05:32:43  37.2N  117.7W ml=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 16MAR2023 151479    37.2N  117.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:11:29  37.5N  118.0W Md=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151480    37.3N  118.3W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA  California/Nevada area     

 

O: 14MAR2023 02:51:11  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.2  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 12MAR2023 151487    38.7N  122.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 13MAR2023 23:46:49  51.9N  178.1W ML=3.4  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 11MAR2023 151593    51.0N  178.1W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

O: 13MAR2023 09:04:12  56.2N  149.6W ml=3.3  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA

O: 13MAR2023 12:00:41  56.2N  149.4W ml=3.1  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA

O: 13MAR2023 12:02:04  56.1N  149.7W ml=3.0  EMSC   GULF OF ALASKA               

P: 15MAR2023 151588    54.8N  148.7W 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

O: 13MAR2023 16:03:32  60.1N  152.9W ML=3.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN ALASKA              

P: 13MAR2023 151615    60.8N  151.7W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 13MAR2023 13:58:59  52.7N  132.3W MB=4.4  ECAN of Village of Queen Charlotte, BC

O: 13MAR2023 13:59:00  52.8N  132.2W mb=4.2  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia           

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 14MAR2023 04:22:45  37.2N  104.7W ML=3.6  EMSC   COLORADO

O: 13MAR2023 08:48:18  37.2N  104.7W mb=2.4  EMSC   COLORADO                     

P: 12MAR2023 151491    37.2N  104.9W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  Colorado area              

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.6 in Southern Colorado was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Colorado in Aguilar, Weston and Trinidad.

 

O: 13MAR2023 14:13:51  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

O: 13MAR2023 15:16:39  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.6  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 13MAR2023 15:32:44  31.7N  104.3W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 13MAR2023 21:21:16  31.7N  104.3W ML=3.4  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 01:15:01  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.6  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 14MAR2023 03:50:27  31.7N  104.3W ML=3.1  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

P: 12MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 13MAR2023 13:48:39  32.4N  102.1W ML=2.4  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 17MAR2023 151514    32.6N  101.6W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 13MAR2023 22:22:51  46.5N  116.9W Ml=2.4  EMSC   NORTHERN IDAHO               

P: 10MAR2023 151285    47.7N  117.4W 2.0-4.1 BBAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

O: 13MAR2023 17:03:28  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.7  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 17:26:26  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 18:31:36  44.6N  111.0W ML=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:47:38  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.4  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:50:53  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 19:59:40  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 20:45:32  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.5  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

O: 13MAR2023 21:00:22  44.6N  111.1W Ml=2.0  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, MONTANA

O: 13MAR2023 16:20:19  44.6N  111.0W Ml=2.2  EMSC   YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING

P: 15MAR2023 151587    44.8N  111.9W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

P: 16MAR2023 151586    44.2N  110.8W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA  Yellowstone/Wyoming        

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

No earthquakes of M>=1 were located in the Eastern U.S. or Canada today.

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

UNUSUAL QUAKE HITS EAST OF SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 12, 2023

 

An unusual earthquake of M 4.7 occurred today off the east coast of South Island, New Zealand. It was followed by an aftershock of M 3.7. These events were not reported felt in this remote area. This is in an area where the last earthquake of M>=4.7 occurred more than 35 years ago and is the only such event in the area since modern seismology reported epicenters accurately.   It occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses with the full moon as it occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

 

"The full moon will arrive on March 7, 2023 at 12:40 UT. Longitudes which are near local solar noon at this time are located near 10 West longitude and those at local solar midnight at 170 East longitude. In the west these include areas of western Europe and the mid-Atlantic Rift as far as Iceland to the South Sandwich Islands and the southern Mid-Atlantic and in the east areas near local solar midnight at the time of this full moon include the Vanuatu-Tonga-Fiji-Kermadec Islands and New Zealand and in the north the western Aleutians. These are the most like regions to experience strong tidal triggering within about a week of this full moon. They include a number of areas near the IDL which could see a strong to major earthquake at this time." (March 4-6, 2023)

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:37:16  44.0S  177.0E mb=4.7  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z

O: 13MAR2023 04:58:36  44.1S  177.0E ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z.

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ACBAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Santa Cruz Islands north of Vanuatu. The last earthquake in the Santa Cruz Islands of M>=5.7 was an M 5.7 on December 5, 2022 and an M 5.8 on November 16, 2022. At the time of this event this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Santa Cruz Islands east of the Solomon Islands. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in the epicentral area near Lata. The only earthquake of larger magnitude in the Santa Cruz Islands in the past two years was an M 6.0 on November 25, 2021 about 100 km north of today's epicenter. This appears to be part of the regional activation of the area which began with the major earthquakes of November 9-12 in Fiji and Tonga." (November 16, 2022)

 

Forecast 151640 had expected today's earthquake within about 150 km was likely

around March 12, 2023.

 

The M 5.7 was followed half a day later by an M 5.1  about 250 km northeast of  its epicenter. This is the strongest earthquake in northern Santa Cruz Islands since an M 5.3 on  April 19, 2022 and a M 6.0 on November 25, 2021. Forecast 151640 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around March 12.

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:43:21  12.0S  165.8E Mw=5.7  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands             

 

O: 12MAR2023 20:56:51  10.8S  166.9E Mw=5.1  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today in the aftershock zone of the major earthquakes of February, 2023 in Turkey. These included an M 4.7, the largest since an M 4.7 on March 5. The last event of larger magnitude in the aftershock area was an M 5.0 on March 3, 2023.  NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.2, 4.3 and M 4.7 in The Turkey-Syria border were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of The Turkey-Syria border at Gaziantep, and Mersin, Icel, Turkey.  Forecast 151537 had expected this enhanced activity in the area was likely in mid-March.

 

O: 13MAR2023 02:23:14  36.8N   36.5E mb=4.2  EMSC   TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION   

P: 13MAR2023 151537    36.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 12MAR2023 12:31:22  38.0N   36.3E mb=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:34:30  38.1N   38.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY

O: 13MAR2023 02:13:53  38.1N   38.7E mb=4.4  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 14MAR2023 151537    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred as an M 4.3  near Vancouver Island and as an M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of British Columbia.  These were not reported felt. This may related to a nor'easter hitting the northeastern U.S. at this time. Larger earthquakes in the Vancouver and Queen Charlotte Island area of Canada often occur in conjunction with strong nor'easters on the opposite side of the North American Plate.

 

The M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands region is the strongest in that area since an M 4.5 on December 24, 2022 and an aftershock of M 4.0 on the same date. The last earthquake of M>=5 in this region was an M 5.1 on June 4, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"An unusual M 5.1 also occurred today in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt in this area at Prince Rupert. This is the strongest earthquake in the Queen Charlotte Islands region within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on July 5, 2019 following an M 6.2 on July 4, 2019. Those events occurred during a strong activation of the western edge of North America Plate which included several strong earthquakes in central California." (June 4, 2022)

 

Forecast 151596 had expected this event was likely around March 12, 2023 within about 100 km.

 

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W MB=3.8  ECAN S of Daajing Giids, BC 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia           

P: 20MAR2023 151596    53.0N  132.0W 3.0-5.4 CAAAA  British Colombia           

 

The M 4.3 in the Vancouver Island area today was the strongest in that region since an M 4.6 on August 8, 2022 and an M 4.3 on September 21, 2021, the only such event in the past two years. An M 5.4 hit the area on July 22, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The M 5.1-5.4 in Vancouver, Canada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in British Columbia, Canada at Ucluelet, Parksville, Victoria, and in Washington State, US., at Lopez Island, Blaine, Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, and Freeland. About four minutes after the M 7.8 in Alaska an M 4.6 was recorded in the Vancouver Island area, probably triggered by S- and Surface waves from the Alaska Peninsula. This event was noted in this summary in the previous issue as:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.6 was recorded in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada about four minutes after the M 7.8 in the Alaska Peninsula. S-waves and surface waves take about this time to travel the 17 degrees between these epicenter and were present in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada at the time of the M 4.6." (July 22, 2020)

 

The Vancouver event is the strongest in the region within about 200 km of this epicenter during the current year - an event of M 6.3 last hit on December 25, 2019,

 part of a regional activation that began on December 23, 2019." (July 22, 2020)

 

Forecast 151583 had expected today's earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around March 11. This activity is located at 101 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9 and  at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the major earthquakes in Turkey of February and from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan on February 23, 2023 and also at the fourth node from the M 6.9 in the Kermadec Islands of March 4, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.

 

 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:53  48.9N  129.9W MB=4.3  ECAN WSW of Port Alice, BC 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:56  49.1N  129.4W mb=4.4  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO

P: 11MAR2023 151583    48.7N  129.0W 2.8-5.0 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.9 in the area of the Kermadec Islands, March 4, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 12MAR2023 11:43:43  24.3N   94.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION  

P: 13MAR2023 151469    24.0N   94.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Myanmar                    

 

O: 13MAR2023 00:11:51  24.9N  122.0E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION                

O: 13MAR2023 00:11:51  24.8N  122.0E ML=4.1  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

P: 11MAR2023 151472    25.0N  124.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Ryukyu Islands             

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Yilan, II in Taipei and I in Taoyuan and Hualien Counties, Taiwan.

 

O: 12MAR2023 11:33:57  36.5N   71.0E mb=4.6  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P: 12MAR2023 151495    36.0N   71.0E 3.8-5.5 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 12MAR2023 11:43:17  36.6N   58.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   NORTHEASTERN IRAN            

P:  3MAR2023 151235    37.0N   59.0E 3.8-5.6 CAAAA  No. Iran                   

 

O: 12MAR2023 09:32:41  38.1N   73.0E mb=4.3  EMSC   TAJIKISTAN                   

P: 16MAR2023 151496    38.0N   73.0E 3.8-5.5 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 12MAR2023 15:26:17  39.2N   67.4E mb=4.4  EMSC   EASTERN UZBEKISTAN           

P:  7MAR2023 151222    37.0N   69.0E 3.8-5.3 BCAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:09:44   1.6S  138.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P: 12MAR2023 151430     2.0S  138.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 13MAR2023 03:09:43   4.1S  129.0E ML=4.0  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P:  9MAR2023 151152     3.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 12MAR2023 20:26:44   6.8N   73.1W mb=4.2  EMSC   NORTHERN COLOMBIA            

P: 17MAR2023 151400     7.0N   73.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Colombia                    

 

O: 12MAR2023 12:04:30   8.0N   83.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   COSTA RICA                   

P: 11MAR2023 151402     9.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Costa Rica                 

P: 17MAR2023 151402     8.0N   83.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA  Costa Rica                 

 

O: 12MAR2023 18:29:47  10.1S   79.3W mb=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF CENTRAL PERU    

P: 11MAR2023 151422     9.0S   81.0W 4.0-5.6 ABBAA  No. Peru                   

 

O: 13MAR2023 03:11:49   3.8S   76.6W mb=4.7  EMSC   NORTHERN PERU                

P: 17MAR2023 151415     2.0S   78.0W 4.0-5.5 BBBAA  Ecuador                    

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:11:35  12.4N   90.2W mb=4.3  EMSC   OFF THE COAST OF EL SALVADOR 

P:  8MAR2023 151161    14.0N   90.0W 3.5-5.1 BBAAA  Guatemala                  

 

O: 12MAR2023 18:08:32  12.6N   88.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR         

P: 12MAR2023 151449    12.0N   88.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Nicaragua                  

 

O: 12MAR2023 18:46:09  17.8N   95.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   VERACRUZ, MEXICO

O: 12MAR2023 20:35:44  16.6N   94.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   OAXACA, MEXICO               

O: 12MAR2023 22:18:50  17.6N   94.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   VERACRUZ, MEXICO             

P: 11MAR2023 151435    17.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 12MAR2023 22:02:05  18.0N   66.8W Md=3.5  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 05:01:29  18.0N  105.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF COLIMA, MEXICO  

P: 15MAR2023 151447    19.0N  105.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 12MAR2023 13:31:52  18.2N   69.1W ML=3.3  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151454    18.0N   69.0W 3.4-5.3 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:00:49  18.7N   66.8W Md=3.0  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:01:33  24.4S   67.3W mb=4.3  EMSC   SALTA, ARGENTINA             

P:  9MAR2023 151364    24.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Argentina                   

 

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 13MAR2023 02:23:14  36.8N   36.5E mb=4.2  EMSC   TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION   

P: 13MAR2023 151537    36.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 12MAR2023 12:31:22  38.0N   36.3E mb=4.3  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

P: 17MAR2023 151537    38.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.2 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:34:30  38.1N   38.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY

O: 13MAR2023 02:13:53  38.1N   38.7E mb=4.4  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 14MAR2023 151537    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Romania was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Romania in Buzau with VI in Nehoiu, Comandau and V in Ivesti, Galati with II-III in Buzau at Colti, Guru Teghii, Magura, Berca, Brasov, and in Sihlea, Vrancea and Salcia Prahova. 

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 12MAR2023 23:51:11   5.4S  154.3E mb=5.2  EMSC   BOUGAINVILLE REGION, P.N.G.  

P: 13MAR2023 151419     7.0S  154.0E 4.0-5.5 ABAAA  New Britain                

 

O: 12MAR2023 20:56:51  10.8S  166.9E Mw=5.1  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:43:21  12.0S  165.8E Mw=5.7  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 13MAR2023 06:11:33  17.5S  178.7W mb=5.0  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 11MAR2023 151638    17.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA  Tonga Islands               

 

O: 12MAR2023 12:57:17  22.2S  179.5W mb=4.4  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P: 15MAR2023 151652    20.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.5 BCBAA  Tonga Islands              

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 13MAR2023 06:49:22  58.8S   25.2W mb=4.9  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 14MAR2023 151672    60.0S   26.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 13MAR2023 01:37:16  44.0S  177.0E mb=4.7  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z

O: 13MAR2023 04:58:36  44.1S  177.0E ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF E. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z.

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ACBAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 12MAR2023 21:17:52  29.5N  130.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN        

P: 11MAR2023 151498    31.0N  132.0E 3.5-4.9 ABAAA  Kyushu, Japan area         

 

O: 12MAR2023 20:25:33  39.5N  142.5E mb=4.3  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP

P: 17MAR2023 151551    40.0N  143.0E 3.5-5.6 BAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

O: 12MAR2023 18:24:26  30.6N  116.3W ML=3.9  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI

P: 13MAR2023 151515    30.9N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 13MAR2023 05:06:21  31.8N  115.8W Ml=3.0  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 16MAR2023 151517    32.4N  115.8W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 12MAR2023 13:20:39  38.8N  122.8W Md=2.2  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 12MAR2023 151487    38.7N  122.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O: 12MAR2023 12:19:57  40.6N  124.0W Md=2.0  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 13MAR2023 151569    40.6N  124.9W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

O: 12MAR2023 22:33:38  41.4N  123.4W Md=2.5  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 15MAR2023 151568    40.7N  122.3W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA  Northern California        

 

 

ALASKA

 

 

O: 12MAR2023 11:52:32  51.4N  178.3W ml=3.7  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

O: 12MAR2023 17:04:20  51.9N  178.1W ML=3.0  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

P: 11MAR2023 151593    51.0N  178.1W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

O: 12MAR2023 09:30:16  52.2N  174.1E mb=3.9  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 14MAR2023 151608    52.0N  175.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Rat Islands                

 

O: 12MAR2023 16:58:41  59.0N  154.3W ML=3.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN ALASKA              

P:  5MAR2023 151338    58.0N  154.5W 3.2-5.0 CAAAA  Central Alaska             

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:53  48.9N  129.9W MB=4.3  ECAN WSW of Port Alice, BC 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:56  49.1N  129.4W mb=4.4  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO

P: 11MAR2023 151583    48.7N  129.0W 2.8-5.0 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W MB=3.8  ECAN S of Daajing Giids, BC 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia           

P: 20MAR2023 151596    53.0N  132.0W 3.0-5.4 CAAAA  British Colombia           

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 13MAR2023 06:19:04  31.6N  104.0W ML=2.9  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 13MAR2023 01:26:10  31.7N  104.1W ML=2.2  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 13MAR2023 06:24:05  31.0N  103.7W ML=2.0  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 15MAR2023 151513    32.6N  103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 13MAR2023 03:20:12  47.6N   70.2W MB=0.9  ECAN of La Malbaie, QC  

O: 13MAR2023 04:24:11  47.5N   70.0W MB=0.9  ECAN of La Pocati├¿re, QC  

O: 12MAR2023 03:15:53  47.5N   70.0W MB=0.6  ECAN of Saint-Pac├┤me, QC   

O: 11MAR2023 17:45:57  47.5N   70.0W MB=1.0  ECAN of La Pocati├¿re, QC  

O: 11MAR2023 14:47:13  47.6N   70.2W MB=0.6  ECAN of La Malbaie, QC  

O: 11MAR2023 02:31:13  47.4N   70.3W MB=1.0  ECAN of Saint-Bernard-de-l'├Äle-aux-Coudres, QC   

O: 12MAR2023 07:39:24  47.8N   69.8W MB=1.0  ECAN of Saint-Sim├⌐on, QC           

P: 12MAR2023 151558    47.0N   70.0W 2.0-4.2 AAAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 12MAR2023 05:28:42  46.3N   75.0W MB=1.3  ECAN of Nominingue, QC              

P: 15MAR2023 151565    45.0N   75.0W 2.0-4.4 BBAAA  New York State             

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:28:56  43.9N   69.3W MB=2.0  ECAN of Augusta, ME                 

P: 12MAR2023 151557    44.0N   68.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 10MAR2023 03:15:54  44.4N   79.0W MB=1.4  ECAN of Woodville, ON               

P: 12MAR2023 151573    46.0N   81.0W 2.0-4.1 ABBAA  Ohio/Lake Erie             

 

HAWAII

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

MODERATE QUAKES IN SANTA CRUZ AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR MARCH 11, 2023

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Santa Cruz

Islands north of Vanuatu. The last earthquake in the Santa Cruz Islands

of M>=5.7 was an M 5.7 on December 5, 2022 and an M 5.8 on November 16, 2022.

At the time of this event this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Santa Cruz Islands east of the Solomon Islands. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in the epicentral area near Lata.

The only earthquake of larger magnitude in the Santa Cruz Islands in the past

two years was an M 6.0 on November 25, 2021 about 100 km north of today's

epicenter. This appears to be part of the regional activation of the area

which began with the major earthquakes of November 9-12 in Fiji and Tonga." (November 16, 2022)

 

Forecast 151640 had expected today's earthquake within about 150 km was likely

around March 12, 2023.

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:43:21  12.0S  165.8E Mw=5.7  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

A moderate series of earthquakes hit east of the South Sandwich Islands today.

These event of M 5.2, 4.8 and 4.7 were not reported felt in this remote area.

The last earthquake within about 150 km of these events with M>=5.2 occurred

on January 1, 2023 also with M 5.2 and an M 5.6 on December 11, 2022.

The M 5.2 occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably

promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

Forecast 151672 had expected today's activity in this region was likely around March 14.

This activity is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 6.9 in

the Kermadec Islands of March 4, 2023 and may have been promoted by

energy from that source.

 

O: 12MAR2023 02:15:04  58.9S   24.8W mb=4.8  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 03:20:53  58.9S   24.8W mb=4.7  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 01:09:13  58.9S   24.7W mb=5.2  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 14MAR2023 151672    60.0S   26.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

 

An unusual earthquake of M 3.9 occurred today in southern Idaho.

This is not an aftershock of the M 6.5 of March 31, 2020 as it is about

100 km west of that epicenter.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.9 in Southern Idaho was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Idaho in Donnelly (IV), Cascade, New Meadows, Council, McCall, Cambridge, Eagle, Mesa, Indian Valley among others.

Today's event is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter

in Southern Idaho in at least 35 years. An M 4.0 occurred about 150 km

west of this on October 17, 1994, the only such event in this region to

the west in this time period. The M 6.5 in southern Idaho on March 31, 2020

has been followed by a long series of aftershocks about 100 km to the east

of today's epicenter. The last aftershock of this series with M>=3.9 was an

M 3.9 on December 21, 2022; the last of significantly larger magnitude

was an M 4.3 on November 13, 2020. Forecast 151283 had expected

today's event within about 10 km was likely around March 6, 2023.

 

O: 12MAR2023 03:03:57  44.6N  116.1W ML=3.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN IDAHO               

P:  6MAR2023 151283    44.6N  116.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

P: 11MAR2023 151561    44.5N  115.2W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today occurred as an M 4.3

near Vancouver Island and as an M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands area

of British Columbia.  These were not reported felt. This may related to a nor'easter hitting the northeastern

U.S. at this time. Larger earthquakes in the Vancouver and Queen Charlotte

Island area of Canada often occur in conjunction with strong nor'easters

on the opposite side of the North American Plate.

 

The M 3.8 in the Queen Charlotte Islands region is the strongest in that area

since an M 4.5 on December 24, 2022 and an aftershock of M 4.0 on the same date.

The last earthquake of M>=5 in this region was an M 5.1 on June 4, 2022.

At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"An unusual M 5.1 also occurred today in the Queen Charlotte Islands area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt in this area at Prince Rupert.

This is the strongest earthquake in the Queen Charlotte Islands region within about

200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on July 5, 2019 following an M 6.2 on July 4, 2019.

Those events occurred during a strong activation of the western edge of

North America Plate which included several strong earthquakes in central California." (June 4, 2022)

 

Forecast 151596 had expected this event was likely around March 12, 2023 within

about 100 km.

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W MB=3.8  ECAN S of Daajing Giids, BC 

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia           

 

The M 4.3 in the Vancouver Island area today was the strongest in that region since

an M 4.6 on August 8, 2022 and an M 4.3 on September 21, 2021, the only

such event in the past two years. An M 5.4 hit the area on July 22, 2022.

At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The M 5.1-5.4 in Vancouver, Canada was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in British Columbia, Canada at Ucluelet, Parksville, Victoria, and in Washington State, US., at Lopez Island, Blaine, Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, and Freeland.

About four minutes after the M 7.8 in Alaska an M 4.6 was recorded in the Vancouver

Island area, probably triggered by S- and Surface waves from the Alaska Peninsula.

This event was noted in this summary in the previous issue as:

 

 

"A moderate earthquake of M 4.6 was recorded in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada

about four minutes after the M 7.8 in the Alaska Peninsula. S-waves and surface

waves take about this time to travel the 17 degrees between these epicenter and

were present in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada at the time of the M 4.6." (July 22, 2020)

 

The Vancouver event is the strongest in the region within about 200 km of this

epicenter during the current year - an event of M 6.3 last hit on December 25, 2019,

part of a regional activation that began on December 23, 2019." (July 22, 2020)

 

Forecast 151583 had expected today's earthquake within about 100 km of this

epicenter was likely around March 11. This activity is located at 101 degrees

from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9 and  at the fourth node (90 degrees)

from the major earthquakes in Turkey of February and from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan

on February 23, 2023 and also at the fourth node from the M 6.9 in the Kermadec Islands

of March 4, 2023 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:53  48.9N  129.9W MB=4.3  ECAN WSW of Port Alice, BC          

P: 11MAR2023 151583    48.7N  129.0W 2.8-5.0 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

A pair of earthquakes occurred in South Island and the Cook Strait of

New Zealand today both with M 4.4 according to GEONET. These are interesting

because the second event in the Cook Strait occurred two minutes after the

event in South Island. It is likely it was triggered by S-waves from that

earlier event.  GEONET reported the event in the Cook Strait was felt with moderate to strong intensity in the area southeast of Wellington, New Zealand and in southern North Island and northern South Island. 12830 reports of felt events were made of which 4356 reported weak and 7121 light intensity with 1217 report of moderate shaking and 112 with strong and 8 severe and 16 with extreme intensity came from the area.

Forecasts 151390, 151387, 151664 and 151667 had expected these events

were likely within about 50 km in mid-March. This activity is located

near 144 degrees from the major earthquakes in Turkey of February, 2023 and at

the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.2 in Tajikistan of February 23 and at the

seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and was

probably promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:08:18  41.3S  174.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   COOK STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND     

O: 11MAR2023 10:08:18  41.2S  174.5E MS=4.4  GEONET Cook Strait, New Zealand

P:  9MAR2023 151387    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 20MAR2023 151667    41.0S  174.0E 3.0-5.1 CAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

 

GEONET reported the earthquake in South Island was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand. 12697 felt reports were published including 4308 of weak and 7043 of light shaking; 1213 moderate; 110 strong; 8 severe and 15 extreme shaking in northern South Island.

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:06:12  42.6S  172.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 11MAR2023 10:06:13  42.6S  172.5E MS=4.4  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P:  9MAR2023 151390    43.0S  171.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

P: 16MAR2023 151667    42.0S  173.0E 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

 

 

 

Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 6.9 in the area of the Kermadec Islands, March 4, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.

 

Today's projected seismicity map follows for the coming week.

 

 

OTHER GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY

 

For most events there are two listings. The first line is the observed event starting with "O:" for Observed. There follows the date, month and year, the time in UT hours:minutes:seconds, the latitude and longitude, the given magnitude and the reporting agency followed by the geographic location. The second line starts with "P:" This is the forecast event as forecast in our summaries normally more than a month in advance. Magnitudes may vary in response to updated seismic watches and daily variations due to tidal and other influences. This line has the forecast date, month and year, the forecast number, latitude, longitude and forecast magnitude range.  This is followed by a comparison between the forecast and the event. The comparison includes letters A-D. The first is number of days difference from predicted (A:up to 2, B3-5; C:6-10; D:more than 10), Difference in latitude (A:up to 1 degree; B:1-2 degrees; C:2-4 degrees; D:more than 4 degrees); longitude (same comparison as with latitude); magnitude (A: within forecast range; B: higher than forecast range; C: lower than forecast range; D: no comparison possible). The last letter is a stand in for a future comparison which needs to be done statistically after a large number of forecasts have been made. In previous data, an excellent match is generally AAAAA; a good match as one or two B's; a fair match has several B's and C's and a poor match is one which contains a number of C's or D's. 

 

ASIA

 

O: 11MAR2023 23:41:33  36.5N   70.5E mb=4.3  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P: 12MAR2023 151495    36.0N   71.0E 3.8-5.5 AAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

O: 11MAR2023 11:50:21  51.6N  159.7E mb=4.1  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA  

P: 12MAR2023 151598    52.0N  160.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  E. of Kamchatka            

 

O: 11MAR2023 13:17:55  23.6N  121.6E ML=4.4  TAI    Hualien, Taiwan              

P:  7MAR2023 151201    23.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

CWB reported this earthquake was felt with intensity II in Hualien and Changhua and I in Taichung, Yilan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Miaoli and Tainan Counties, Taiwan.

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.

 

INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES

 

O: 11MAR2023 06:33:35   9.7S  108.3E ML=3.9  EMSC   SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA     

P: 15MAR2023 151425     8.0S  108.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  So. of Java                

 

O: 11MAR2023 12:29:31   0.7N  119.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   MINAHASA, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

P: 14MAR2023 151396     0.0N  122.0E 4.0-5.6 BACAA  Celebes Sea                

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:09:44   1.6S  138.3E ML=4.2  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P: 12MAR2023 151430     2.0S  138.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 11MAR2023 17:47:53   2.6S  129.0E mb=4.5  EMSC   CERAM SEA, INDONESIA         

P:  9MAR2023 151152     3.0S  130.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 12MAR2023 01:24:00   3.7S  138.4E mb=4.4  EMSC   PAPUA, INDONESIA             

P: 12MAR2023 151430     2.0S  138.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

O: 11MAR2023 07:41:43   4.9N  123.7E mb=4.6  EMSC   CELEBES SEA                  

P: 10MAR2023 151132     6.0N  125.0E 4.0-5.8 ABBAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

P: 19MAR2023 151408     4.0N  123.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA  Mindanao, Philippines      

 

O: 11MAR2023 22:18:47   6.1S  103.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESI

P: 14MAR2023 151427     6.0S  103.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  So. of Sumatera            

 

O: 11MAR2023 21:39:53   6.3N   95.6E ML=4.3  EMSC   NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION

P: 17MAR2023 151409     5.0N   97.0E 4.0-5.4 CBBAA  Nicobar Islands            

 

O: 11MAR2023 07:32:37   6.7S  128.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   BANDA SEA                    

P: 11MAR2023 151413     6.0S  129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Banda Sea                  

 

O: 11MAR2023 13:07:13  13.9N  146.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   MARIANA ISLANDS REGION       

P: 13MAR2023 151457    13.0N  145.0E 4.0-5.5 AABAA  So. Marianas/Guam          

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.

 

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

 

O: 11MAR2023 21:12:01   5.4N   77.6W mb=4.9  EMSC   NEAR WEST COAST OF COLOMBIA  

P: 11MAR2023 151400     5.0N   78.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Colombia                   

 

O: 11MAR2023 17:08:47   9.2N   84.1W Mw=4.7  EMSC   COSTA RICA                   

P: 11MAR2023 151402     9.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Costa Rica                 

 

O: 11MAR2023 14:42:30  10.3N   84.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   COSTA RICA

O: 11MAR2023 12:16:30  10.3N   84.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   COSTA RICA                    

P: 11MAR2023 151402     9.0N   84.0W 3.5-5.3 ABAAA  Costa Rica                 

 

O: 12MAR2023 04:39:11  13.7N   90.7W mb=4.6  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUATEMALA

O: 11MAR2023 22:56:48  13.6N   90.7W mb=4.4  EMSC   OFFSHORE GUATEMALA           

P:  8MAR2023 151161    14.0N   90.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Guatemala                  

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6  in Guatemala was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Guatemalan Iztapa (IV), Esciuntla, Jutiapa, Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Mixco and in El Salvador.

A foreshock of M 4.4 was felt with intensity IV in Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala.

 

O: 11MAR2023 21:36:38  14.3N   92.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO     

P: 16MAR2023 151434    14.0N   93.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:05:55  15.4S   73.6W mb=4.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN PERU                

P: 12MAR2023 151629    14.0S   73.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  Central Peru               

P: 15MAR2023 151633    16.0S   74.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  So. Peru/Bolivia           

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:42:41  15.8N   92.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   CHIAPAS, MEXICO              

P:  9MAR2023 151157    15.0N   94.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Chiapas, Mexico            

 

O: 11MAR2023 14:08:16  17.2N   69.1W ML=3.5  EMSC   DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION    

P: 16MAR2023 151454    18.0N   69.0W 3.4-5.3 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 12MAR2023 05:18:45  18.1N  101.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   GUERRERO, MEXICO             

P: 13MAR2023 151446    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.7 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:00:02  18.5N  103.2W ML=4.1  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

P: 13MAR2023 151446    18.0N  102.0W 3.5-5.7 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:25:11  18.9N   67.2W Md=3.4  EMSC   PUERTO RICO REGION           

P: 13MAR2023 151454    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:27:41  22.2S   68.8W mb=4.6  EMSC   ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE           

P: 11MAR2023 151642    21.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.8 ABAAA  Argentina                  

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:01:33  24.3S   67.4W mb=4.3  EMSC   SALTA, ARGENTINA             

P:  9MAR2023 151364    24.0S   68.0W 4.0-5.7 BAAAA  Argentina                  

P: 14MAR2023 151646    24.0S   69.0W 4.0-5.8 AABAA  Coast No. Chile            

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:55:32  27.6N  111.6W ML=3.5  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 20MAR2023 151464    28.0N  112.0W 3.5-4.9 CAAAA  Gulf of California         

 

AFRICA AND EUROPE

 

O: 11MAR2023 11:32:09  38.1N   38.5E mb=4.3  EMSC   EASTERN TURKEY               

P: 14MAR2023 151537    38.0N   39.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Turkey                     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Central Turkey was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Turkey in Adana, and in Icel in Tarsus and Mersin.

 

O: 11MAR2023 12:09:19  45.5N   26.4E mb=4.1  EMSC   ROMANIA                      

P: 12MAR2023 151577    46.0N   26.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA  Romania/NW Turkey          

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:58:18  39.7N   16.1E ML=3.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN ITALY               

P: 14MAR2023 151499    38.0N   15.0E 3.0-4.6 BBAAA  Mediterranean/Sicily       

 

No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.

 

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:43:21  12.0S  165.8E Mw=5.7  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS           

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 11MAR2023 21:38:12  12.6S  169.5E mb=4.7  EMSC   SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS REGION    

P: 12MAR2023 151640    11.0S  167.0E 4.0-5.5 ABCAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 11MAR2023 17:17:29  14.9S  167.4E mb=4.6  EMSC   VANUATU                      

O: 11MAR2023 21:26:23  15.6S  167.9E mb=4.5  EMSC   VANUATU                      

P: 12MAR2023 151641    15.0S  168.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Vanuatu Islands            

 

O: 11MAR2023 13:29:47  16.3S  177.5E Mw=5.5  EMSC   FIJI                         

P: 13MAR2023 151630    16.0S  178.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Fiji Islands               

 

O: 12MAR2023 01:19:34  18.8S  177.5W mb=4.3  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 17MAR2023 151638    18.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:49:52  24.1S  180.0W mb=4.8  EMSC   SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS        

P: 16MAR2023 151653    25.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.5 BACAA  Tonga Islands              

 

OCEAN RIDGES

 

O: 12MAR2023 02:15:04  58.9S   24.8W mb=4.8  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 03:20:53  58.9S   24.8W mb=4.7  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 01:09:13  58.9S   24.7W mb=5.2  EMSC   SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

P: 14MAR2023 151672    60.0S   26.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  So. Sandwich Islands       

 

O: 11MAR2023 14:50:02   7.1S   12.5W mb=4.8  EMSC   ASCENSION ISLAND REGION      

P: 13MAR2023 151423     5.0S   12.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA  No. of Ascension Isl       

 

 

ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:08:18  41.3S  174.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   COOK STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND     

O: 11MAR2023 10:08:18  41.2S  174.5E MS=4.4  GEONET Cook Strait, New Zealand

P:  9MAR2023 151387    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 13MAR2023 151664    40.0S  175.0E 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

P: 20MAR2023 151667    41.0S  174.0E 3.0-5.1 CAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

GEONET reported the event in the Cook Strait was felt with moderate to strong intensity in the area southeast of Wellington, New Zealand and in southern North Island and northern South Island. 12830 reports of felt events were made of which 4356 reported weak and 7121 light intensity with 1217 report of moderate shaking and 112 with strong and 8 severe and 16 with extreme intensity came from the area.

 

O: 11MAR2023 10:06:12  42.6S  172.5E ML=4.2  EMSC   SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND  

O: 11MAR2023 10:06:13  42.6S  172.5E MS=4.4  GEONET South Island, New Zealand

P:  9MAR2023 151390    43.0S  171.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

P: 16MAR2023 151667    42.0S  173.0E 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  So. Island, N.Z.           

 

GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand. 12697 felt reports were published including 4308 of weak and 7043 of light shaking; 1213 moderate; 110 strong; 8 severe and 15 extreme shaking in northern South Island.

 

 

JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS

 

O: 11MAR2023 09:18:37  38.0N  140.5E mb=4.0  EMSC   EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN        

P: 14MAR2023 151503    37.0N  139.0E 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  No. Honshu, Japan          

 

O: 11MAR2023 23:39:16  26.7N  127.0E mb=4.9  EMSC   RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN         

P: 14MAR2023 151472    26.0N  128.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Ryukyu Islands             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in The Ryukyu Islands, Japan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of The Ryukyu Islands, Japan in Okinawa at Yomitan and Chatan.

 

O: 12MAR2023 01:06:04  43.5N  145.0E mb=4.1  EMSC   HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION       

P: 14MAR2023 151552    43.0N  146.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

No earthquakes of M>=4 were located in Japan or the Kuril Islands today.

 

U.S./CANADA*

 

WESTERN U.S./CANADA

 

CALIFORNIA

 

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:58:01  30.5N  114.1W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 14MAR2023 151516    30.0N  114.3W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 12MAR2023 04:51:48  30.4N  116.0W ML=3.5  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 12MAR2023 04:53:00  30.4N  116.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

O: 12MAR2023 04:31:40  30.5N  116.0W ML=3.9  EMSC   BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO      

P: 13MAR2023 151515    30.9N  116.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 11MAR2023 08:11:18  33.0N  116.3W ML=2.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P:  8MAR2023 151246    32.6N  116.1W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA  So. California             

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Ramona.

 

O: 11MAR2023 22:41:14  33.6N  118.0W Ml=2.0  EMSC   GULF OF SANTA CATALINA, CALIF.

P:  6MAR2023 151249    33.9N  118.3W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA  So. California             

 

O: 11MAR2023 22:02:02  40.4N  124.1W Md=2.5  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 13MAR2023 151569    40.6N  124.9W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Fort Bragg and Caspar.

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Floriston (IV) and Truckee and in Nevada at Incline Village and Glenbrook.

 

O: 11MAR2023 09:41:43  40.8N  122.2W Md=2.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 15MAR2023 151568    40.7N  122.3W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA  Northern California        

 

 

ALASKA

 

O: 11MAR2023 11:07:34  51.9N  178.1W ML=3.4  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

O: 11MAR2023 10:05:09  51.9N  178.1W ml=3.4  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 11MAR2023 151593    51.0N  178.1W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA

 

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION

O: 12MAR2023 07:22:03  52.8N  132.0W MB=3.8  ECAN S of Daajing Giids, BC 

P: 12MAR2023 151596    54.0N  133.0W 3.0-5.3 ABAAA  British Colombia            

 

O: 12MAR2023 15:31:53  48.9N  129.9W MB=4.3  ECAN WSW of Port Alice, BC          

P: 11MAR2023 151583    48.7N  129.0W 2.8-5.0 AAAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

 

O: 11MAR2023 09:51:19  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.4  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 11MAR2023 12:17:23  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 11MAR2023 12:25:07  31.7N  104.4W ML=2.5  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 11MAR2023 12:08:25  31.6N  104.3W ML=2.5  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 12MAR2023 151513    32.5N  104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

O: 12MAR2023 03:03:57  44.6N  116.1W ML=3.9  EMSC   SOUTHERN IDAHO               

P:  6MAR2023 151283    44.6N  116.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

P: 11MAR2023 151561    44.5N  115.2W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  Montana/Idaho              

 

EASTERN U.S./CANADA

 

O: 11MAR2023 15:59:53  36.1N   98.9W ML=2.2  EMSC   OKLAHOMA                     

P: 14MAR2023 151534    36.0N   97.0W 2.0-4.2 BABAA  Southern Plains            

 

HAWAII

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Volcano, Hawaii National Park and Keaau.

 

No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.

 

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