GREAT QUAKES DAMAGING, DEADLY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN TURKEY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2023
Two major to great earthquakes occurred today in Central and eastern Turkey. The first of these was an M 7.8 but an M 7.5 occurred within minutes of local solar noon later in the day and was probably triggered by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Press reports indicate it was felt from Eastern Turkey to the Mediterranean Sea and Cairo, Egypt. At least 1500 are confirmed dead and many more have probably perished in this earthquake of M 7.7-7.9. Many buildings were destroyed or damaged. This is an area where large number of refugees are stationed. These people have fled regional conflicts in Syria, Iran and Ukraine in recent years. Many of these camps were damaged in these earthquakes. At this writing official tolls include 1014 dead, 5383 injured, 29818 building collapsed in Turkey and 326 killed, 1042 injured in Syria. Widespread damage occurred for several hundred km running Southwest to Northeast. The mainshock epicenter was near Gaziantep where a thousand's year historic castlw was also damage. NEIC reported intensity IV in Hasanbeyli, Osmaniey and Islahiye, Gaziantep with VIII also in Nizip and VII in Ikenderun, Turkey and Aleppo, Syria. The mainshock was felt with intensity IV-VI as far as Cairo, Egypt, Kuwait, Tebriz, Iran, Izmir, Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Georgia, Jordan, Cyprus, Lebanon. Many moderate aftershocks followed and were felt with moderate to light intensity in the epicentral area. An M 7.5 occurred later northeast of Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Pictures on the internet show massive destruction throughout the area. Rescue teams from many countries are flooding the area. A tsunami warning was issued for areas of the Mediterranean and Black Sea but was later withdrawn. The strongest immediate aftershock was an M 6.7 which was felt with intensity VII in Turkey at Urfa, and Syria at Latakia; VI wsa reported in Adana, Turkey and Tartus, Syria; V in Gaziantep, Erdemli, Turkey and in Hims, Syria and in Lebanon among other areas. This may have been triggered by the onset of a strong geomagnetic storm. This storm began near 00:00 UT on February 6, 2023 and ended after the geomagnetic field at satellite altitudes had dropped from about 100 Nanoteslas (nT) to about 40 NT when it ended abruptly at 01:16 UT (GOES 16 Hp via NOAA). The earthquake in Turkey occurred at 01:17 UT and was likely triggered by this major change in the intensity of the geomagnetic field.
The mainshock also occurred within several hours of the complete full moon as described in this an previous issues of this summary as:
"The full moon will arrive at 18:29 UT on February 5, 2023. Longitudes which are at local solar noon are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight are near 80 East. In the west these include areas of the central U.S. including Texas and Oklahoma/Kansas and Canada and western Mexico and part of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Afghanistan, Hindu Kush, Pakistan, China, central Asia and areas of the Indian Ridge system are included. These are the most likely regions to be subject to tidal triggering from February 2-8. While a major earthquake is unlikely at this time, regions of western Mexico and/or Central Asia could see a strong quake with this full moon.
It is likely that tidal stresses were a major factor in this earthquake occurring at this hour and date.
The area was also under high tidal stresses with the previous new moon and was near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment. Residual stresses from that new moon may have also contributed to today's M 7.8 in Turkey. This summary had noted this possibility in late January as:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
The last earthquake within Turkey or within about 500 km of today's epicenter in Central Turkey with M>=7 was an M 7.3 11.3 years ago (11.3X1) about 500 km northeast of today's epicenter on October 23, 2011 - an event which occurred two days before the new moon - and an M 7.8 in the Izmit, Turkey area on August 17, 1999 (near the new moon). This occurred 33.5 years ago (11.2X3). Astute readers will note that these are both at times (11.3 and 33.5 years from today) when the solar cycle is maximized (solar cycle period if about 11.2 years). That event is one of the most deadly in recent European history and did massive damage with extensive loss of life near Istanbul. It occurred two days after a solar eclipse was seen in that area and was certainly promoted by tidal effects from that eclipse. This summary noted that event on August 17, 2022 as:
"At least 17,000 were killed and 50,000 injured from this earthquake which left more than 500,000 homeless and thousands missing. Estimated cost was $7 billion (U.S. Dollars). Severe damage from Istanbul, Kocaeli and Sakryna Provinces of Turkey. Damage occurred to homes, public buildings and mosques. Liquefaction was common and large sections of several cities were inundated and subsided. Part of the motorway between Istanbul and Ankara buckled causing cars to crash into each other. Up to 5 meters of displacement occurred along the North Anatolian Fault. A tsunami was generated which caused additional damage in many areas around the Marmara Sea." (August 17, 2022)
"The only earthquakes in this area of M>=7.8 in the past century occurred located north of Lake Van. This appears to be the second largest earthquake in eastern Turkey since an M 8.0 in Erzincan in 1939. An M 7.5 occurred on November 24 1976 which damaged 9232 buildings and killed 3840 while a slightly smaller event of M 7.0 on August 19, 1966 killed 2529 and left more than 100,000 homeless in the Erzurum and Mus areas. Varto was almost destroyed in that earthquake." (October 24, 2011)
Note that the event of August 19, 1966 is also at a solar cycle from today occurring 56.5 (11.3X5) years ago and within a day of the new moon.
Other than these, the area has a long history of recorded damaging earthquakes.
Other such recent earthquakes in or near Turkey occurred in the Caucasus on August 22, 1978 in eastern Turkey about 500 km northeast of today's epicenter; and on September 6, 1975 both with M 7.8-8.0. Note that the event in 1978 is also at a solar cycle ago - 44.6 years ago (11.3X4). An M 7.8 also hit Turkey on January 24, 1916 but no such event have been recorded within 250 km of today's epicenter in at least 150 years.
The closest recorded great earthquake to today's epicenter was an M 7.9-8.0 on December 26, 1939. This summary noted this event on December 26, 2022 as:
"Between 20,000 and 30,000 were killed and more than 30,000 homes were destroyed. The large population of homeless severely suffered from winter snow and storms and cold. Most structures were destroyed at Erzincan, Susechri, Resadiye and Niksar. Faulting was observed east of Erzincan and Niksar. The sea was observed to retire 50 meters at Fatsa on the Black Sea and then to return 20 meters above the water line." (December 26, 2022)
This earthquake (in 1939) also occurred, like today's within hours of the full moon.
Today's earthquake is sufficiently large to considerably affect global seismicity patterns. The pattern this summary is most concerned with is far-field triggering at nodal distance from the mainshock. Strong earthquakes are nodal distances from this event are likely within the next 10-12 days with strong aftershocks with the new moon on February 20, 2023. Some of the areas to watch for enhanced far-field seismicity at this time and their distances from Turkey include:
144 Degrees - Tonga/Fiji/New Zealand, East Pacific Rise
120 Degrees - Coquimbo Chile, New Britain, Coast of Peru, Hawaii,
100-105 degrees - Panama, Costa Rica, Texas, Central and Southern California and Nevada, Colombia, Southwest Australia, New Guinea, Guam,
90 degrees - Aleutian Islands, Montana-British Columbia border, Southeastern US, Southeastern Alaska, Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic, Molucca Sea, Bonin Islands,
72 degrees - Taiwan, Sumatra, Quebec,
60 degrees - Andaman Islands, India
52 degrees - Myanmar, Greenland, South Africa, Canary, Cape Verde Islands, Mid-Atlantic,
Moderate foreshocks hit within about 150 km of today's epicenters on
Strong regional aftershocks with more damage are also expected near the region of central and northern and eastern Turkey in the next week. Residents should avoid damaged buildings during this period.
In the previous issue of this summary enhanced global seismicity was expected at this time as a result of returning solar flare activity and the full moon tides as:
"Moderately strong earthquakes of M 5.8-5.9 were felt in the Izu Islands, Japan in Coquimbo, Chile (M 5.5) and in eastern New Guinea, PNG today (M 5.9). This probably is the beginning of a more active period in global seismicity over the full moon today and with increased solar activity over the next several days. Watch for a strong earthquake in this period as noted in the tidal forecast (see above and under TIDAL section of this summary).
The last earthquake with M>=7.8 in the world occurred on August 12, 2021 in the
South Sandwich Islands with M 8.1 and as an M 8.2 two weeks earlier on July 29, 2021 in the Alaska Peninsula. Major earthquake often tend to clump together in limited time periods, perhaps triggering each other. It is possible that today's event in Turkey is the first of such a series after a long lull period in global seismicity.
Following are the parameters for the major earthquakes in Turkey today. A more extensive listing can be found in the EUROPEEAN Seismicity section of this summary. Forecast 150467 had expected today's activity in Turkey was likely within about 100 km around February 7, 2023. Today's activity is located near 144 degrees from the major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji of November and December, 2022 and at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.0 in the Solomon Islands of November 22, 2022 and 101-102 degrees from the M 6.4 in Northern California of December 20, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 6FEB2023 01:17:35 37.2N 37.0E mw=7.8 EMSC E of Nurda Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 10:24:49 38.1N 37.2E mw=7.5 EMSC Central Turkey
P: 7FEB2023 150467 38.0N 36.0E 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Turkey
As this issue of the summary was going to press another aftershock of M 6.0 occurred in the area (at 12:02 UT). It was followed by an M 5.5 in western Turkey in the Izmit area at 12:03 UT. More on these in the next issue of this summary. The timing of these, however is important as it illustrates another possible source of triggering for these and additional regional seismicity. This was a C7.8 solar flare, the strongest such event since January 26. This flare peaked within minutes of these two earthquakes (around 12:02). SWPC gives the following data for this flare:
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 1158 1205 1225 C7.8 (February 6, 2023) 7.6E-03
An unusually large M 4.5 occurred on February 5 in Western Australia. NEIC reported it was felt in this region with intensity II-III in Perth and Albany. This is the strongest earthquake in western Australia within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 about 200 km southeast of this on January 5, 2023 and an M 4.8 about 100 km southwest on January 24, 2022. The last such event in this area north of today's epicenter occurred in 2009. Forecast 150587 had expected this event within about 200 km was likely around February 6, 2023. When the event occurred in January, 2023 this summary noted:
"The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 4.7 in Western Australia. EMSC reported it was lightly felt in the epicentral area. This event is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.8 on January 24, 2022 and prior to that an M 4.8 on October 9, 2007." (January 5, 2023)
This activity is at 103 degrees from the earthquakes in Turkey today. It is possible this node was active triggering both of these events.
O: 05FEB2023 05:04:27 33.3S 117.0E ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 05FEB2023 01:13:58 33.4S 117.0E ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 5FEB2023 00:40:01 32.8S 117.5E mb=4.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 5FEB2023 18:25:22 33.4S 117.0E ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
P: 6FEB2023 150587 31.0S 118.0E 2.0-4.4 ABAAA So. Australia
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.8 in the area of the Central Turkey, February 6, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.
Today's projected seismicity map (updated for the effects of the Turkey quake and the full moon) 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: 6FEB2023 07:29:26 31.3N 79.8E ML=3.5 EMSC WESTERN XIZANG-INDIA BORDER RE
P: 7FEB2023 150474 30.0N 82.0E 3.8-5.2 ABBAA Xizang
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 6FEB2023 07:42:25 0.4S 123.0E ML=4.8 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150332 0.0N 122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Celebes Sea
P: 5FEB2023 150367 1.0S 124.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Sulawesi area
O: 5FEB2023 23:19:34 2.5S 140.7E ML=4.6 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 4FEB2023 150362 3.0S 141.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 05FEB2023 22:29:33 2.8N 127.1E ML=4.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 5FEB2023 13:40:57 2.8N 128.2E ML=4.0 EMSC HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 3FEB2023 150340 3.0N 129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 5FEB2023 10:51:08 6.8S 129.7E mb=4.4 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 6FEB2023 150371 6.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 6FEB2023 07:11:34 7.6S 117.1E mb=4.9 EMSC BALI SEA
P: 4FEB2023 150368 8.0S 117.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Sumbawa Island area
O: 05FEB2023 16:10:08 6.4N 126.1E ML=4.5 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 5FEB2023 09:59:20 7.8N 126.2E mb=4.7 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3FEB2023 150335 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Central Philippines
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Gabi, Nabunturan, Mawab and Davao.
O: 5FEB2023 17:52:17 12.2N 123.9E ML=4.0 EMSC MASBATE REGION, PHILIPPINES
P: 1FEB2023 150384 13.0N 122.0E 3.5-5.1 BABAA Luzon, Philippines
O: 5FEB2023 21:40:40 18.5N 145.3E mb=4.3 EMSC PAGAN REG., N. MARIANA ISLANDS
P: 8FEB2023 150390 18.0N 145.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA No. Marianas
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 6FEB2023 02:04:30 9.0N 84.1W ML=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
P: 5FEB2023 150337 8.0N 83.0W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Costa Rica
O: 6FEB2023 05:48:46 10.5S 75.7W ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
P: 9FEB2023 150557 15.0S 76.0W 4.0-5.6 BCAAA Central Peru
O: 5FEB2023 09:22:11 14.4N 93.8W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 9FEB2023 150373 14.0N 93.0W 3.5-5.2 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 5FEB2023 09:06:30 16.8N 99.7W mb=4.5 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 5FEB2023 08:06:29 17.0N 100.1W ML=4.0 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150393 18.0N 100.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Guerrero, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Guerrero, Mexico in Acapulco and San Marcos.
O: 6FEB2023 03:07:18 17.7S 69.7W ML=4.0 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 8FEB2023 150562 18.0S 70.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 5FEB2023 20:27:44 18.9N 68.5W Md=3.6 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
P: 9FEB2023 150395 19.0N 69.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 05FEB2023 23:01:55 19.3N 65.9W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 5FEB2023 15:56:55 19.2N 66.6W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 6FEB2023 150394 19.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 5FEB2023 22:25:33 19.6N 73.3W ML=3.2 EMSC HAITI REGION
P: 7FEB2023 150395 19.0N 74.0W 3.4-5.4 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 5FEB2023 10:31:32 24.3S 67.2W mb=4.7 EMSC SALTA, ARGENTINA
P: 6FEB2023 150569 24.0S 66.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA Argentina
O: 5FEB2023 07:08:46 32.7S 71.7W mb=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
P: 7FEB2023 150584 34.0S 71.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA Central Chile
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Calera.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 6FEB2023 01:26:20 45.3N 26.8E ML=4.6 EMSC ROMANIA
P: 3FEB2023 150509 46.0N 27.0E 3.0-4.9 BAAAA Romania/NW Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 03:02:09 35.8N 36.5E ML=4.2 EMSC SYRIA
P: 3FEB2023 150415 36.0N 35.0E 3.0-4.9 BABAA Aegean Sea
O: 6FEB2023 01:19:15 36.3N 28.0E ML=4.7 EMSC DODECANESE IS.-TURKEY BORDER R
P: 7FEB2023 150416 36.0N 27.0E 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Aegean Sea
O: 6FEB2023 07:30:08 36.5N 33.8E ML=4.4 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
P: 3FEB2023 150415 36.0N 35.0E 3.0-4.9 BABAA Aegean Sea
O: 6FEB2023 02:31:17 36.7N 36.9E ML=4.8 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
P: 3FEB2023 150415 36.0N 35.0E 3.0-4.9 BABAA Aegean Sea
P: 7FEB2023 150467 38.0N 36.0E 3.5-5.0 ABAAA Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 05:32:55 37.0N 39.8E mb=4.3 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
P: 8FEB2023 150470 39.0N 41.0E 3.5-5.1 ABAAA Turkey
O: 5FEB2023 09:07:46 38.5N 44.8E ML=4.0 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150469 38.0N 44.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 01:47:42 38.6N 40.6E ML=4.3 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
P: 4FEB2023 150470 39.0N 40.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 01:59:17 38.8N 32.1E ML=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
P: 6FEB2023 150468 39.0N 31.0E 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 03:16:37 39.3N 38.3E ML=4.4 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
P: 4FEB2023 150470 39.0N 40.0E 3.5-4.9 AABAA Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 04:24:32 40.2N 27.7E ML=4.0 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
P: 6FEB2023 150509 41.0N 26.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA Romania/NW Turkey
O: 06FEB2023 02:48:23 36.1N 36.2E ML=4.2 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 05:36:36 36.3N 36.2E mb=4.6 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 03:58:18 36.5N 36.4E ML=4.3 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 07:08:38 36.6N 36.5E ML=4.6 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 02:43:46 36.7N 36.4E ML=4.2 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 02:43:46 36.7N 36.4E ML=4.2 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 02:54:00 36.7N 36.4E mb=4.9 EMSC TURKEY-SYRIA BORDER REGION
O: 06FEB2023 01:36:28 37.0N 36.8E mb=5.6 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:58:24 37.0N 36.6E ML=5.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:23:15 37.1N 36.7E ML=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:26:49 37.1N 37.1E mb=5.6 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:25:10 37.1N 36.6E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:17:32 37.2N 37.0E Mw=7.8 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:23:14 37.2N 37.0E mb=5.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:01:15 37.2N 36.8E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:01:44 37.3N 37.0E ML=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:17:41 37.3N 36.5E mb=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:55:08 37.3N 37.1E ML=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:55:08 37.3N 37.1E ML=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:28:18 37.4N 36.9E Mw=6.7 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:41:27 37.4N 37.1E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 06:26:33 37.4N 36.5E mb=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:51:44 37.5N 37.2E ML=5.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:21:19 37.5N 37.1E ML=4.6 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:12:11 37.5N 37.3E mb=4.5 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:03:21 37.5N 37.6E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:16:49 37.5N 37.2E ML=4.6 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:24:45 37.5N 37.2E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 06:59:04 37.5N 37.1E ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 07:21:06 37.5N 37.1E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:34:19 37.6N 37.3E ML=4.4 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:34:19 37.6N 37.3E ML=4.4 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 06:43:20 37.6N 37.1E ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:54:00 37.7N 37.1E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:55:38 37.7N 37.6E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 06:54:57 37.8N 37.4E mb=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:03:37 37.9N 37.8E mb=5.5 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:06:23 37.9N 38.0E ML=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 05:22:44 37.9N 37.9E ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:04:25 38.0N 37.3E ML=4.5 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:14:20 38.0N 38.6E mb=4.4 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 05:55:53 38.0N 38.4E mb=4.5 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 02:26:32 38.1N 38.2E ML=4.3 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:04:47 38.1N 38.6E mb=5.2 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:28:45 38.2N 38.6E mb=4.4 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 04:18:49 38.2N 38.5E mb=5.2 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 03:45:49 38.3N 38.6E mb=4.8 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 06FEB2023 01:59:57 38.6N 39.4E ML=4.0 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 6FEB2023 01:17:35 37.2N 37.0E mw=7.8 EMSC E of Nurda Turkey
O: 6FEB2023 10:24:49 38.1N 37.2E mw=7.5 EMSC Central Turkey
P: 7FEB2023 150467 38.0N 36.0E 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Turkey
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
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: 6FEB2023 02:06:39 30.9S 179.9E ML=4.7 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 6FEB2023 02:22:27 31.0S 177.1W mb=5.1 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 7FEB2023 150574 29.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA No. Kermadec Islands
O: 5FEB2023 18:25:22 33.4S 117.0E ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
P: 6FEB2023 150587 31.0S 118.0E 2.0-4.4 ACAAA So. Australia
O: 6FEB2023 01:36:16 37.5S 175.8E ML=3.7 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 6FEB2023 150586 37.0S 177.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA North Island, N.Z.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 5FEB2023 21:58:50 27.3N 143.5E mb=4.7 EMSC BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 6FEB2023 150402 29.0N 142.0E 4.0-5.7 ABAAA Bonin Islands
O: 6FEB2023 03:32:15 26.4N 126.0E mb=4.2 EMSC NORTHEAST OF TAIWAN
P: 8FEB2023 150409 27.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Ryukyu Islands
O: 5FEB2023 12:58:21 48.9N 157.5E mb=4.5 EMSC EAST OF KURIL ISLANDS
P: 8FEB2023 150525 50.0N 156.0E 4.0-6.1 BABAA Kamchatka
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 05FEB2023 21:45:31 31.4N 114.3W ML=3.4 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 05FEB2023 20:36:38 31.5N 114.3W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 5FEB2023 07:16:44 30.9N 114.0W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 5FEB2023 21:25:52 31.4N 114.3W ML=3.6 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150403 30.0N 114.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
O: 5FEB2023 06:59:55 32.3N 115.4W Ml=2.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150454 32.5N 115.7W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA So. California
O: 5FEB2023 09:25:45 33.7N 116.7W Ml=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 7FEB2023 150456 33.4N 116.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
O: 6FEB2023 03:44:33 35.5N 118.4W Ml=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150460 35.9N 117.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA So. California
O: 05FEB2023 22:33:59 35.7N 117.6W Ml=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 5FEB2023 14:22:14 35.6N 117.3W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 3FEB2023 150458 35.1N 117.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 5FEB2023 23:55:48 35.8N 121.3W Md=2.6 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150449 35.7N 121.2W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Off So. California
O: 5FEB2023 11:04:22 37.6N 119.4W Md=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 1FEB2023 150419 37.3N 119.4W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 5FEB2023 06:58:34 38.3N 119.3W ML=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 5FEB2023 07:43:47 38.6N 119.5W Md=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150422 38.8N 119.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 5FEB2023 22:39:24 38.8N 122.9W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150428 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 6FEB2023 02:59:46 40.5N 124.0W Md=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 6FEB2023 150502 40.6N 124.9W 2.5-4.8 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 Fortuna and McKinleyville.
ALASKA
O: 6FEB2023 01:04:47 53.0N 167.4W ml=3.6 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 5FEB2023 150524 52.5N 166.5W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 5FEB2023 22:43:11 53.2N 164.5W ML=3.2 EMSC UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 3FEB2023 150536 54.1N 164.4W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Unimak Islands, Aleutians
O: 5FEB2023 07:55:47 54.7N 156.7W ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTH OF ALASKA
P: 9FEB2023 150516 54.7N 156.9W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA Alaska Peninsula
O: 05FEB2023 20:35:47 60.2N 153.2W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 5FEB2023 18:31:33 59.7N 153.1W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 5FEB2023 150540 60.2N 153.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 6FEB2023 02:15:37 63.1N 149.9W ml=3.1 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 7FEB2023 150543 62.6N 151.4W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Matanuska-Sustina Borough and in Anchorage.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 5FEB2023 19:52:40 48.5N 123.3W Ml=2.3 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
P: 7FEB2023 150514 47.5N 121.8W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Washington state, U.S.
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 5FEB2023 20:18:05 32.1N 102.1W mb=2.4 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 05FEB2023 07:01:49 44.4N 115.2W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 5FEB2023 14:46:39 44.4N 114.6W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
P: 4FEB2023 150492 44.5N 115.2W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Montana/Idaho
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
No earthquakes of M>=1 were located in the Eastern U.S. or Canada today.
HAWAII
O: 6FEB2023 02:30:53 19.3N 155.4W ML=3.6 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 4FEB2023 150380 19.3N 155.2W 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, Pahoa and Pepeekeo.
O: 5FEB2023 14:36:25 19.0N 155.4W ML=3.4 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 9FEB2023 150380 18.8N 155.2W 3.0-4.5 BAAAA Hawaii
MODERATE QUAKES IN SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA
MODERATELY LARGE QUAKES NEW GUINEA; CENTRAL CHILE; IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2023
Moderately strong earthquakes of M 5.8-5.9 were felt in the Izu Islands, Japan in Coquimbo, Chile (M 5.5) and in eastern New Guinea, PNG today (M 5.9). This is probably is the beginning of a more active period in global seismicity over the full moon today and with increased solar activity over the next several days. Watch for a strong earthquake in this period as noted in the tidal forecast for this full moon:
"The full moon will arrive at 18:29 UT on February 5, 2023. Longitudes which are at local solar noon are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight are near 80 East. In the west these include areas of the central U.S. including Texas and Oklahoma/Kansas and Canada and western Mexico and part of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Afghanistan, Hindu Kush, Pakistan, China, central Asia and areas of the Indian Ridge system are included. These are the most likely regions to be subject to tidal triggering from February 2-8. While a major earthquake is unlikely at this time, regions of western Mexico and/or Central Asia could see a strong quake with this full moon. A moderately strong earthquake is considered likely in the period within three days of this full moon." (February 3-5, 2023)
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8-5.9 in the Izu Islands south of Honshu, Japan. JMA reported it was lightly felt in the area of southeastern Honshu, Japan. The last earthquake of larger magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter in the Izu Islands was an M 6.4-6.6 on November 29, 2021. Forecast 150429 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around February 6, 2023. This activity is at 100 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 5FEB2023 00:03:20 32.7N 141.7E Mw=5.8 EMSC IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 6FEB2023 150429 34.0N 139.0E 3.5-5.9 ABBAA Central/So. Honshu Japan
An M 5.5 moderately large earthquake also shook the area of Coquimbo, Chile today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Coquimbo at Coquimbo and La Serena. GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity VI in Coquimbo at La Serena,Andacollo; V in La higuera, Monte Patria, Rio Hurtado, Paiguano, Vicuna, Combarbala, Ovalle, Punitaqui, Tongoy; IV in Canela, Illapel; III in Salamanca, and Punta de Choros; and IV in Atacama at Copiapo, Tierra Amarilla, Alto del Carmen, Freirina, Huasco and Vallenar, Chile. This earthquake was preceded by a series of foreshocks over the past day including and M 4.8 yesterday. An M 4.0 foreshock today was felt with intensity II in Coquimbo and La Serena. A similar event of M 5.5 hit about 100 km south of today's epicenter on January 12, 2023 but the last with significantly larger magnitude in this area was an M 5.8 on May 2, 2021, the largest in this region in the past 2.5 years. Forecast 150572 had expected today's event in this region was likely around February 5, 2023.
Forecast 150572 had expected today's event with magnitude up to M 5.6 was likely within about 100 km around February 5, 2023. This activity is located at 147 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Molucca area of January 18 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
O: 5FEB2023 01:02 29.7S 71.3W mb=5.5 GUC Coquimbo at La Serena,Andacoll
O: 4FEB2023 11:52:14 29.4S 72.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF COQUIMBO, CHILE
O: 5FEB2023 01:02:45 29.7S 71.1W Mw=5.5 EMSC COQUIMBO, CHILE
O: 4FEB2023 10:39:53 29.8S 71.7W mb=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
An M 5.9 also occurred today in the region of Eastern New Guinea. NEIC reported maximum shaking with intensity V in the Eastern Highlands in Kainantu. Intensity II-III was also felt in Goroka, Lae Morobe, Mount Hagen and Port Moresby. It was preceded less than an hour earlier by and M 4.4 regional foreshock. This is the strongest event in New Guinea within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.6 on September 10, 2022. This is probably an aftershock - the largest to date - of that event. Forecast 150357 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around February 2, 2023.
O: 4FEB2023 12:22:37 6.4S 146.3E Mw=5.9 EMSC EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G
P: 2FEB2023 150357 7.0S 146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA New Ireland
An unusually large M 4.5 occurred today in Western Australia. NEIC reported it was felt in this region with intensity II-III in Perth and Albany. This is the strongest earthquake in western Australia within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 about 200 km southeast of this on January 5, 2023 and an M 4.8 about 100 km southwest on January 24, 2022. The last such event in this area north of today's epicenter occurred in 2009. Forecast 150587 had expected this event within about 200 km was likely around February 6, 2023. When the event occurred in January, 2023 this summary noted:
"The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 4.7 in Western Australia. EMSC reported it was lightly felt in the epicentral area. This event is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.8 on January 24, 2022 and prior to that an M 4.8 on October 9, 2007." (January 5, 2023)
This activity is at 142 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and at the third node from the M 6.8 in Argentina of January 20, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 05FEB2023 05:04:27 33.3S 117.0E ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 05FEB2023 01:13:58 33.4S 117.0E ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 5FEB2023 00:40:01 32.8S 117.5E mb=4.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
P: 6FEB2023 150587 31.0S 118.0E 2.0-4.4 ABAAA So. Australia
An M 3.9 occurred today in the British Columbia region of Canada. NEIC reported it was felt in British Columbia in Kimberley, Cranbrook, Invermere, Nelson, Castlegar and White Rock and in Porthill, Idaho. This unusual event is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.4 about 150 km north of today's epicenter on February 14, 2021. Similar earthquakes of M 3.9 and 4.1 hit about 150 km south of today's epicenter on April 24, 2015. Forecast 150494 had expected seismic enhancement south of this in northern Montana was likely around February 7, 2023. This event is at 104 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Molucca area of January 18 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 5FEB2023 04:39:10 49.9N 116.4W ML=3.9 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
P: 7FEB2023 150494 47.5N 115.8W 2.0-3.9 ACAAA Montana/Idaho
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in the central
Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.2 on November 14, 2022. The last such earthquake in the western or central Andreanof Islands of larger magnitude was an M 4.8 on December 5, 2022, two months ago. Forecast 150517 had expected today's activity within about 50 km around February 4.
O: 4FEB2023 18:09:48 51.7N 177.5W mb=4.2 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 4FEB2023 150517 51.8N 178.0W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
The strongest earthquake within the western U.S. (outside Alaska) occurred as an M 3.3 near the California border in Nevada. It may have been triggered by SFE (see below). The last earthquake of M>=3.3 in this area of Nevada was an M 3.7 on January 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"An M 3.7 was also felt in the area of Nevada near the border with California today. NEIC reported it may have been felt with intensity II in Nevada at Fallon and Glenbrook. The last earthquake in Nevada within about 50 km of this epicenter with M>=3.7 occurred on August 30, 2022 with M 3.9. The last of significantly larger magnitude occurred nearly a year ago as an M 4.7 on February 15, 2022." (January 29, 2023)
Forecast 150421 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around February 3.
O: 05FEB2023 03:25:30 38.2N 117.9W ML=2.5 EMSC NEVADA
O: 05FEB2023 03:32:24 38.2N 117.9W ml=2.2 EMSC NEVADA
O: 5FEB2023 03:23:06 38.2N 117.9W ML=3.3 EMSC NEVADA
P: 3FEB2023 150421 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA California/Nevada area
The largest solar flare today was an C6.6 beginning at 0316 UT on February 5. This is the strongest flare in the past 10 days - since an M2.8 on January 26, 2023 (#4280). While it was short, it apparently helped trigger a series of events in Nevada, including the largest event in California and Nevada today - an M 3.3 and aftershocks of 2.2 and 2.5. These occurred at the maximum X-ray output of this flare. Following is the flare data (SWPC) for this solar data:
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0316 0326 0331 C6.6 (February 5, 2023) 2.6E-03
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. outside Alaska today was an M 3.7 in western Texas. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.7 in Western Texas was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas. This event occurred near local solar noon at a longitude consistent with tidal triggering with today's full moon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter in western Texas with M>=3.7 was an M 4.9 on November 24, 2022. An M 5.4 hit the area on November 16, 2022. These are probably aftershocks of that event. Forecast 150451 had expected today's event within about 10 km around February 6, 2023. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.2 in the Molucca area of January 18 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 05FEB2023 00:48:21 31.7N 104.2W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 05FEB2023 00:48:21 31.7N 104.2W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 4FEB2023 19:40:20 31.6N 104.0W mb=3.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 6FEB2023 150451 31.7N 104.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
A series of light earthquakes also occurred in the northern Gulf of California today, south of Southern California. These events of M 3.5-3.9 were not reported felt in this remote area which occasionally sees swarms like this related to solar or flare activity. Forecast 150403 had expected this activity within this area around February 5. This activity is at 102 degrees from the M 7.6 in New Guinea (and today's aftershock of M 5.9) of September 10, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 04FEB2023 10:00:55 30.8N 114.3W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:22:20 30.8N 114.1W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:41:18 30.8N 114.1W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:43:11 30.9N 114.2W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 14:05:18 30.9N 114.5W ML=3.6 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 14:26:49 30.9N 114.2W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 4FEB2023 10:13:24 30.4N 114.3W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150403 30.0N 114.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 4FEB2023 07:34:41 22.8N 96.0E mb=4.3 EMSC MYANMAR
P: 2FEB2023 150407 20.0N 96.0E 4.0-5.6 ACAAA Myanmar
O: 5FEB2023 06:53:16 24.6N 93.5E ML=2.9 EMSC MANIPUR, INDIA REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150407 25.0N 93.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Myanmar
O: 4FEB2023 10:47:31 36.4N 71.1E mb=4.1 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
O: 04FEB2023 21:24:56 37.3N 71.5E mb=4.3 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
O: 04FEB2023 12:23:27 37.5N 72.8E mb=4.7 EMSC TAJIKISTAN
P: 1FEB2023 150432 36.0N 72.0E 3.8-5.6 BAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
P: 6FEB2023 150432 37.0N 72.0E 3.8-5.9 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 4FEB2023 14:14:05 44.5N 80.8E mb=4.3 EMSC KAZAKHSTAN-XINJIANG BORDER REG
P: 3FEB2023 150489 40.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.6 ACAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
O: 5FEB2023 01:14:22 55.9N 162.6E mb=4.8 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
P: 5FEB2023 150526 55.0N 163.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Komandorsky Isl
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 04FEB2023 08:44:48 0.5S 123.1E ML=4.4 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
O: 04FEB2023 17:49:22 0.6S 123.6E ML=4.4 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
O: 4FEB2023 07:30:34 0.4S 123.1E ML=4.1 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150332 0.0N 122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Celebes Sea
O: 5FEB2023 04:15:25 2.2N 121.0E ML=4.6 EMSC CELEBES SEA
P: 7FEB2023 150342 1.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 5FEB2023 01:40:30 3.3N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 4FEB2023 150340 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 4FEB2023 11:43:35 4.3S 144.5E mb=4.4 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF NEW GUINEA, PN
P: 7FEB2023 150362 5.0S 144.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 5FEB2023 04:40:19 5.2S 152.2E mb=4.7 EMSC NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
P: 1FEB2023 150358 6.0S 151.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA New Ireland
P: 27JAN2023 150082 5.0S 153.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA New Britain
O: 4FEB2023 22:59:18 7.2S 130.1E ML=4.2 EMSC KEP. TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESI
P: 6FEB2023 150371 6.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 5FEB2023 05:10:22 7.4S 127.8E ML=4.5 EMSC KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI
P: 5FEB2023 150348 8.0S 127.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Banda Sea
O: 4FEB2023 17:34:13 14.8N 119.4E ML=4.5 EMSC LUZON, PHILIPPINES
P: 6FEB2023 150384 14.0N 121.0E 3.5-5.0 AABAA Luzon, Philippines
O: 4FEB2023 12:22:37 6.4S 146.3E Mw=5.9 EMSC EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G
P: 2FEB2023 150357 7.0S 146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA New Ireland
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 5FEB2023 01:02 29.7S 71.3W mb=5.5 GUC Coquimbo at La Serena,Andacoll
O: 4FEB2023 11:52:14 29.4S 72.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF COQUIMBO, CHILE
O: 5FEB2023 01:02:45 29.7S 71.1W Mw=5.5 EMSC COQUIMBO, CHILE
O: 4FEB2023 10:39:53 29.8S 71.7W mb=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
O: 4FEB2023 12:48:41 11.7N 88.4W mb=4.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA
O: 4FEB2023 16:35:40 12.6N 88.2W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
P: 4FEB2023 150389 12.0N 87.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Nicaragua
O: 4FEB2023 10:03:02 18.0N 102.5W ML=3.9 EMSC OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO
P: 2FEB2023 150387 19.0N 101.0W 3.5-5.3 AABAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 4FEB2023 17:22:54 18.2N 66.2W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 05FEB2023 01:54:43 18.1N 66.8W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 3FEB2023 150394 18.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 4FEB2023 12:36:53 18.5N 73.5W ML=3.2 EMSC HAITI REGION
P: 7FEB2023 150395 19.0N 74.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 4FEB2023 07:20:49 19.7S 69.5W mb=4.0 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 3FEB2023 150578 20.0S 70.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 in northern Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of northern Chile in Iquique, Tarapaca.
O: 4FEB2023 17:41:21 24.4S 68.8W mb=4.3 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
P: 8FEB2023 150569 24.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Coast No. Chile
O: 4FEB2023 11:04:01 28.1N 112.3W ML=4.0 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 2FEB2023 150403 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
AFRICA AND EUROPE
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 4FEB2023 21:03:52 17.6S 178.6W mb=4.3 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 4FEB2023 150566 18.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 4FEB2023 22:10:34 19.9S 173.7W mb=4.8 EMSC TONGA
P: 3FEB2023 150579 20.0S 174.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 5FEB2023 05:12:24 21.9S 174.1W mb=5.0 EMSC TONGA
P: 3FEB2023 150579 20.0S 174.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA Tonga Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 05FEB2023 05:04:27 33.3S 117.0E ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 05FEB2023 01:13:58 33.4S 117.0E ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
O: 5FEB2023 00:40:01 32.8S 117.5E mb=4.5 EMSC WESTERN AUSTRALIA
P: 6FEB2023 150587 31.0S 118.0E 2.0-4.4 ABAAA So. Australia
O: 4FEB2023 19:24:50 33.0S 179.2E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BBAAA North Island, N.Z.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 4FEB2023 16:40:38 22.9N 144.1E mb=4.5 EMSC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 3FEB2023 150413 23.0N 143.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Volcano Islands
O: 5FEB2023 00:03:20 32.7N 141.7E Mw=5.8 EMSC IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 6FEB2023 150429 34.0N 139.0E 3.5-5.9 ABBAA Central/So. Honshu Japan
O: 5FEB2023 00:45:31 44.7N 149.3E mb=4.8 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
P: 6FEB2023 150511 45.0N 149.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA So. Kurils
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:00:55 30.8N 114.3W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:22:20 30.8N 114.1W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:41:18 30.8N 114.1W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 10:43:11 30.9N 114.2W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 14:05:18 30.9N 114.5W ML=3.6 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 04FEB2023 14:26:49 30.9N 114.2W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 4FEB2023 10:13:24 30.4N 114.3W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150403 30.0N 114.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
O: 4FEB2023 21:41:49 30.6N 116.4W ML=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 7FEB2023 150452 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA So. California
O: 4FEB2023 09:53:49 31.4N 115.5W ML=3.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150454 32.5N 115.7W 2.5-4.5 BBAAA So. California
O: 04FEB2023 22:44:44 32.2N 115.2W ML=2.4 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 5FEB2023 06:59:55 32.3N 115.4W Ml=2.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 5FEB2023 150454 32.9N 115.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 04FEB2023 22:39:37 34.0N 119.2W ML=2.1 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 5FEB2023 00:23:12 34.5N 119.2W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 3FEB2023 150459 35.0N 119.2W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA So. California
O: 4FEB2023 09:11:34 35.5N 120.8W Md=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 7FEB2023 150423 36.2N 120.8W 2.5-4.4 BAAAA Central 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 Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero, Nipomo.
O: 5FEB2023 03:23:06 38.2N 117.9W ML=3.3 EMSC NEVADA
P: 3FEB2023 150421 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 5FEB2023 06:58:34 38.3N 119.3W ML=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150422 38.8N 119.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 4FEB2023 18:12:28 38.8N 122.9W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150428 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 4FEB2023 10:38:58 40.4N 126.3W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
P: 3FEB2023 150503 42.1N 126.9W 3.0-4.8 ABAAA Off Coast of Oregon
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 off the coast of northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of northern California in Loleta, Eureka and McKinleyville.
O: 05FEB2023 03:25:30 38.2N 117.9W ML=2.5 EMSC NEVADA
O: 05FEB2023 03:32:24 38.2N 117.9W ml=2.2 EMSC NEVADA
O: 5FEB2023 03:23:06 38.2N 117.9W ML=3.3 EMSC NEVADA
P: 3FEB2023 150421 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA California/Nevada area
ALASKA
O: 4FEB2023 18:09:48 51.7N 177.5W mb=4.2 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 4FEB2023 150517 51.8N 178.0W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
O: 4FEB2023 19:24:36 59.1N 145.9W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF ALASKA
P: 7FEB2023 150541 61.0N 147.7W 3.2-5.0 BBAAA Central Alaska
O: 4FEB2023 18:54:24 59.9N 153.4W ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 5FEB2023 150540 60.2N 153.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 5FEB2023 04:39:10 49.9N 116.4W ML=3.9 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
P: 7FEB2023 150494 47.5N 115.8W 2.0-3.9 ACAAA Montana/Idaho
O: 4FEB2023 18:13:28 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 BAAAA Central Alaska
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 05FEB2023 00:48:21 31.7N 104.2W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 05FEB2023 00:48:21 31.7N 104.2W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 4FEB2023 19:40:20 31.6N 104.0W mb=3.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 6FEB2023 150451 31.7N 104.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 04FEB2023 09:39:22 44.4N 115.2W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 05FEB2023 07:01:49 44.4N 115.2W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 4FEB2023 13:22:20 44.3N 114.8W ML=2.8 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
P: 4FEB2023 150492 44.5N 115.2W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Montana/Idaho
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 4FEB2023 17:16:03 28.9N 98.1W mb=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 ACCAA SW U.S.A
O: 4FEB2023 23:26:02 35.1N 95.6W ML=2.4 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 6FEB2023 150465 35.0N 97.0W 2.0-3.9 AABAA Southern Plains
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Moderate earthquakes hit several areas of the Southwest Pacific today. These included an M 5.2 in Tonga; an M 5.1 in Vanuatu and an M 5.0 in North Islands, New Zealand.
The largest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.2 in central Tonga. NEIC reported it was lightly felt with intensity II in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.2 occurred on January 11 and January 12, 2023 with M 5.3, 5.3 and 5.6. The last such event within about 150 km of this epicenter was an M 5.4 on December 30, 2022. Forecast 150579 had expected today's event within about 150 km was likely in early February, 2023.
O: 4FEB2023 05:09:39 21.9S 174.1W mb=5.2 EMSC TONGA
P: 8FEB2023 150579 21.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Tonga Islands
A regional aftershock of the M 4.8 in North Island, New Zealand occurred today with M 5.0 about 100 km south of that earlier epicenter. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Napier Hawke's Bay and II-III in Taupo, Hastings, Whakatane and Palmerston North, North Island, New Zealand. GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the area northeast of Taupo. This earthquake was felt with light to moderate intensity throughout most of North Island. 2022 responded with felt information for this earthquake including 1448 who felt it with weak intensity and 527 with light shaking; 44 moderate; 1 strong; 0 severe and 2 extreme. Today's event is the first of M>=5 to hit within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on December 2, 2022 and an M 5.4 on November 30, 2022, the only such events in the area in the past years. Forecast 150591 had expected this activity was likely in early February 2023. This epicenter is at the fifth node (52 degrees) from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 04FEB2023 02:53:00 38.8S 175.9E ML=3.1 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 03FEB2023 23:14:22 38.8S 175.9E MS=5.0 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
O: 3FEB2023 23:14:20 38.9S 175.9E Mw=5.0 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 3FEB2023 150591 40.0S 174.0E 3.0-4.5 ABBAA North Island, N.Z.
P: 9FEB2023 150591 40.0S 175.0E 3.0-4.4 CBAAA North Island, N.Z.
A moderate M 5.1 continued elevated seismicity in central Vanuatu today. This follows a similar M 5.1 yesterday in the area which had been addressed in this summary as:
"A volcanic eruption was reported to have occurred today in the region of Vanuatu. Internet reported an ash and lava eruption from an underwater volcano. An M 5.1 in Vanuatu occurred near local solar noon and may have been associated with this eruption. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. It had been anticipated in forecast 150569 to occur in early February within about 100 km of today's epicenter." (February 2-3, 2023)
Forecast 150568 had expected this area would see enhanced seismicity within about 100 km was likely in early February.
O: 3FEB2023 17:54:29 15.5S 167.6E Mw=5.1 EMSC VANUATU
P: 7FEB2023 150568 15.0S 168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Vanuatu Islands
An M 3.5 occurred in western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Snyder, Texas and II in Rotan, Texas. This may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses accompanying the next full moon of February 5, 2023 as it occurred near local solar noon and the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that event as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive at 18:29 UT on February 5, 2023. Longitudes which are at local solar noon are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight are near 80 East. In the west these include areas of the central U.S. including Texas and Oklahoma/Kansas and Canada and western Mexico and part of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Afghanistan, Hindu Kush, Pakistan, China, central Asia and areas of the Indian Ridge system are included. These are the most likely regions to be subject to tidal triggering from February 2-8. While a major earthquake is unlikely at this time, regions of western Mexico and/or Central Asia could see a strong quake with this full moon.
This activity is at 103 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Solomon Islands of November 22, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 150451 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around February 3, 2023.
O: 03FEB2023 07:58:23 32.7N 100.7W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 07:56:49 32.8N 100.7W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 13:21:43 32.8N 100.7W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 19:18:34 32.8N 100.7W mb=3.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 19:18:34 32.8N 100.7W mb=3.5 ANSS WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 20:57:00 32.8N 100.7W mb=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 4FEB2023 02:21:16 32.3N 101.9W ML=3.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 in the Alaska Peninsula and an M 4.2 in the western Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. The last earthquake of M>=4.2 in the Alaska Peninsula was an M 4.6 on November 20, 2022. This event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses at this hour. Forecast 150516 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region in early February.
O: 3FEB2023 10:36:38 56.0N 157.8W mb=4.2 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 03FEB2023 15:24:16 55.7N 157.6W ML=3.1 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 5FEB2023 150516 57.8N 154.7W 3.5-5.1 ABBAA Alaska Peninsula
The M 4.2 in the Fox Islands was not reported felt in this remote area. It was followed by moderate aftershocks of M 4.0, 4.0 and 3.8. One of these occurred within several minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. These may be aftershocks of an M 4.8 north of this on January 22, 2023. The last quake within about 100 km of M>=4.2 was ;an M 4.3 on January 2, 2023 and an M 4.9 on December 5, 2022. Forecasts 150524 and 150251 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely within about 25 km at the end of January or in early February, 2023. These events are at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in Argentina of January 20, 2023 and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from recent strong quakes in Tonga and Fiji and the Molucca Sea quake of M 7.2 of January 18, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 03FEB2023 11:26:20 52.1N 169.3W mb=4.0 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 03FEB2023 07:05:05 52.2N 169.4W mb=4.2 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 03FEB2023 08:35:33 52.2N 169.4W mb=4.0 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 4FEB2023 02:33:11 52.5N 169.5W ml=3.8 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 2FEB2023 150524 53.9N 169.3W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 BAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 4FEB2023 07:34:41 22.7N 95.9E mb=4.3 EMSC MYANMAR
P: 22JAN2023 150138 23.0N 95.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA Myanmar
O: 4FEB2023 00:44:55 25.1N 94.7E ML=4.0 EMSC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150407 25.0N 93.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Myanmar
O: 4FEB2023 02:45:51 34.4N 45.7E mb=4.7 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
P: 3FEB2023 150462 33.0N 48.0E 3.8-5.3 ABBAA So. Iran
O: 3FEB2023 21:22:52 36.5N 70.8E mb=4.3 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
O: 04FEB2023 03:37:21 36.7N 71.2E mb=4.2 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 1FEB2023 150432 36.0N 72.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 3FEB2023 12:04:20 37.1N 97.0E Mw=5.1 EMSC NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
O: 03FEB2023 12:14:41 37.1N 96.9E mb=5.0 EMSC NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
P: 5FEB2023 150461 38.0N 97.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA So. China
O: 4FEB2023 04:04:56 39.8N 73.1E mb=4.1 EMSC KYRGYZSTAN
P: 3FEB2023 150432 39.0N 72.0E 3.8-5.5 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 3FEB2023 07:09:54 48.6N 106.3E mb=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL MONGOLIA
O: 03FEB2023 07:07:55 48.5N 106.3E mb=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MONGOLIA
P: 5FEB2023 150491 45.0N 102.0E 4.0-5.8 ACCAA Mongolia
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 4FEB2023 07:30:34 0.4S 123.1E ML=4.1 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150332 0.0N 122.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Celebes Sea
P: 29JAN2023 150095 1.0S 124.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Sulawesi area
O: 4FEB2023 02:48:46 2.5S 140.7E mb=4.8 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 4FEB2023 150362 3.0S 141.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Papua New Guinea
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.8 in Papua New Guinea was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Papua New Guinea in the epicentral area.
O: 3FEB2023 17:23:40 2.6N 126.9E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 4FEB2023 150340 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 3FEB2023 21:03:51 4.6N 127.1E ML=4.5 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 8FEB2023 150341 5.0N 128.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Halmahera
O: 3FEB2023 23:58:12 5.7S 149.2E mb=4.6 EMSC NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
P: 7FEB2023 150358 6.0S 149.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA New Ireland
O: 3FEB2023 22:21:45 6.5S 106.5E ML=4.2 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 2FEB2023 150565 10.0S 106.0E 4.0-5.7 ACAAA So. of Java
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 4FEB2023 01:46:36 7.2S 80.9W mb=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
P: 9FEB2023 150360 9.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 BBAAA No. Peru
O: 4FEB2023 05:30:38 12.3N 87.7W mb=4.3 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NICARAGUA
P: 4FEB2023 150389 12.0N 87.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Nicaragua
O: 4FEB2023 04:00:30 14.8N 92.2W ML=4.0 EMSC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 3FEB2023 150378 15.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Guatemala
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Guatemala
O: 04FEB2023 05:21:37 16.5N 95.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 04FEB2023 05:34:29 16.5N 95.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 3FEB2023 13:12:37 15.6N 95.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 2FEB2023 150374 18.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.4 ACAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 3FEB2023 07:26:35 18.2N 103.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO
P: 2FEB2023 150387 19.0N 104.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
P: 30JAN2023 150115 18.0N 103.0W 3.5-5.6 BAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 3FEB2023 09:36:39 18.3N 65.9W Md=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 3FEB2023 150394 18.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
P: 6FEB2023 150394 18.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.3 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 3FEB2023 15:04:29 26.8N 108.4W ML=4.1 EMSC SINALOA, MEXICO
P: 30JAN2023 150131 24.0N 109.0W 3.5-5.4 BCAAA Gulf of California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Chile in Iquique, Tarapaca.
Minutes earlier an M 4.9 hit about 100 km north of this epicenter and was also felt with intensity III in Iquique.
O: 3FEB2023 09:50:50 18.8S 69.7W mb=4.9 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
O: 04FEB2023 07:20:49 19.7S 69.4W mb=4.0 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 2FEB2023 150562 19.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 3FEB2023 10:08:35 20.9S 69.9W mb=4.4 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 3FEB2023 150578 20.0S 70.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 4FEB2023 02:46 29.9S 71.7W mb=4.4 GUC Coquimbo at La Serena, La Higu
O: 04FEB2023 02:46:25 29.9S 71.7W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Coquimbo at La Serena, La Higuera; III in Andacollo, Coquimbo, Vicuna, Rio Hurdado, Chile.
O: 3FEB2023 21:00 30.6S 71.2W mb=4.2 GUC Coquimbo at La Serena, Andacol
O: 03FEB2023 21:00:44 30.6S 71.2W ML=4.2 EMSC COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 5FEB2023 150572 29.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
P: 5FEB2023 150585 30.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Coast Central Chile
GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity III in Coquimbo at La Serena, Andacollo, Tongoy, Vicuna, Monte Patria, Punitaqui, Rio Hurdado and II in Ovalle, Chile.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Mendoza, Argentina was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mendoza, Argentina.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 4FEB2023 06:04:17 35.0N 14.2E mb=4.7 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 6FEB2023 150435 34.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in Malta was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Malta in Rabat, Zebbug, Isla Inner Harbour and Sannat Gozo and Comino.
O: 3FEB2023 12:44:13 36.7N 21.5E mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
P: 3FEB2023 150440 36.0N 22.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA No. Greece
O: 3FEB2023 11:05:08 37.2N 36.4E mb=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
P: 3FEB2023 150415 36.0N 35.0E 3.0-4.9 ABAAA Aegean Sea
O: 4FEB2023 06:03:39 40.7N 35.0E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
P: 7FEB2023 150467 38.0N 36.0E 3.5-5.0 BCAAA Turkey
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 3FEB2023 17:54:29 15.5S 167.6E Mw=5.1 EMSC VANUATU
P: 7FEB2023 150568 15.0S 168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Vanuatu Islands
O: 4FEB2023 05:09:39 21.9S 174.1W mb=5.2 EMSC TONGA
P: 8FEB2023 150579 21.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Tonga Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 3FEB2023 08:54:43 84.9N 7.9E mb=4.5 EMSC NORTH OF SVALBARD
O: 3FEB2023 08:49:26 59.0S 61.2W mb=4.8 EMSC DRAKE PASSAGE
P: 2FEB2023 150599 60.0S 44.0W 3.0-5.6 AACAA So. So. America
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 04FEB2023 02:53:00 38.8S 175.9E ML=3.1 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 03FEB2023 23:14:22 38.8S 175.9E MS=5.0 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
O: 3FEB2023 23:14:20 38.9S 175.9E Mw=5.0 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 3FEB2023 150591 40.0S 174.0E 3.0-4.5 ABBAA North Island, N.Z.
P: 9FEB2023 150591 40.0S 175.0E 3.0-4.4 CBAAA North Island, N.Z.
GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the area northeast of Taupo. This earthquake was felt with light to moderate intensity throughout most of North Island. 2022 responded with felt information for this earthquake including 1448 who felt it with weak intensity and 527 with light shaking; 44 moderate; 1 strong; 0 severe and 2 extreme.
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: 03FEB2023 22:29:17 31.3N 115.3W ML=3.3 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 3FEB2023 15:54:33 31.3N 115.4W ML=3.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150454 32.5N 115.7W 2.5-4.5 BBAAA So. California
O: 4FEB2023 05:59:43 34.0N 117.2W ML=2.7 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
O: 4FEB2023 05:59:43 34.0N 117.2W ML=3.0 ANSS GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
P: 6FEB2023 150458 34.3N 117.5W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 in eastern greater Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of eastern greater Los Angeles, California in Redlands, Loma Linda, Colton, San Bernardino, Highland, Moreno Valley, Grand Terrace among other communities.
O: 4FEB2023 05:49:44 34.5N 118.7W Ml=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 2FEB2023 150457 34.4N 118.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in the San Fernando Valley west of Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the San Fernando Valley west of Los Angeles, California at Castaic, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, North Hollywood and Bakersfield.
O: 3FEB2023 15:23:17 35.4N 117.4W Ml=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150460 35.9N 117.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA So. California
O: 03FEB2023 23:18:16 37.7N 122.5W Md=2.1 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 3FEB2023 23:23:05 37.7N 122.5W Md=2.3 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150427 37.7N 121.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA Central California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.3 in San Francisco, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the San Francisco aera of, California at Daly City, San Francisco, Pacifica, Hayward and San Ramon.
O: 3FEB2023 19:12:17 38.2N 117.9W ml=2.0 EMSC NEVADA
P: 3FEB2023 150421 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 3FEB2023 14:43:52 39.7N 122.8W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150501 40.0N 123.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Northern California
O: 4FEB2023 06:02:59 34.5N 118.0W ml=2.1 ANSS SW of Pearblossom CA
O: 04FEB2023 06:02:59 34.5N 118.0W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 6FEB2023 150458 34.3N 117.5W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
P: 9FEB2023 150457 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA So. California
ALASKA
O: 03FEB2023 11:26:20 52.1N 169.3W mb=4.0 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 03FEB2023 07:05:05 52.2N 169.4W mb=4.2 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 03FEB2023 08:35:33 52.2N 169.4W mb=4.0 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 4FEB2023 02:33:11 52.5N 169.5W ml=3.8 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 2FEB2023 150524 53.9N 169.3W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 BAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 3FEB2023 10:36:38 56.0N 157.8W mb=4.2 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 03FEB2023 15:24:16 55.7N 157.6W ML=3.1 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 5FEB2023 150516 57.8N 154.7W 3.5-5.1 ABBAA Alaska Peninsula
O: 3FEB2023 18:19:58 59.5N 151.0W ML=3.4 EMSC KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
O: 3FEB2023 18:19:58 59.5N 151.0W ML=3.6 ANSS KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
P: 3FEB2023 150542 61.3N 150.9W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.2 in Kenai Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kenai Alaska in Homer and Ninilchik.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Chignik.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 3FEB2023 12:48:55 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 03FEB2023 07:58:23 32.7N 100.7W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 07:56:49 32.8N 100.7W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 13:21:43 32.8N 100.7W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 19:18:34 32.8N 100.7W mb=3.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 03FEB2023 20:57:00 32.8N 100.7W mb=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 4FEB2023 02:21:16 32.3N 101.9W ML=3.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 3FEB2023 13:39:12 28.9N 98.2W mb=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 ACCAA SW U.S.A
O: 3FEB2023 17:31:48 31.1N 103.2W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 3FEB2023 09:09:42 31.7N 104.5W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 6FEB2023 150451 31.7N 104.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 3FEB2023 13:39:12 28.9N 98.2W mb=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 ACCAA SW U.S.A
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
MODERATE AFTERSHOCK SHAKES NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2023
An unusual earthquake of M 4.9-5.0 was widely felt south of Auckland, New Zealand today. NEIC reported maximum shaking with intensity V in Waihi, Waikato, North Island with IV in Morrinsville, Katikati, Bay of Plenty and II-III in Tauranga, Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Huntly, Te Puke, Te Kauwhata and Tokoroa among other communities. GEONET reported it was felt with moderate intensity in the Auckland area of North Island, New Zealand. 11166 people reported feeling this event; 3423 with weak intensity; 5070 with light shaking; 2307 moderate; 344 strong; 14 with severe and 8 with extreme shaking. This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It is probably an aftershock of an M 5.5 which hit the area on January 3, 2023. That event was described in this summary at the time as:
"An M 5.1-5.5 earthquake was widely felt in the Auckland area of North Island, New Zealand today. Auckland, New Zealand, with nearly 1.5 million residents was first settled around 1350 AD and in the largest city in New Zealand and within several thousand km.” (January 3, 2023)
Today's M 5.1-5.5 is the strongest earthquake at shallow depth in the Auckland, New Zealand area within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on July 18, 2004 about 100 km southeast of today's epicenter. The only event in the area of larger magnitude in the past 35 years was an M 6.2 about 50 km from this event on June 21, 1992. This date may ring a bell to some as an M 7.3 occurred a week later in Lander, California on June 28, 1992 ..." (January 4, 2023)
Forecast 150586 had expected today's earthquake was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter in early February, 2023. This activity is located at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.2 in the Molucca Sea of January 18, 2023 and at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from the Banda Sea M 7.6 of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 02FEB2023 23:43:33 37.6S 175.6E ML=3.5 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 02FEB2023 13:02:43 37.6S 175.7E ML=4.8 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
O: 2FEB2023 13:02:43 37.6S 175.7E mb=4.9 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 6FEB2023 150586 37.0S 177.0E 3.0-4.6 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
An earthquake of M 5.0 was felt today in the region of Guadeloupe, Leeward Islands. NEIC reported intensity III in Guadeloupe at Les Abymes and Petit-Bourg. This appears to be a regional aftershock of an M 6.2 about 100 km northeast of this epicenter on January 20, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.2 also occurred in the area of Guadeloupe today where it was widely felt. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Guadeloupe in Basse-Terre at Le Gosier, Saint-Claude, Baie-Mahault, Petit-Bourg and II-III in Bouillant, Point-Noire, Sante-Rose, Lamentin, Terre-de-Bas and in Montserrat.
This earthquake occurred at intermediate focal depth of 166 km. Several foreshocks hit the area in the past week. The last earthquake in the west Indies within about 300 km of today's event of M 6.2 with equal or greater magnitude was an M 7.4 on November 29, 2007. Like today's earthquake it occurred at an intermediate depth of 156 km about 250 km southeast of today's epicenter. The last and only event within about 100 km of this epicenter with equal or larger magnitude in the past 35 years was an M 6.2 on November 21, 2004." (January 21, 2023)
Forecast 150391 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in early February.
O: 2FEB2023 13:13:23 16.7N 61.0W mb=5.0 EMSC GUADELOUPE REGION, LEEWARD ISL
P: 4FEB2023 150381 15.0N 61.0W 3.0-5.2 ABAAA Leeward Islands
P: 10FEB2023 150381 17.0N 62.0W 3.0-5.5 CAAAA Leeward Islands
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.0 in southern Alaska. This broke a quiet period in this area. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Southern Alaska in Tyonek, Kasilof, Sterling, Soldotna, Kenai, Clam Gulch, Willow, Anchorage and Ninilchik among others. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Alaska within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on March 12, 2022 and prior to that an M 5.1 on January 21, 2022. The last event in this region of larger magnitude was an M 5.9 on December 21, 2021.
Forecast 150543 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around February 3, 2023. This epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and from recent strong earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and may have been promoted by energy from these sources.
O: 2FEB2023 14:48:24 61.1N 152.1W Mw=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 3FEB2023 150543 61.3N 152.3W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
An M 4.1 also occurred in the Southern Yukon Territory, Canada today. This is the strongest aftershock to date of an M 4.5 that occurred at this epicenter on January 30, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"An M 4.5 also occurred in the Southern Yukon Territory, Canada. This was the strongest quake in the U.S. or Canada but it was not reported felt. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.5 was an M 4.5 about 150 km southwest of this epicenter on January 11, 2022. An M 4.9 on May 9, 2021 was the last such event within about 100 km of today's epicenter." (January 30, 2023)
Today's earthquake was likely triggered by a solar flare of class near C3.9 (#5200). This flare peaked within several minutes of the occurrence of this earthquake and probably triggered it by SFE. The only solar flare in the past 7 days of higher class was a C5.7 on February 1 (#5140). A stronger flare of M2.8-class occurred on January 26, 2023 (#4280). The flares of late February 1 were closely associated with moderate aftershocks near Malta. Preliminary data for these flares follow:
Forecast 150539 had expected this earthquake was likely within about 50 km around February 1. This event is located at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 03FEB2023 03:09:45 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA
O: 3FEB2023 02:53:15 61.5N 140.7W ML=4.1 ANSS SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
O: 3FEB2023 02:53:16 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.9 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5200 0231 0250 0300 C3.9 (February 3, 2023) 4.8E-03
5170 0424 0439 0451 C1.3 (February 2, 2023) 1.9E-03
5180 1401 1412 1429 C1.3 (February 2, 2023) 1.9E-03
5140 2233 2248 2300 C5.7 (February 1, 2023) 6.2E-03
4280 1253 1306 1315 M2.8 (January 26, 2023) 2.1E-02
A volcanic eruption was reported to have occurred today in the region of Vanuatu. Internet reported an ash and lava eruption from an underwater volcano. An M 5.1 in Vanuatu occurred near local solar noon and may have been associated with this eruption. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. It had been anticipated in forecast 150569 to occur in early February within about 100 km of today's epicenter.
O: 3FEB2023 00:10:07 14.6S 166.8E mb=5.1 EMSC VANUATU
P: 7FEB2023 150568 15.0S 168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Vanuatu Islands
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 3FEB2023 07:07:55 48.5N 106.3E mb=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MONGOLIA
O: 3FEB2023 07:09:54 48.6N 106.3E mb=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL MONGOLIA
P: 5FEB2023 150491 45.0N 102.0E 4.0-5.8 ACCAA Mongolia
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 2FEB2023 23:05:07 2.5N 128.3E mb=5.0 EMSC HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 3FEB2023 150340 3.0N 129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 2FEB2023 12:19:12 5.6S 103.9E mb=4.7 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150365 5.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 3FEB2023 02:03:19 6.7S 130.1E ML=4.2 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 2FEB2023 150348 7.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Banda Sea
O: 2FEB2023 12:45:55 7.2S 106.1E ML=4.4 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 2FEB2023 150363 9.0S 106.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA So. of Java
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 02FEB2023 12:52:25 8.0N 82.5W ML=4.1 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
O: 02FEB2023 12:55:48 8.0N 82.5W ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
O: 02FEB2023 13:58:34 8.0N 82.5W ML=4.4 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
O: 2FEB2023 12:58:59 7.9N 82.5W ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
P: 5FEB2023 150337 8.0N 83.0W 3.5-5.0 BAAAA Costa Rica
O: 03FEB2023 04:58:41 12.1N 88.2W mb=4.2 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NICARAGUA
O: 3FEB2023 00:46:52 12.1N 88.2W mb=4.5 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NICARAGUA
P: 4FEB2023 150389 12.0N 87.0W 3.5-5.5 AABAA Nicaragua
O: 2FEB2023 08:29:26 14.5N 92.2W ML=4.0 EMSC GUATEMALA
O: 02FEB2023 17:42:18 14.0N 91.5W mb=4.7 EMSC GUATEMALA
P: 3FEB2023 150378 15.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Guatemala
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Guatemala
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in Guatemala was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Guatemala in San Juan la Laguna, Solola, Quetzaltenango, Antigua Guatemala and jocotenango, Sacatepequez, Santa Catarina Pinula and Guatemala City.
O: 2FEB2023 10:08:37 16.3N 96.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 4FEB2023 150392 15.0N 97.0W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
P: 28JAN2023 150122 17.0N 96.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 2FEB2023 17:42:53 16.6S 73.6W mb=4.2 EMSC NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
P: 3FEB2023 150563 16.0S 74.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 2FEB2023 13:13:23 16.7N 61.0W mb=5.0 EMSC GUADELOUPE REGION, LEEWARD ISL
P: 4FEB2023 150381 15.0N 61.0W 3.0-5.2 ABAAA Leeward Islands
P: 10FEB2023 150381 17.0N 62.0W 3.0-5.5 CAAAA Leeward Islands
O: 2FEB2023 21:34:05 16.7N 100.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 2FEB2023 150387 19.0N 101.0W 3.5-5.3 ACAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 2FEB2023 20:32:35 17.0N 94.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 3FEB2023 150374 17.0N 94.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 2FEB2023 20:37:38 17.2S 70.3W mb=4.2 EMSC SOUTHERN PERU
P: 28JAN2023 150292 18.0S 71.0W 4.0-5.5 CAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 2FEB2023 09:42:18 27.9N 112.0W ML=3.4 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 2FEB2023 150403 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
O: 2FEB2023 11:08:34 32.1S 71.7W ML=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 2FEB2023 150583 33.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.6 AACAA Central Chile
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Coquimbo, Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso at Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 2FEB2023 23:41:15 27.5N 34.1E ML=4.2 EMSC RED SEA
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 3FEB2023 00:10:07 14.6S 166.8E mb=5.1 EMSC VANUATU
P: 7FEB2023 150568 15.0S 168.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Vanuatu Islands
O: 2FEB2023 15:33:31 22.5S 178.2W mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 5FEB2023 150579 20.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.6 BCAAA Tonga Islands
O: 2FEB2023 21:20:43 26.0S 178.4E mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 5FEB2023 150582 23.0S 178.0E 4.0-5.9 BCAAA Tonga/Fiji
OCEAN RIDGES
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 2FEB2023 15:48:51 34.2S 179.0E ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150317 34.0S 180.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
O: 3FEB2023 06:15:50 35.5S 179.5E ML=4.1 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
O: 02FEB2023 23:43:33 37.6S 175.6E ML=3.5 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 02FEB2023 13:02:43 37.6S 175.7E ML=4.8 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
O: 2FEB2023 13:02:43 37.6S 175.7E mb=4.9 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 6FEB2023 150586 37.0S 177.0E 3.0-4.6 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 2FEB2023 17:58:30 38.6N 141.8E ML=4.0 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP
P: 3FEB2023 150448 38.0N 140.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 2FEB2023 15:27:37 30.9N 116.1W ML=3.4 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150452 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA So. California
O: 2FEB2023 23:44:52 34.0N 116.8W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 7FEB2023 150456 33.4N 116.7W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA So. California
O: 2FEB2023 23:38:55 36.5N 121.1W Md=2.6 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 02FEB2023 16:03:51 36.6N 121.2W Md=2.6 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 5FEB2023 150424 36.4N 121.0W 2.5-4.5 BAAAA Central California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Firebaugh, Los Banos and Gilroy.
The earlier M 2.6 was felt with intensity II-III in Gilroy and Gustine, California.
O: 3FEB2023 01:39:03 37.0N 121.6W Md=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 1FEB2023 150425 36.8N 121.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 2FEB2023 23:35:46 38.2N 119.2W ML=2.9 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 2FEB2023 23:35:46 38.2N 119.2W ML=3.1 ANSS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150421 38.0N 118.8W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA California/Nevada area
P: 5FEB2023 150422 38.8N 119.6W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA California/Nevada area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in California/Nevada border was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of California/Nevada border in California at Bridgeport and Coleville and in Nevada at Glenbrook and Reno.
O: 3FEB2023 04:33:52 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150428 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 3FEB2023 01:53:36 40.2N 123.9W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 1FEB2023 150502 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
O: 2FEB2023 07:52:12 41.5N 127.1W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
P: 7FEB2023 150503 40.4N 127.2W 2.5-4.5 BBAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
P: 28JAN2023 150227 42.5N 126.8W 3.0-4.5 BAAAA Off Coast of Oregon
ALASKA
O: 3FEB2023 02:53:16 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.9 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 3FEB2023 07:05:06 52.4N 169.4W mb=4.2 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 2FEB2023 150524 53.9N 169.3W 3.5-5.2 ABAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 BAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 2FEB2023 14:48:24 61.1N 152.1W Mw=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 3FEB2023 150543 61.3N 152.3W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 2FEB2023 11:26:27 61.5N 146.5W ml=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 7FEB2023 150541 61.0N 147.7W 3.2-5.0 BAAAA Central Alaska
O: 3FEB2023 02:55:16 63.0N 151.0W ML=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 7FEB2023 150543 62.6N 151.4W 3.2-5.3 BAAAA Central Alaska
P: 29JAN2023 150274 63.2N 151.4W 3.2-5.3 BAAAA Central Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 03FEB2023 03:09:45 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA
O: 3FEB2023 02:53:15 61.5N 140.7W ML=4.1 ANSS SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
O: 3FEB2023 02:53:16 61.5N 140.7W ML=3.9 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 2FEB2023 03:22:22 66.3N 135.7W MB=3.0 ECAN of Fort McPherson, NT
P: 2FEB2023 150548 64.0N 137.0W 3.0-4.6 ACAAA Northern Alaska
O: 1FEB2023 07:45:20 62.2N 124.1W MB=3.8 ECAN of Wrigley, NT
P: 5FEB2023 150549 62.1N 124.2W 2.5-3.9 BAAAA Northwest Terr., Canada
P: 29JAN2023 150278 62.1N 124.2W 2.5-3.9 AAAAA Northwest Terr., Canada
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 02FEB2023 07:19:14 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 02FEB2023 08:28:25 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 02FEB2023 08:28:25 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 02FEB2023 09:22:45 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.9 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 02FEB2023 23:26:15 31.7N 104.5W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 2FEB2023 23:56:34 31.6N 104.2W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 2FEB2023 22:08:07 38.0N 112.5W Ml=2.2 EMSC UTAH
P: 4FEB2023 150471 37.0N 112.8W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Utah area
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 3FEB2023 05:21:06 28.9N 98.1W mb=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 ACCAA SW U.S.A
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
STRONG QUAKE DAMAGING IN MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES; MODERATE QUAKE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2023
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0-6.1 in the region of southern Mindanao, Philippines. NEIC reported intensity VIII with damage in Southern Mindanao at Monkayo, Montevista; VII in Mawab, VI in Pagsabangan, V in Nabuntura, Limga-an, Canocotan, Panabo; IV in New Visayas, Kinamayan. PHIVOLCS also gave this event M 6.0 and reported intensity VI shaking in Compostela, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan and New Bataan, Davao de Oro; Asuncion, Carmen, Kapalong, New Corella Island, Garden City of Samal, San Isidro, Santo Tomas and City of Taum, Davao del Norte. Intensity V was reported from Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan and Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Braulio E. Dejali, Davao del Norte; Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Cateel and Lupon, Davao Oriental; Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur. It was felt throughout Mindanao as far as Surigao del Norte, the city of Cotabato, General Santos and Surigao del Sur. Many people panicked due to an unconfirmed tsunami report of an event that did not occur. Damage occurred in Davao where schools were closed and government offices were shut down. While no major damage was reported many shopping malls, universities etc. were evacuated. Power was knocked out in Tagum City, Davao del Norte Province. Local sources said several people were injured in the earthquake which was given M 6.4 initially before being reduced to M 6.0 later.
The last earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines with M>=6 within about 150 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.0 on May 5, 2022. Similar events of M 6.0-6.1 hit the region on April 19-20, 2022. A major earthquake of M 7.1 occurred about 150 km southeast of this epicenter on August 1, 2021. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"No major damage was reported and the risk of a significant tsunami was considered minimal. A minor tsunami was reported by PTWC with height 0.05 m in Bitung Indonesia and 0.04 m in Davao, Philippines. The last non-deep focus earthquake of M>=7.1 in the region of Mindanao occurred as an M 7.2 on March 5, 2002 but the last of equal or larger magnitude within about 250 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 7.4 twenty years ago on January 1, 2001 and an M 7.3 and 7.1 on May 17, 1992. Deep focus earthquake hit about 350 km to the east of today's epicenter with M 7.6 on July 23, 2010 and an M 7.1 on February 5, 2005." (August 12, 2021)
Forecast 150335 had expected today's event was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter around February 3, 2023. This epicenter is about 400 km north of the M 7.2 Molucca Sea earthquake of January 18, 2023 and may have been promoted by stress redistribution from that event. It is also at 100 degrees from the M 6.4 off Northern California of December 20, 2022 and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from recent major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 01FEB2023 11:07:37 7.7N 126.2E mb=4.6 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 1FEB2023 10:44:45 7.8N 126.1E Mw=6.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3FEB2023 150335 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Central Philippines
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. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"This is the strongest earthquake in the region of the Dominican Republic since an M 6.4 on September 22, 2003. This is the only strong earthquake in the area in at least 22 years. It may be a precursory quake to the upcoming great quake in the Puerto Rico trench. An earthquake of M 3.9 in the region of Puerto Rico followed several hours after the Dominican Republic earthquake. The only other comparable event in the region in the past 10 years was an M 5.4 about 300 km to the southeast of today's epicenter which occurred on November 13, 2010." (January 6, 2012)
Forecast 150395 had expected this event in this area was likely around February 5, 2023. This epicenter is at 142 degrees from the M 7.6 in New Guinea of September 10, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 1FEB2023 11:11:16 18.0N 70.4W Mw=5.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150395 19.0N 71.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
A light earthquake also shook the San Fernando Valley near Northridge, California today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in San Fernando valley area of Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California in Canyon County, Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Newhall, Valencia, San Fernando, Pasadena, Northridge, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Porter Ranch, North Hills, Panorama City among other communities. It was felt as far as Los Angeles with intensity IV. While at a significantly reduced magnitude, this event follows the pattern laid out in this summary following the M 4.2 in Malibu, California on January 25, 2023 and reported in that summary as:
"Today's M 4.2 is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.3 on September 18, 2021. The last earthquake in the area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.7 on May 18, 2009. The last strong earthquake to occur in this region was the Northridge M 6.7 of January 17, 1994. That event was preceded by several light earthquakes felt in the Los Angeles area of M 3.6 and 3.7 on January 9, 1994 and January 12, 1994 within about 15 km of today's epicenters. This caused some residents of Los Angeles to believe that a stronger event in the region was imminent and to take precautions. An earthquake of M 6.7 also hit the area on February 9, 1971 - the San Fernando earthquake. The period of 30-33 years appears to be the approximate inter-event time for large earthquakes in this region. Since it has been 29 years since the Northridge quake, the area is entering into a period of likely enhanced seismicity. Triggering of today's activity by a strong solar flare suggests that the region is near a breaking point which could be reached in the near future and could be triggered by a strong X-class solar flare. Today's earthquake occurred at 15 km depth - a depth at which moderate to large earthquakes often occur in this region (the Northridge quake was at 18 km depth) - near the brittle-ductile transition boundary." (January 26, 2023)
The seismic watch associated with southern California was cancelled two days ago in this summary because TC Cheneso failed to reach an antipodal point to southern California, dissipating south of Madagascar several days earlier than expected.
The last earthquake of M>=3.1 in the region 34-35N 118-119W (the San Fernando Valley west of Los Angeles) was an M 3.2 on February 14, 2022. An M 4.2 also hit this area on July 30, 2020 and was reported in this summary as:
"A series of light to moderate earthquakes shook the valleys west of Los Angeles, California today. The largest of these was an M 4.2 near San Fernando. … An M 4.1 off the coast of northern California occurred minutes before the Los Angeles activity. It was possibly felt on the coast of Northern California with light intensity. This is the strongest earthquake in the San Fernando Valley, California area since an M 4.2-4.3 on January 4, 2015. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The last earthquake of similar or larger magnitude within 50 km of this epicenter in the Los Angeles area occurred as an M 4.4 on March 17, 2014 and as an M 4.3 on September 1, 2011. A foreshock to the south occurred on December 30, 2014 and was followed several hours later by a foreshock of M 3.1 at today's epicenter. A similar sequence preceded the 1994 Northridge earthquake." (January 4, 2015, July 31, 2020)
More recent earthquakes of M 3.6 (January 8, 2022); M 3.6 (October 24, 2021) and M 4.5 (September 19, 2020) occurred in the western greater Los Angeles region but were not in the San Fernando Valley area.
Forecast 150457 had expected today's M 3.1 was likely within about 25 km around February 2, 2023.
O: 2FEB2023 00:11:01 34.3N 118.4W ML=3.1 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
P: 2FEB2023 150457 34.4N 118.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
A light earthquake also occurred in Southern California today east of Los Angeles. This M 3.3 is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter since the M 4.2 of December 31, 2022. It occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses at this hour. NEIC reported today's event was felt with maximum intensity IV in California at Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta among other communities. Forecasts 150456 and 150185 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely at the end or January or in early February, 2023.
O: 01FEB2023 09:19:23 33.9N 116.3W Ml=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02FEB2023 03:39:59 34.1N 116.4W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:01 33.9N 116.3W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:01 33.9N 116.3W ML=3.3 ANSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.7N 116.1W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA 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 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 2FEB2023 01:04:54 19.9N 94.4E mb=4.5 EMSC MYANMAR
P: 2FEB2023 150407 20.0N 96.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Myanmar
O: 1FEB2023 12:14:50 27.4N 89.2E ML=3.4 EMSC BHUTAN
P: 29JAN2023 150137 27.0N 92.0E 4.0-5.5 AABAA Myanmar
O: 2FEB2023 02:08:23 40.9N 78.7E mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 10FEB2023 150489 40.0N 78.0E 4.0-5.6 CAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
P: 30JAN2023 150178 39.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 ABAAA Northern India
O: 1FEB2023 20:28:49 50.7N 89.6E mb=3.7 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA
P: 9FEB2023 150491 46.0N 96.0E 4.0-5.6 CCCAA Mongolia
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 1FEB2023 08:04:50 0.8S 134.7E ML=4.3 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 9FEB2023 150369 1.0S 133.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 1FEB2023 20:48:10 3.2N 128.1E ML=4.0 EMSC NORTH OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 3FEB2023 150340 3.0N 129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 2FEB2023 01:41:35 5.3N 126.7E ML=4.3 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3FEB2023 150335 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Central Philippines
O: 1FEB2023 09:33:47 5.3S 103.3E mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150365 5.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 2FEB2023 03:42:22 6.2S 130.3E mb=4.2 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 2FEB2023 150371 5.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 2FEB2023 02:20:40 6.8S 128.2E mb=4.5 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 2FEB2023 150348 7.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Banda Sea
O: 1FEB2023 15:57:21 7.2S 107.7E mb=4.4 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 4FEB2023 150363 8.0S 108.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA So. of Java
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in Java, Indonesia was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Java, Indonesia at Tarogong, Garut, Cikeruh and Bandung.
EMSC reported moderate intensity in Java at Majalaya, Pameungpeuk, Cicalengka, Kiaracondong, Batununggal, Bandung, Cidadap, Cimahi Utara, Sukarsari, Parongpong among others.
O: 1FEB2023 16:58:15 8.1S 123.9E ML=4.1 EMSC FLORES REGION, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150079 7.0S 123.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA Flores Island area
O: 01FEB2023 11:07:37 7.7N 126.2E mb=4.6 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 1FEB2023 10:44:45 7.8N 126.1E Mw=6.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3FEB2023 150335 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Central Philippines
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 1FEB2023 08:58:28 1.8S 78.0W mb=4.4 EMSC ECUADOR
P: 3FEB2023 150351 1.0S 77.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Ecuador
O: 1FEB2023 21:14:56 2.0S 81.5W mb=5.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF ECUADOR
P: 4FEB2023 150351 4.0S 80.0W 4.0-5.7 BBBAA Ecuador
O: 1FEB2023 19:51:03 6.7N 73.2W mb=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN COLOMBIA
P: 26JAN2023 150061 7.0N 73.0W 4.0-5.4 CAAAA Colombia
O: 1FEB2023 10:52:28 9.8S 78.6W mb=4.6 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
P: 9FEB2023 150360 9.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 CACAA No. Peru
O: 2FEB2023 05:48:28 13.4N 91.4W mb=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
P: 5FEB2023 150378 13.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Guatemala
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in Guatemala was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Ahuachapan, El Salvador.
O: 02FEB2023 02:13:16 15.2N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 2FEB2023 02:20:17 13.9N 92.8W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Guatemala
O: 1FEB2023 23:10:57 14.0N 90.0W mb=4.4 EMSC GUATEMALA
P: 3FEB2023 150378 15.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Guatemala
O: 1FEB2023 11:11:16 18.0N 70.4W Mw=5.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150395 19.0N 71.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 01FEB2023 14:42:12 18.6N 104.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE COLIMA, MEXICO
O: 1FEB2023 13:40:08 18.5N 104.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE COLIMA, MEXICO
P: 2FEB2023 150387 19.0N 104.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 1FEB2023 10:29:06 19.1N 67.2W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 2FEB2023 150401 20.0N 68.0W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 1FEB2023 07:26:07 19.4N 79.0W mb=4.4 EMSC CUBA REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150102 19.0N 81.0W 3.5-5.1 BABAA Caribbean Sea
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in Cuba was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Jamaica at Montego Bay, and in the Cayman Islands at West Bay and East End.
O: 2FEB2023 03:36:38 21.8N 106.7W ML=4.0 EMSC ISLAS MARIAS REG., NAYARIT, ME
P: 28JAN2023 150105 18.0N 106.0W 3.5-5.4 BCAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
P: 28JAN2023 150115 19.0N 105.0W 3.5-5.6 BCAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 1FEB2023 23:10:58 24.2S 67.3W mb=4.1 EMSC SALTA, ARGENTINA
P: 28JAN2023 150299 24.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Argentina
O: 2FEB2023 00:26:02 28.3S 67.8W mb=4.2 EMSC CATAMARCA, ARGENTINA
P: 5FEB2023 150571 28.0S 67.0W 4.0-5.9 BAAAA Argentina
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 2FEB2023 01:34:14 11.8N 43.1E ML=3.6 EMSC GOLFE DE TADJOURA, DJIBOUTI
P: 3FEB2023 150377 12.0N 41.0E 3.5-4.9 AABAA Ethiopia
P: 7FEB2023 150377 13.0N 43.0E 3.5-4.9 BBAAA Ethiopia
O: 1FEB2023 10:53:20 40.1N 22.7E ML=4.1 EMSC GREECE
P: 4FEB2023 150508 40.0N 21.0E 3.0-5.1 BABAA Romania/NW Turkey
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Greece was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Greece in Thessaloniki.
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 2FEB2023 06:13:17 25.1S 178.7W mb=4.1 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 7FEB2023 150574 29.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA No. Kermadec 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: 1FEB2023 14:28:13 32.8S 178.6E ML=4.7 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 2FEB2023 03:03:47 34.7S 178.9E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 2FEB2023 02:57:19 43.4N 146.1E mb=4.4 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
P: 28JAN2023 150209 44.0N 145.0E 3.5-5.4 BAAAA Hokkaido, Japan
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:54:15 30.9N 115.4W ML=3.1 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 5FEB2023 150403 30.0N 114.0W 3.5-5.1 BABAA Gulf of California
O: 01FEB2023 17:21:21 30.9N 116.2W ML=3.7 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 1FEB2023 17:16:21 30.9N 116.2W ML=3.6 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150452 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.9 CAAAA So. California
O: 01FEB2023 09:19:23 33.9N 116.3W Ml=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02FEB2023 03:39:59 34.1N 116.4W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:01 33.9N 116.3W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.7N 116.1W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
O: 2FEB2023 00:11:01 34.3N 118.4W ML=3.1 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
P: 2FEB2023 150457 34.4N 118.6W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 2FEB2023 00:37:10 35.6N 117.6W ML=2.9 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 2FEB2023 00:37:10 35.6N 117.6W ML=3.1 ANSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150418 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Central California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central California at Ridgecrest.
O: 2FEB2023 01:03:43 37.3N 121.7W Md=2.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 3FEB2023 150426 37.4N 121.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 01FEB2023 08:13:53 38.8N 122.5W Md=2.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 10:24:05 38.8N 122.8W ML=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150428 38.8N 122.8W 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: 1FEB2023 13:07:09 40.4N 124.0W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 1FEB2023 150502 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
ALASKA
No events of M>=3 were located in Alaska today.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 30JAN2023 09:02:46 61.5N 140.7W MB=4.8 ECAN of Burwash Landing, YT
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 01FEB2023 15:14:20 31.6N 104.2W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 01FEB2023 15:16:50 31.6N 104.3W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 01FEB2023 18:23:04 31.6N 104.2W ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 02FEB2023 05:33:09 31.6N 104.4W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 01FEB2023 11:23:36 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 01FEB2023 19:59:34 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 1FEB2023 07:01:46 31.6N 104.0W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 01FEB2023 22:32:18 36.0N 97.8W ML=2.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 1FEB2023 16:25:23 35.0N 97.7W ML=2.8 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 5FEB2023 150465 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 BAAAA 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 Alex, Bradley, Blanchard and Purcell.
O: 1FEB2023 12:42:29 36.5N 98.8W ML=2.2 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 4FEB2023 150466 37.0N 98.0W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA Southern Plains
O: 31JAN2023 12:10:32 43.1N 67.2W MB=2.6 ECAN of Yarmouth, NS
O: 31JAN2023 02:22:22 43.0N 67.2W MB=2.6 ECAN of Yarmouth, NS
P: 8FEB2023 150490 44.4N 68.2W 2.0-4.3 CBAAA Maine
O: 31JAN2023 11:39:36 49.1N 68.0W MB=1.6 ECAN of Hauterive, QC
P: 4FEB2023 150490 49.3N 67.5W 2.0-4.4 BAAAA Maine
O: 31JAN2023 21:01:40 47.4N 70.4W MB=1.6 ECAN of Saint-Bernard-de-l'Île-aux-Coudres, QC
O: 31JAN2023 19:29:28 47.4N 70.2W MB=1.1 ECAN of Saint-Bernard-de-l'Île-aux-Coudres, QC
O: 30JAN2023 22:44:40 47.5N 70.1W MB=1.0 ECAN of La Pocatière, QC
O: 31JAN2023 10:36:00 47.4N 70.5W MB=0.6 ECAN of Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
P: 27JAN2023 150213 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.4 BAAAA Maine
O: 31JAN2023 04:57:36 75.2N 96.6W MB=2.6 ECAN of Resolute, NU
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
ANOTHER QUIET DAY IN GLOBAL SEISMICITY
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 31, 2023
It was another quiet day in global seismicity. This follows a similar quiet period yesterday which was discussed in the previous issue of this summary as:
"It was a quiet day in the life of the earth today. ... The lack of significant tidal, solar, geomagnetic or tropical storm activity at this time probably contributed to this quiet period in seismicity. The current lull is expected to continue for several more days with a break to more active conditions possible with a return of active solar activity around February 2, 2023.
The largest earthquakes in the world today were four of M 5.0 - one in the region of Mindanao, Philippines and three in the southwest Pacific in the Solomon Islands, Tonga and south of Fiji. None of these are unusual and all had been expected in forecasts in this summary.
O: 1FEB2023 00:21:59 9.6S 159.8E mb=5.0 EMSC SOLOMON ISLANDS
P: 27JAN2023 150094 6.0S 155.0E 4.0-5.4 BCCAA Solomon Islands
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in the Solomon Islands was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Solomon Islands in Honiara, Guadalcanal.
O: 31JAN2023 19:02:13 15.9S 173.3W mb=5.0 EMSC TONGA
P: 7FEB2023 150559 15.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.5 CABAA Samoa Islands
O: 31JAN2023 16:49:46 23.7S 179.7W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 31JAN2023 20:04:35 9.1N 127.2E mb=5.0 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
P: 27JAN2023 150112 11.0N 126.0E 3.5-5.1 BBAAA Luzon, Philippines
Two earthquakes of M 4.7-4.8 occurred today on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. An M 4.8 in the Central Mid-Atlantic (no felt) was the strongest within about 200 km of that epicenter in more than a year - since an M 4.8 on January 11, 2022 and an M 4.9 on February 6, 2019. This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses. Forecast 150333 had expected this event within about 50 km was likely around February 2. This epicenter is nearly antipodal to the M 7.6 in New Guinea of September 10, 2022 and like the M 4.7 to the north at 144 degrees from recent major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and may have been promoted by focused energy from that source.
O: 1FEB2023 03:14:17 2.6N 30.8W mb=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 2FEB2023 150333 3.0N 31.0W 4.0-6.0 AAAAA Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg
The M 4.7 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic (also not felt) was the largest within about 200 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.2 on January 2, 2023 and an M 4.8 on August 25, 2022. Forecasts 150406 and 150177 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely at the end of January or early February.
O: 31JAN2023 14:48:11 29.8N 42.1W mb=4.7 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 2FEB2023 150406 27.0N 44.0W 4.0-5.5 ACBAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
P: 23JAN2023 150177 31.0N 41.0W 4.0-5.5 CBAAA No. Mid-Atlantic Ridge
An M 4.4 occurred in the region of Cuba today. It was not reported felt in this area. It is the largest event within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on June 29, 2021. Forecast 150102 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely around January 28.
O: 1FEB2023 07:26:07 19.4N 79.0W mb=4.4 EMSC CUBA REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150102 19.0N 81.0W 3.5-5.1 BABAA Caribbean Sea
The strongest earthquake in California today was an M 2.7 in the Mammoth Lakes area near the California border. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in the epicentral area. This event may have been promoted by focused energy from Tropical Cyclone Cheneso which had remnants near the antipode in the area south of Madagascar when the M 2.7 occurred in the Mammoth Lakes area of California. This possibility had been proposed in previous issues of this summary as:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Northern Madagascar with winds up to 65 kts. Focused antipodal energy from this storm could lead to enhanced seismicity in Southern California at that time. The closest approach to antipodal in California will occur in Central California around 37N 118W - the Mammoth Lakes area which could also see enhanced seismicity near January 31." (January 27-29, 2023) This storm has caused considerable flooding and damage and loss of life in Madagascar as it moves slowly through the area.
This warning was later cancelled when TC Cheneso failed to reach a position antipodal to southern California.
Today's event of M 2.7 was the strongest in the Mammoth Lakes, California area since an M 3.1 on January 2, 2023 and an M 3.9 on December 2, 2022. Forecast 150419 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely in early February.
O: 31JAN2023 21:41:15 37.5N 118.8W Md=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150419 37.5N 118.5W 2.5-5.0 BAAAA California/Nevada area
P: 1FEB2023 150419 37.3N 119.4W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA California/Nevada area
The area of southern California has been relatively quiet during the month of
January, 2023. The only significant activity in this area in the past month was the M 4.2 and an aftershock of M 3.6 in the Santa Monica area south of Los Angeles on January 25 which in part led to a forecast of enhanced seismicity in southern California around January 31 in this summary. The last event of M>=3.3 other than that in southern California was an M 4.2 on December 31, 2022. The epicenter of that event was near Borrego Springs, California.
A light earthquake occurred in Southern California as this summary was in preparation. This M 3.3 is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter since the M 4.2 of December 31, 2022. It occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses at this hour. NEIC reported today's event was felt with maximum intensity IV in California at Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta among other communities. Forecasts 150456 and 150185 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely at the end or January or in early February, 2023.
O: 31JAN2023 22:19:25 33.9N 116.3W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 31JAN2023 12:56:20 33.3N 116.8W Ml=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:02 33.9N 116.3W Ml=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:02 33.9N 116.3W Ml=3.3 ANSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 7FEB2023 150456 33.4N 116.7W 2.5-4.7 CAAAA So. California
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.7N 116.1W 2.5-4.6 CAAAA So. California
A light earthquake of M 2.6 occurred today in the Gulf of Maine. Similar events of M>=2.6 have occurred on three other occasions in the past 35 years - all with M 2.6 on June 9, 2016, February 10, 2021 and April 16, 2022. No earthquakes of greater magnitude in the Gulf of Maine have occurred in this time period. Forecast 150490 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region in early February. This epicenter is at 142 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 31JAN2023 02:22:17 43.0N 66,6W ML=2.6 ANSS GULF OF MAINE
O: 31JAN2023 12:10:28 43.1N 67.4W ML=2.6 EMSC GULF OF MAINE
P: 8FEB2023 150490 44.4N 68.2W 2.0-4.3 CBAAA Maine
A study claiming that the core of the earth has stopped rotating with the rest of the planet is being widely circulated on the internet. Some claim there would be no obvious effects to such a situation. This is nonsense. A few of the effects include the following. 1) There is considerable topography between layers in the earth. If one layer should stop rotating while the adjoining layer kept rotating as usual, friction would occur along the interface. This friction would wear down the topography and diminish other forms of energy (such as motion). 2) Most of the geomagnetic field is thought to be generated by currents of liquid material in the inner portions of the earth. Friction at the interfaces would change this fluid motion. This, in turn, would reduce or enhance the strength of the earth's inherent geomagnetic field. This appears to be happening as the strength of this field has halved in the past 100 years and is continuing to lessen. This has led some to speculate that the earth is in the middle of a geomagnetic reversal. 3) A lessening of the geomagnetic field strength would allow solar (and flare) activity a larger portion of the overall magnetic field of the earth. Part of this would include a lowering of the ionosphere by tens of kilometers. This has also been observed over the past decades. 4) Lowering the ionosphere would allow major enhancement in the telluric induction electrical currents from ionospheric currents. This would bring more frequent moderate earthquakes caused by Solar Flare Effects (SFE) in areas where these effects are prominent and perhaps more dependence of seismicity on solar effects. 5) If one layer of the earth rotates at a different speed than an adjacent section, slippage at the interface of these two sections may be possible. One of the theories that tries to explain sudden climate shifts (for example the existence of mammoths in Siberia with tropical plants in their mouths after being flash frozen) is that the crust of the earth occasionally slips on the mantle. If observed, the rotation discontinuity between layers of the earth would give this theory more credence. In short these and many effects unmentioned here suggest that non-rotation of the core of the earth could have major effects on the rest of the planet.
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 31JAN2023 18:39:48 27.9N 87.0E ML=3.4 EMSC NEPAL
P: 29JAN2023 150137 27.0N 92.0E 4.0-5.5 AACAA Myanmar
O: 1FEB2023 05:41:08 37.1N 60.0E mb=4.3 EMSC TURKMENISTAN
P: 7FEB2023 150443 37.0N 59.0E 3.8-5.2 CAAAA No. Iran
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 1FEB2023 06:54:56 0.2S 124.2E ML=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 5FEB2023 150367 1.0S 124.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Sulawesi area
P: 29JAN2023 150095 1.0S 124.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Sulawesi area
O: 1FEB2023 08:04:50 0.8S 134.7E ML=4.3 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 9FEB2023 150369 1.0S 133.0E 4.0-5.4 CABAA West Irian, PNG
O: 31JAN2023 12:02:39 2.8N 127.1E mb=4.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 4FEB2023 150340 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Halmahera
O: 31JAN2023 15:06:20 3.4S 127.4E ML=4.1 EMSC SERAM, INDONESIA
P: 6FEB2023 150350 4.0S 128.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA Ceram area
P: 28JAN2023 150076 3.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.4 BABAA Ceram area
O: 31JAN2023 12:32:19 3.9N 128.5E mb=4.5 EMSC NORTH OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 3FEB2023 150340 3.0N 129.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Halmahera
O: 1FEB2023 09:33:47 5.3S 103.4E ML=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 5FEB2023 150365 5.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 31JAN2023 20:04:35 9.1N 127.2E mb=5.0 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
P: 27JAN2023 150112 11.0N 126.0E 3.5-5.1 BBAAA Luzon, Philippines
O: 31JAN2023 08:49:56 19.9N 121.4E mb=4.6 EMSC BABUYAN ISL REGION, PHILIPPINE
P: 26JAN2023 150113 19.0N 120.0E 3.5-4.9 BABAA Luzon, Philippines
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 1FEB2023 02:54:27 3.7S 79.7W mb=4.3 EMSC NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR
P: 25JAN2023 150077 4.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 CABAA Ecuador
O: 31JAN2023 21:42:56 13.0N 92.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 ABAAA Guatemala
O: 31JAN2023 12:34:11 13.4N 90.8W mb=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
P: 5FEB2023 150378 13.0N 91.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Guatemala
O: 1FEB2023 02:14:25 16.0S 74.5W ML=4.1 EMSC NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
P: 3FEB2023 150563 16.0S 74.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 1FEB2023 06:21:20 5.3S 80.7W ML=4.3 EMSC NEAR COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
P: 25JAN2023 150087 6.0S 79.0W 4.0-5.5 CABAA No. Peru
O: 31JAN2023 08:22:23 17.0N 94.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 31JAN2023 17:04:06 16.2N 94.0W ML=4.1 EMSC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 3FEB2023 150374 17.0N 94.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
P: 28JAN2023 150103 17.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 31JAN2023 14:59:01 16.5N 96.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 28JAN2023 150122 17.0N 96.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 31JAN2023 07:14:50 18.3N 73.5W ML=3.5 EMSC HAITI REGION
O: 31JAN2023 22:37:23 18.4N 73.7W ML=3.1 EMSC HAITI REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150125 19.0N 73.0W 3.4-5.3 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 31JAN2023 16:07:10 19.0S 69.2W Mw=4.7 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
O: 31JAN2023 16:07 19.1S 69.4W mb=4.7 GUC Arica in Pocon Chile, III in A
O: 31JAN2023 21:51:19 18.9S 69.9W mb=4.2 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
O: 31JAN2023 21:51 18.9S 69.9W mb=4.0 GUC Arica in Arica, Codpa, Cuya an
P: 2FEB2023 150562 19.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
P: 2FEB2023 150562 19.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.7 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Chile in Iquique, Tarapaca.
GUC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Arica in Pocon Chile, III in Arica, Codpa and Putre; Tarapaca with III in Camina and Huara, Chile.
GUC reported the earthquake of M 4.2 was felt with intensity III in Arica in Arica, Codpa, Cuya and San Miguel de Azapa, Chile.
O: 31JAN2023 13:26:18 19.0N 67.1W ML=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 31JAN2023 13:39:30 19.2N 67.2W Md=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 2FEB2023 150401 20.0N 68.0W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 1FEB2023 07:26:07 19.4N 79.0W mb=4.4 EMSC CUBA REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150102 19.0N 81.0W 3.5-5.1 BABAA Caribbean Sea
O: 31JAN2023 23:50:22 18.4N 64.6W Md=3.5 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31JAN2023 23:14:56 19.5N 64.7W Md=3.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
P: 4FEB2023 150400 20.0N 64.0W 3.0-4.9 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 3.4 and 3.5 in the Virgin Islands were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the British Virgin Islands in Road Town, Tortola.
O: 31JAN2023 19:45:10 19.8S 68.4W mb=4.6 EMSC POTOSI, BOLIVIA
P: 2FEB2023 150562 19.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 1FEB2023 04:05:50 27.9N 111.9W mb=4.1 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 2FEB2023 150403 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Gulf of California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.1 in the Gulf of California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the Gulf of California in Bahia de Kino, Sonora, Mexico.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 31JAN2023 19:09:15 34.8N 14.2E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 1FEB2023 150435 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 1FEB2023 00:21:59 9.6S 159.8E mb=5.0 EMSC SOLOMON ISLANDS
P: 27JAN2023 150094 6.0S 155.0E 4.0-5.4 BCCAA Solomon Islands
O: 31JAN2023 19:02:13 15.9S 173.3W mb=5.0 EMSC TONGA
P: 7FEB2023 150559 15.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.5 CABAA Samoa Islands
O: 31JAN2023 07:57:32 17.8S 178.5W mb=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 4FEB2023 150566 18.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 31JAN2023 16:49:46 23.7S 179.7W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Tonga Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 1FEB2023 03:14:17 2.6N 30.8W mb=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 2FEB2023 150333 3.0N 31.0W 4.0-6.0 AAAAA Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg
O: 31JAN2023 14:48:11 29.8N 42.1W mb=4.7 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 2FEB2023 150406 27.0N 44.0W 4.0-5.5 ACBAA Mid-Atlantic Ridge
P: 23JAN2023 150177 31.0N 41.0W 4.0-5.5 CBAAA No. Mid-Atlantic Ridge
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 31JAN2023 20:20:51 31.4S 179.9W mb=3.9 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 1FEB2023 150589 31.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
O: 1FEB2023 04:31:04 31.7S 179.0E ML=4.3 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 ACAAA North 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: 31JAN2023 21:41:15 37.5N 118.8W Md=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150419 37.5N 118.5W 2.5-5.0 BAAAA California/Nevada area
P: 1FEB2023 150419 37.3N 119.4W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 31JAN2023 19:11:20 31.2N 115.6W ML=3.3 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 7FEB2023 150452 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.9 CAAAA So. California
O: 31JAN2023 21:07:32 32.8N 115.5W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 30JAN2023 150185 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 31JAN2023 07:13:43 35.5N 118.4W Ml=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 29JAN2023 150189 35.4N 118.5W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 1FEB2023 08:13:53 38.8N 122.5W Md=2.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 4FEB2023 150428 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA Central California
O: 31JAN2023 22:19:25 33.9N 116.3W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 31JAN2023 12:56:20 33.3N 116.8W Ml=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:02 33.9N 116.3W Ml=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 1FEB2023 09:05:02 33.9N 116.3W Ml=3.3 ANSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 7FEB2023 150456 33.4N 116.7W 2.5-4.7 CAAAA So. California
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.7N 116.1W 2.5-4.6 CAAAA So. California
ALASKA
O: 31JAN2023 12:09:41 51.3N 178.1W ml=3.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 4FEB2023 150517 51.8N 178.0W 3.5-4.9 BAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
O: 1FEB2023 03:54:07 56.0N 160.7W ML=3.3 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 1FEB2023 150516 54.8N 158.7W 3.5-5.1 ABBAA Alaska Peninsula
O: 31JAN2023 17:43:23 57.2N 156.0W ML=3.5 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
P: 5FEB2023 150516 57.8N 154.7W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Alaska Peninsula
O: 31JAN2023 10:01:52 67.1N 142.2W ml=3.1 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
P: 2FEB2023 150548 64.0N 137.0W 3.0-4.6 ACBAA 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: 31JAN2023 11:12:07 31.6N 104.1W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 31JAN2023 16:36:59 31.6N 104.0W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 01FEB2023 03:54:21 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 31JAN2023 15:28:22 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 31JAN2023 15:30:02 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 31JAN2023 22:09:54 31.7N 104.3W mb=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 1FEB2023 07:01:46 31.6N 104.0W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 3FEB2023 150451 31.7N 103.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
P: 29JAN2023 150181 32.5N 104.6W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 1FEB2023 06:36:37 37.2N 104.5W ML=3.1 EMSC COLORADO
P: 5FEB2023 150430 37.0N 105.2W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA Colorado area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Southern Colorado was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Colorado in Trinidad and Raton, New Mexico.
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 31JAN2023 12:10:28 43.1N 67.4W ML=2.6 EMSC GULF OF MAINE
P: 8FEB2023 150490 44.4N 68.2W 2.0-4.3 CBAAA Maine
HAWAII
O: 31JAN2023 15:20:53 19.2N 155.4W ML=3.1 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
O: 31JAN2023 08:02:49 19.2N 155.4W ML=3.5 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 4FEB2023 150380 19.3N 155.2W 3.0-4.8 BAAAA Hawaii
P: 30JAN2023 150109 19.9N 156.1W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu, Captain Cook, Pahoa, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Laupahoehoe and Honokaa.
MODERATE QUAKES CONTINUE NEAR MALTA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 30, 2023
It was a quiet day in the life of the earth today. Two events of M>=5 occurred - an M 5.3 near Malta and an M 5.3 in Kashmir, India and Xinjiang, China. The lack of significant tidal, solar, geomagnetic or tropical storm activity at this time probably contributed to this quiet period in seismicity. The current lull is expected to continue for several more days with a break to more active conditions possible with a return of active solar activity around February 2, 2023.
Moderate earthquakes continued in the area of Malta in the Central Mediterranean today. These events were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity IV in Malta at Mellieha and III in Gharghur and Sliema, Inner Harbour. The largest of these - an M 5.3 (also the largest in the world today) was felt with maximum intensity V in Malta at Rabat; IV ikn Birzebugia, Gudja, Zebbbug, Fgura, Luqa and III i Safi, Zejtun, Tarxien and Marsa. Forecasts 150170 and 150435 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 50 km of these epicenters was likely towards the end of January or early February, 2023.
O: 31JAN2023 00:43:16 34.9N 14.1E mb=4.6 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 30JAN2023 19:55:27 34.9N 14.3E mb=5.2 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 30JAN2023 19:55:27 34.9N 14.3E mb=5.3 ANSS CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 1FEB2023 150435 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 CAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
The earthquake of M 5.3 in Kashmir, India and Xinjiang, China was the largest within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 5.4 on October 20, 2013. A strong earthquake of M 6.3 occurred about 250 km east of this on June 25, 2020 and an M 6.4 hit about 250 km northwest of this epicenter on July 3, 2015 - the last events of M>=5.3 in this area. Forecasts 150445 and 150178 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely in early February within this area.
O: 30JAN2023 17:07:45 35.8N 79.9E mb=5.3 EMSC KASHMIR-XINJIANG BORDER REGION
P: 9FEB2023 150445 35.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 CAAAA Northern India
P: 30JAN2023 150178 39.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 ACAAA Northern India
The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Montana at Livingston, Bozeman, Wilsall, Belgrade, McLeod, Pray and Big Timber. The last earthquake in western Montana within about 100 km of today's epicenter to reach M 4.1 or larger was an M 4.2 on August 16, 2019. The only event in the area of significantly larger magnitude in the past 35 years was an M 4.4 on May 8, 2007. Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses. Forecast 150241 had expected today's earthquake to the south at the end of January, 2023. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in New Guinea of September 10, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 30JAN2023 19:28:52 45.8N 110.6W ML=4.1 EMSC WESTERN MONTANA
P: 26JAN2023 150241 44.6N 110.8W 2.0-4.4 BBAAA Yellowstone/Wyoming
P: 30JAN2023 150241 44.2N 110.3W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Yellowstone/Wyoming
An M 4.5 also occurred in the Southern Yukon Territory, Canada. This was the strongest quake in the U.S. or Canada but it was not reported felt. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.5 was an M 4.5 about 150 km southwest of this epicenter on January 11, 2022. An M 4.9 on May 9, 2021 was the last such event within about 100 km of today's epicenter. Forecasts 150267 and 150539 had expected this activity was likely at the end of January or early February within about 50 km of this epicenter.
O: 30JAN2023 09:02:46 61.5N 140.7W mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
P: 27JAN2023 150267 60.0N 139.0W 3.2-5.0 BBAAA Central Alaska
An earthquake of M 4.5 also continued elevated seismicity in British Columbia, Canada today. When a similar earthquake hit this region on January 27, this summary noted:
"The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9-4.4 in the Prince George, British Columbia area of Canada. This follows enhanced seismicity over the past two days in the region of Alberta, Canada as described in the previous issue of this summary:
"Two earthquakes of M 3.9 hit the area of Alberta, Canada on January 25. These events were at different epicenters about 250 km apart. They are at 102-103 degrees from the M 7.2 in Molucca Sea of January 18 and were probably promoted by energy from that source. The last earthquake of M>=3.9 in Alberta was an M 4.5 on December 1, 2022 near one of today's epicenters. Forecast 149972 had expected activity in these areas in mid-January." (January 26, 2023)
This is an unusual epicenter. The last earthquake of M>=3.9 within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred more than 35 years ago. Earthquakes of M>=3 have hit the area within about 200 km as an M 3.2 on September 21, 2022, an M 3.4 on March 14, 2013 and an M 3.0 on February 9, 1993. Forecast 149972 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in mid-January. This epicenter is at 106 degrees from the M 7.6 in Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (January 28, 2023)
Today's event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 150549 had expected today's even within about 15 km was likely in early February, 2023.
O: 30JAN2023 19:28:36 57.1N 122.3W ML=4.5 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
P: 6FEB2023 150549 57.1N 122.2W 2.5-3.9 CAAAA Northwest Terr., Canada
The strongest earthquakes in the region of California today were relatively light events of M 2.2. Two of these were worthy of note. An M 2.2 in the region of Santa Barbara Channel and an M 2.2 in the San Francisco Bay area.
The last earthquake of M>=2.2 in the region of Santa Barbara, California with equal or larger magnitude was an M 2.7 on July 9, 2022 with M 2.7. The strongest earthquake in the past 2.5 years was an M 3.4 on May 26, 2021. Forecast 150189 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region at the end of January. Part of this forecast was based on the possible antipodal position in this area of Tropical Cyclone Cheneso south of Madagascar. This storm however dissipated yesterday before reaching a position antipodal to Southern California. Today's epicenters in the Santa Barbara Channel and south of San Francisco are within about 200 km of the antipode of the last stated position of Tropical Cyclone Cheneso. The seismic watch for this area has therefore been cancelled as noted in this summary:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Southern Madagascar with winds up to 30 kts. It is expected to dissipate over the next day. No further threat to regional seismicity is expected with this storm. The antipodal areas of Central and southern California may be slightly affected but no moderate quakes in this area are likely at this time." (January 27-30, 2023)
The epicenter referred above near Mammoth Lakes on the border with Nevada could still see a light earthquake in the next several days. But a moderate quake in this area seems unlikely at this time.
O: 30JAN2023 12:55:57 34.2N 119.5W Ml=2.2 EMSC SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL, CALIF.
P: 29JAN2023 150189 34.9N 119.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
The M 2.2 in the San Francisco, California area today continues elevated activity in this area over the past week. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses at this hour. Forecast 150159 had expected this event within about 10 km was likely around January 28.
O: 30JAN2023 18:49:31 37.3N 121.7W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
An earthquake of M 4.8 occurred south of Australia in the western Indian-Antarctic ridge area today where it was not reported felt. The only earthquake with M>=4.8 in the past 2.5 years within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 5.0 on March 18, 2022. Forecast 150325 had expected today's event within about 50 k was likely at the end of January, 2023. The potential seismicity map for the next week (see below) had identified this location as a possible significant event at this time. This epicenter is at 104 degrees from the M 6.8 in Argentina of January 20, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 31JAN2023 03:09:56 48.9S 121.4E mb=4.8 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
P: 22JAN2023 150325 49.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.8 CAAAA So. of Australia
Today's earthquake map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 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: 31JAN2023 04:49:06 24.6N 94.4E mb=4.6 EMSC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150407 25.0N 93.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Myanmar
P: 30JAN2023 150138 25.0N 97.0E 4.0-5.6 AACAA Myanmar
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in the Myanmar-Indian border region was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the India border region in Manipur, India.
O: 31JAN2023 01:07:26 32.8N 73.3E ML=3.8 EMSC PAKISTAN
P: 7FEB2023 150450 33.0N 74.0E 3.8-5.6 CAAAA Pakistan
O: 30JAN2023 17:07:45 35.8N 79.9E mb=5.3 EMSC KASHMIR-XINJIANG BORDER REGION
P: 9FEB2023 150445 35.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 CAAAA Northern India
P: 30JAN2023 150178 39.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 ACAAA Northern India
O: 31JAN2023 05:25:36 50.1N 142.6E mb=4.5 EMSC SAKHALIN, RUSSIA
P: 27JAN2023 150237 47.0N 142.0E 3.5-5.8 BCAAA So. Kurils
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 30JAN2023 17:27:23 4.1N 126.9E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 4FEB2023 150340 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.8 BBAAA Halmahera
P: 27JAN2023 150068 4.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.4 BABAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 31JAN2023 04:34:51 6.0N 126.2E mb=4.6 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 3FEB2023 150335 7.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Central Philippines
O: 30JAN2023 11:56:03 6.6S 130.2E ML=4.5 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 2FEB2023 150348 7.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Banda Sea
O: 30JAN2023 18:45:37 12.1N 93.6E mb=4.9 EMSC ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150372 12.0N 93.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Andaman Islands
P: 28JAN2023 150100 12.0N 92.0E 4.0-5.7 AABAA Andaman Islands
O: 30JAN2023 13:25:48 15.6N 119.2E ML=4.1 EMSC LUZON, PHILIPPINES
P: 1FEB2023 150384 13.0N 122.0E 3.5-5.1 ACCAA Luzon, Philippines
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Indonesia or the Philippines today.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 30JAN2023 14:11:32 9.6N 84.5W mb=4.5 EMSC COSTA RICA
P: 21JAN2023 150102 10.0N 84.0W 3.5-5.6 CAAAA Caribbean Sea
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Costa Rica was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Costa Rica in Jaco, San Ramon, San Antonio, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Samara and Puerto Cortes.
O: 30JAN2023 09:52:08 12.6N 88.2W mb=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
P: 30JAN2023 150104 14.0N 89.0W 3.5-5.1 ABAAA Coast of Central America
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in El Salvador was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of El Salvador in Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad.
O: 30JAN2023 23:28:25 15.9S 73.2W ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTHERN PERU
P: 3FEB2023 150563 16.0S 74.0W 4.0-5.8 BAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 30JAN2023 15:38:24 16.0N 96.5W ML=4.1 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 28JAN2023 150122 17.0N 96.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 30JAN2023 16:24:42 16.8N 100.2W ML=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 24JAN2023 150123 17.0N 100.0W 3.5-5.2 CAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 30JAN2023 20:43:57 18.2N 103.5W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE MICHOACAN, MEXICO
P: 30JAN2023 150115 18.0N 103.0W 3.5-5.6 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 30JAN2023 22:51:34 19.3N 67.1W ML=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 2FEB2023 150401 20.0N 68.0W 3.0-4.7 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
P: 28JAN2023 150124 19.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Central or South America today.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 31JAN2023 00:43:16 34.9N 14.1E mb=4.6 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 30JAN2023 19:55:27 34.9N 14.3E mb=5.2 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 30JAN2023 19:55:27 34.9N 14.3E mb=5.3 ANSS CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 1FEB2023 150435 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 CAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 30JAN2023 21:30:41 63.3N 24.2W ML=2.9 EMSC ICELAND REGION
P: 5FEB2023 150546 63.0N 23.0W 3.0-4.6 BAAAA Iceland area
O: 31JAN2023 02:54:09 41.0N 48.2E mb=4.1 EMSC AZERBAIJAN
P: 24JAN2023 150211 40.0N 50.0E 4.0-5.6 CABAA Kazakhstan
O: 31JAN2023 04:13:03 38.6N 44.9E mb=4.0 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 1FEB2023 150469 38.0N 43.0E 3.5-5.4 AABAA Turkey
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 31JAN2023 04:53:43 17.6S 178.4W mb=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150295 19.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 BBAAA Tonga Islands
O: 30JAN2023 17:08:17 22.5S 170.2E mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS
P: 30JAN2023 150301 23.0S 171.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Loyalty Islands
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 31JAN2023 03:09:56 48.9S 121.4E mb=4.8 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
P: 22JAN2023 150325 49.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.8 CAAAA So. of Australia
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 30JAN2023 11:38:29 44.9S 166.3E ML=3.8 EMSC OFF W. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z
P: 30JAN2023 150323 44.0S 168.0E 3.0-4.9 AABAA So. Island, N.Z.
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: 30JAN2023 10:25:13 23.2N 123.9E mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPA
P: 27JAN2023 150143 23.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Taiwan
O: 30JAN2023 19:15:43 37.8N 142.1E mb=4.5 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPA
P: 29JAN2023 150180 37.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Honshu, Japan in Miyagi Prefecture.
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 30JAN2023 12:55:57 34.2N 119.5W Ml=2.2 EMSC SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL, CALIF.
P: 29JAN2023 150189 34.9N 119.0W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 31JAN2023 02:33:01 36.0N 117.4W Ml=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 29JAN2023 150149 36.1N 118.1W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 30JAN2023 18:49:31 37.3N 121.7W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
O: 30JAN2023 22:15:20 38.1N 118.8W ML=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 25JAN2023 150154 38.0N 118.8W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 30JAN2023 15:20:07 40.6N 124.2W MD=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150226 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
ALASKA
No events of M>=3 were located in Alaska today.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 30JAN2023 22:28:30 47.4N 117.9W Ml=2.0 EMSC WASHINGTON
P: 29JAN2023 150240 47.7N 120.3W 2.0-4.1 AABAA Washington state, U.S.
O: 30JAN2023 19:28:36 57.1N 122.3W ML=4.5 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
P: 6FEB2023 150549 57.1N 122.2W 2.5-3.9 CAAAA Northwest Terr., Canada
O: 30JAN2023 09:02:46 61.5N 140.7W mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 1FEB2023 150539 61.3N 140.1W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
P: 27JAN2023 150267 60.0N 139.0W 3.2-5.0 BBAAA Central Alaska
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 30JAN2023 11:19:58 31.6N 104.3W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30JAN2023 13:28:08 31.7N 104.5W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30JAN2023 09:59:53 31.6N 104.3W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 29JAN2023 150181 32.5N 104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 31JAN2023 03:57:50 41.5N 112.2W ML=2.9 EMSC UTAH
P: 30JAN2023 150199 39.8N 112.7W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Utah area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.9 in Utah was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Utah in Brigham City, Willard, Honeyville, Corinne, Mendon and Bountiful.
O: 30JAN2023 19:28:52 45.8N 110.6W ML=4.1 EMSC WESTERN MONTANA
P: 26JAN2023 150241 44.6N 110.8W 2.0-4.4 BBAAA Yellowstone/Wyoming
P: 30JAN2023 150241 44.2N 110.3W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Yellowstone/Wyoming
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 31JAN2023 02:02:15 35.8N 98.1W ML=2.2 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 31JAN2023 01:27:34 36.1N 97.8W ML=2.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 29JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Southern Plains
O: 30JAN2023 06:41:31 47.4N 70.3W MB=1.2 ECAN of Saint-Bernard-de-l'Île-aux-C
O: 30JAN2023 06:36:46 47.4N 70.4W MB=1.4 ECAN of Saint-Bernard-de-l'Île-aux-C
P: 27JAN2023 150213 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA Maine
HAWAII
O: 31JAN2023 00:57:20 19.3N 155.4W ML=3.4 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 4FEB2023 150380 19.3N 155.2W 3.0-4.8 BAAAA Hawaii
P: 30JAN2023 150109 19.9N 156.1W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu and Captain Cook.
STRONG QUAKE SHAKES SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA; RARE QUAKE NEAR MOZAMBIQUE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 29, 2023
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Southern Xinjiang, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Kuche and Aksu. The only earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-5.9 on March 8, 2012. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 5.8-6.1 hit the area of southern Xinjiang, China today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Aksu, Xinjiang, China.
The epicenter is in the Taklimakan Desert region northeast of Hotan and there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The earthquake was felt strongly in Hotan and officials are expecting damage reports from the prefectures of Aksu, Kashi, Hotan, Baya Fol and Ili. The quakes was felt in each of these regions according to Xinhua. Reports from this area are often delayed and some damage may have occurred which will be reported at a later time. The epicenter is near the border with Kyrgyzstan." (March 9, 2012)
A moderately strong earthquake occurred on January 28 to the west of this in
northern Iran and eastern Turkey with M 5.9. It may have helped promote seismicity in this region of Xinjiang, China. Forecast 150212 had expected today's event in Xinjiang was likely within about 100 km around January 27.
O: 29JAN2023 23:49:39 40.0N 82.4E Mw=5.8 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 27JAN2023 150212 41.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
An unusual earthquake of M 4.8 occurred today in the southern Mozambique Channel southeast of Madagascar. It hit near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses at their maximum. It occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new moon of January 21 as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
Today's event also appears to have been triggered by stress from Tropical Cyclone Cheneso which passed over this epicenter yesterday. This summary had anticipated this in previous issues as:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Southern Madagascar with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the south over the next several days. Some triggering of seismicity in East Africa may occur with this storm. This system will be at 34S 60E on January 31 with winds up to 65 kts. This is antipodal to southern California and Los Angeles where moderate earthquakes occurred on January 25. Focused antipodal energy from this storm could lead to enhanced seismicity in Southern California at that time. The closest approach to antipodal in California will occur in Central California around 37N 118W - the Mammoth Lakes area which could also see enhanced seismicity near January 31. This storm has caused considerable flooding and damage and loss of life in Madagascar as it moves slowly through the area." (January 28-29, 2023)
Today's event is the strongest within about 300 km in the Mozambique Channel in at least 35 years. The last event of M>=4 in this area was an M 4.0 on September 1, 2012 and prior to that an M 4.4 on June 26, 2008. Forecasts 150032 and 150303 had expected today's activity to the west was likely in late January, 2023.
O: 29JAN2023 22:42:52 22.9S 38.3E mb=4.8 EMSC MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL
P: 20JAN2023 150032 22.0S 33.0E 4.0-5.4 CACAA So. Indian Ocean
P: 22JAN2023 150303 21.0S 33.0E 4.0-5.8 CBCAA So. Indian Ocean
An M 4.3 occurred today in the Dominican Republic. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VII in Arenoso, Duarte and IV in Villa Riva, Don Juan and II-III in Nagua Trinidad, Castillo, La Pena, Las Terrenas, Cabrert, Samana and Santo Domingo. This continues enhanced seismicity in this area which has been occurring in the past several weeks. Forecast 150129 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely at the end of January.
O: 29JAN2023 18:56:08 19.0N 70.1W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
O: 29JAN2023 18:32:34 19.3N 69.9W mb=4.3 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake with M>=3.9 within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 4.8 on January 22, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.8 in the western Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event occurred with the new moon and was likely promoted by energy related to this source. It is the largest earthquake in the Fox Islands since an M 4.9 on December 5, 2022 These are probably regional aftershocks of an M 5.5 of November 21, 2022 which also occurred with the new moon. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.5 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians. Like the events in the Solomon Islands, this epicenter is located near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new moon (see above).
...
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." (November 22, 2022)
Forecast 150251 had expected today's event in the Fox Islands was likely in late
January, 2023. It is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in Argentina of January 18, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (January 22, 2023)
Forecast 150251 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter around January 29, 2023.
O: 29JAN2023 22:36:41 52.7N 169.7W mb=3.9 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
An M 2.2 was lightly felt in the area of the San Francisco Bay today. NEIC reported it was felt lightly with intensity II-III in San Ramon and Oakland, California. This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour, an indication of high regional stress. Forecast 150159 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around January 29.
O: 29JAN2023 19:52:07 37.9N 122.0W Md=2.2 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 23JAN2023 150159 37.8N 122.6W 2.5-5.2 CAAAA Central California
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 2023, where promoted seismicity is considered likely.
Upon request of readers, a new feature is being added to this summary today and in future issues. This is a projection of the most likely seismicity in the world for the next week and is based on current seismicity and on distance relations of areas from recent strong or major earthquakes. It will take a bit of trial and error to get this map so it properly reflects earth conditions as it does not yet contain information from solar activity, tidal stresses or weather phenomena. These will be added in to the probability calculations in the next several days. The first such map follows:
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: 29JAN2023 14:41:15 38.5N 44.9E mb=4.7 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 16:38:49 38.6N 44.8E mb=4.1 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 22:00:19 38.6N 44.9E mb=4.2 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 15:13:25 38.4N 44.9E mb=4.5 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 30JAN2023 01:08:24 23.4N 70.3E ML=3.7 EMSC GUJARAT, INDIA
P: 28JAN2023 150134 24.0N 71.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA India
O: 29JAN2023 07:54:47 33.6N 72.9E mb=4.4 EMSC PAKISTAN
P: 23JAN2023 150166 36.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 CCBAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 in Pakistan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Pakistan in Punjab at Rawalpindi, Taxila and Wah (IV) an in Islamabad with intensity IV.
O: 29JAN2023 23:49:39 40.0N 82.4E Mw=5.8 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 27JAN2023 150212 41.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 30JAN2023 03:58:53 3.9S 133.3E mb=4.2 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
P: 26JAN2023 150098 3.0S 134.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 29JAN2023 20:18:58 5.5N 126.1E mb=4.6 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 23JAN2023 150068 6.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Southern Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Mindanao, Philippines in Calian.
O: 29JAN2023 19:57:15 2.9N 127.2E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 29JAN2023 16:11:02 3.0N 127.2E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 29JAN2023 15:20:29 2.8N 126.9E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 29JAN2023 18:56:08 19.0N 70.1W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
O: 29JAN2023 18:32:34 19.3N 69.9W mb=4.3 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 29JAN2023 08:20:19 18.9N 67.2W Md=3.5 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150124 19.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.2 AABAA Puerto Rico
O: 29JAN2023 14:53:30 10.4N 86.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
P: 29JAN2023 150117 11.0N 86.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA Nicaragua
O: 29JAN2023 22:36:04 14.1N 92.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Guatemala
O: 29JAN2023 18:32:34 19.3N 69.9W mb=4.3 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 30JAN2023 06:25:30 21.7S 68.7W ML=4.0 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 30JAN2023 00:31:13 21.3S 68.9W Mw=4.3 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 30JAN2023 150297 22.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Argentina
O: 29JAN2023 08:10:47 22.0N 106.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO
P: 28JAN2023 150115 19.0N 105.0W 3.5-5.6 ACBAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 29JAN2023 21:49:07 22.1S 67.3W mb=4.4 EMSC POTOSI, BOLIVIA
P: 30JAN2023 150297 22.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Argentina
O: 29JAN2023 20:07:36 24.8N 109.5W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 30JAN2023 150131 24.0N 109.0W 3.5-5.4 AAAAA Gulf of California
O: 29JAN2023 11:21:40 28.9S 71.3W ML=4.1 EMSC ATACAMA, CHILE
P: 30JAN2023 150312 30.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.6 ABAAA Coast Central Chile
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 29JAN2023 22:42:52 22.9S 38.3E mb=4.8 EMSC MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL
P: 20JAN2023 150032 22.0S 33.0E 4.0-5.4 CACAA So. Indian Ocean
P: 22JAN2023 150303 21.0S 33.0E 4.0-5.8 CBCAA So. Indian Ocean
O: 29JAN2023 16:12:39 35.8N 35.7E mb=4.3 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF SYRIA
P: 29JAN2023 150196 37.0N 34.0E 3.5-5.0 ABBAA Turkey
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Syria was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Osmaniye, Turkey.
O: 30JAN2023 01:02:34 35.0N 14.2E mb=4.3 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 CAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 29JAN2023 14:41:15 38.5N 44.9E mb=4.7 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 16:38:49 38.6N 44.8E mb=4.1 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 22:00:19 38.6N 44.9E mb=4.2 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 15:13:25 38.4N 44.9E mb=4.5 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150198 39.0N 43.0E 3.5-5.0 CABAA Turkey
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 30JAN2023 05:39:50 17.7S 178.9W mb=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150295 19.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Tonga Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 29JAN2023 17:04:15 8.6N 39.5W mb=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
P: 25JAN2023 150058 8.0N 37.0W 4.0-5.8 BACAA Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 30JAN2023 05:22:20 29.4S 179.7E ML=4.4 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 30JAN2023 01:57:08 29.9S 177.7W mb=4.9 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
O: 29JAN2023 16:44:33 31.8S 179.3E ML=4.1 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150317 34.0S 180.0E 4.0-5.5 BCAAA So. Kermadec Islands
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 ACAAA North Island, N.Z.
O: 30JAN2023 03:48:12 32.3S 179.7W mb=4.0 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 25JAN2023 150317 32.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
O: 30JAN2023 03:20:56 42.9S 171.9E ML=4.1 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 29JAN2023 23:06:45 43.0S 171.9E mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 30JAN2023 03:20:56 42.9S 171.9E MS=4.3 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
P: 26JAN2023 150322 42.0S 172.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand. 45 felt reports were published including 39 of weak and 6 of light shaking; 0 moderate; 0 strong; 0 severe and 0 extreme shaking in northern South Island.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in South Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of South Island, New Zealand in Christchurch, Canterbury.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 29JAN2023 12:19:47 35.3N 139.2E mb=4.7 EMSC NEAR S. COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
P: 29JAN2023 150175 35.0N 137.0E 3.5-4.9 AABAA No. Honshu, Japan
O: 30JAN2023 00:32:10 36.4N 139.9E mb=4.4 EMSC EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN
P: 29JAN2023 150180 37.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
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 Kanagawa, Tokyo.
O: 29JAN2023 22:17:34 43.3N 136.1E mb=4.4 EMSC EASTERN SEA OF JAPAN
P: 28JAN2023 150236 42.0N 137.0E 3.5-5.4 ABAAA Sea of Japan
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 07:39:36 31.2N 115.3W ML=3.4 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
O: 29JAN2023 10:49:36 32.9N 116.2W Ml=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 30JAN2023 150185 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 29JAN2023 23:50:47 33.9N 116.3W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.7N 116.1W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 29JAN2023 18:25:50 35.7N 117.6W Ml=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 29JAN2023 19:52:07 37.9N 122.0W Md=2.2 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 23JAN2023 150159 37.8N 122.6W 2.5-5.2 CAAAA Central California
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
O: 29JAN2023 20:35:31 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 11:22:12 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 16:01:47 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 16:25:39 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.7 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Kelseyville.
ALASKA
O: 29JAN2023 22:36:41 52.7N 169.7W mb=3.9 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 30JAN2023 04:34:13 59.9N 148.9W ML=3.6 EMSC KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
P: 29JAN2023 150269 60.5N 148.5W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.4 in Kenai, Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kenai, Alaska in Seward.
O: 29JAN2023 18:22:20 61.5N 140.8W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 27JAN2023 150267 60.0N 139.0W 3.2-5.0 ABAAA 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: 29JAN2023 23:31:49 31.6N 104.4W ML=3.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 29JAN2023 21:22:27 31.6N 104.4W ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 29JAN2023 150181 32.5N 104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 30JAN2023 05:32:24 36.5N 98.8W mb=3.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 30JAN2023 05:52:25 36.5N 98.8W mb=3.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 29JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 AABAA Southern Plains
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Waynoka and Fairview. An aftershock of M 3.1 was felt is the same area.
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
STRONG EARTHQUAKE DEADLY IN AZERBAIJAN, TURKEY-IRAN
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 28, 2023
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 city 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 new moon arrived on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which were at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-26, 2023)
The last earthquake 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. Forecast 122219 had expected today's activity was likely around February 24. Today's activity is at 102-103 degrees from both the M 7.1 in Central California of July 6, 2019 ..." (February 24, 2020)
Forecasts 150198 and 150206 had expected today's activity was likely within this area in late January, 2023. This activity is at 143-144 degrees from the major earthquakes of November and December, 2022 in the Tonga-Fiji region and at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in Argentina of January 20, 2023 and the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in New Guinea of September 10, 2022 and at 101 degrees from the M 6.4 in northern California of December 20, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 28JAN2023 18:14:47 38.5N 44.9E Mw=5.9 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 28JAN2023 20:10:07 39.1N 45.0E mb=4.5 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 29JAN2023 03:48:09 38.5N 44.9E mb=4.1 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150198 39.0N 43.0E 3.5-5.0 CABAA Turkey
P: 22JAN2023 150206 40.0N 44.0E 3.5-4.9 CAAAA Caucasus/Caspian Sea
Another moderate earthquake at 45 East longitude occurred far to the south of the M 5.9 in Central Iran today. Other activity near this longitude included an M 5.2 in the South Indian Ocean. Forecast 150192 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely around January 26.
O: 28JAN2023 13:53:10 33.6N 45.8E mb=4.5 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150192 33.0N 46.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA So. Iran
The earthquake in the Southwest Indian Ridge is southeast of the current location of Tropical Cyclone Cheneso southeast of Madagascar. It may also have been promoted by energy associated with that storm (See below for further details. This area is nearly antipodal to southern and Central California - areas which may see enhanced seismicity towards the end of January. Today's event is the strongest within about 250 km since an M 5.4 on December 25, 2021. The last event in the area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 5.8 on August 18, 2020 and an M 6.1 on September 24, 2019. Forecast 150316 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 50 km of this epicenter the South Indian Ridge was likely around January 25, 2023. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and may have been enhanced by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This event is near the antipode of the M 6.4 in Northern California of December 20, 2022 and at 105 degrees from the recent major events in Tonga and Fiji and may have been promoted by focused energy from those sources.
O: 28JAN2023 09:13:24 34.9S 54.4E mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTHWEST INDIAN RIDGE
P: 25JAN2023 150316 35.0S 55.0E 4.0-6.0 BAAAA So. Indian Ocean
The strongest earthquake felt in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.7 off the coast of Northern California. NEIC reported it was felt in northern California with intensity II-III in Ferndale, Loleta, Rio Dell, Fortuna, Hydesville, Petrolia, Eureka, Scotia, Samoa. The is the strongest aftershock of the M 6.4 in Northern California of December 20, 2022 since an M 4.1 on January 11 and an M 5.4 on January 1, 2023, the only such earthquakes in the area in the past month. Forecast 150226 had expected this event was likely within about 50 km around January 28.
O: 28JAN2023 23:56:58 40.5N 124.4W Mw=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150226 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
An M 3.7 was also felt in the area of Nevada near the border with California today. NEIC reported it may have been felt with intensity II in Nevada at Fallon and Glenbrook. The last earthquake in Nevada within about 50 km of this epicenter with M>=3.7 occurred on August 30, 2022 with M 3.9. The last of significantly larger magnitude occurred nearly a year ago as an M 4.7 on February 15, 2022. Today's activity may have been promoted by the antipodal cyclone Cheneso. This summary had previously suggested this possibility as:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Southern Madagascar with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the south over the next several days. Some triggering of seismicity in East Africa may occur with this storm. This system will be at 34S 60E on January 31 with winds up to 65 kts. This is antipodal to southern California and Los Angeles where moderate earthquakes occurred on January 25. Focused antipodal energy from this storm could lead to enhanced seismicity in Southern California at that time. The closest approach to antipodal in California will occur in Central California around 37N 118W - the Mammoth Lakes area which could also see enhanced seismicity near January 31. This storm has caused considerable flooding and damage and loss of life in Madagascar as it moves slowly through the area." (January 27-28, 2023)
Forecast 150154 had expected today's activity in this area was likely around January 24.
O: 28JAN2023 17:16:14 38.2N 117.8W ML=3.3 EMSC NEVADA
O: 28JAN2023 17:16:15 38.2N 117.8W ML=3.8 ANSS NEVADA
P: 24JAN2023 150154 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA California/Nevada area
NEIC also reported an M 4.0 in the Vancouver Island region of Canada may have been felt with intensity I-III in Nanaimo, British Columbia and in northern Washington, but these may be misinterpretations. The last earthquake in the Vancouver Island area within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=4 was an M 4.9 on November 26, 2022. Forecast 150239 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around January 29, 2023.
O: 28JAN2023 16:10:51 49.0N 128.6W mb=4.0 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
P: 29JAN2023 150239 48.9N 129.3W 2.8-5.2 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 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 29JAN2023 03:48:09 38.5N 44.9E mb=4.1 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 28JAN2023 13:53:10 33.6N 45.8E mb=4.5 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150192 33.0N 46.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA So. Iran
O: 28JAN2023 18:14:47 38.5N 44.9E Mw=5.9 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 28JAN2023 20:10:07 39.1N 45.0E mb=4.5 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150198 39.0N 43.0E 3.5-5.0 CABAA Turkey
P: 22JAN2023 150206 40.0N 44.0E 3.5-4.9 CAAAA Caucasus/Caspian Sea
O: 28JAN2023 17:35:55 52.3N 157.3E mb=4.7 EMSC KAMCHATKA PENINSULA, RUSSIA
P: 27JAN2023 150252 53.0N 159.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Kamchatka
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 29JAN2023 03:20:21 2.8N 127.0E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 29JAN2023 01:45:44 2.9N 126.8E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 29JAN2023 04:07:09 1.2S 116.0E ML=4.0 EMSC KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
P: 23JAN2023 150095 1.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.4 CACAA Sulawesi area
P: 30JAN2023 150066 1.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 ACCAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 28JAN2023 19:15:17 2.0N 128.3E Mw=5.3 EMSC HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA Halmahera
O: 28JAN2023 17:10:01 2.4S 128.8E ML=4.2 EMSC CERAM SEA, INDONESIA
P: 28JAN2023 150076 3.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Ceram area
O: 29JAN2023 05:15:38 2.7N 127.1E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 28JAN2023 10:24:33 3.0S 103.0E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 22JAN2023 150093 4.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 29JAN2023 04:23:34 5.6N 125.2E mb=5.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 29JAN2023 06:27:10 5.0N 126.7E ML=4.2 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 23JAN2023 150068 6.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.5 CAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
P: 27JAN2023 150068 4.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Mindanao, Philippines
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Buayan and Klinan.
O: 28JAN2023 15:47:55 6.6S 129.9E mb=5.1 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 26JAN2023 150099 6.0S 131.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 28JAN2023 22:21:14 7.1S 130.3E ML=4.2 EMSC KEP. TANIMBAR REGION, INDONESIA
O: 29JAN2023 01:51:41 7.3S 129.4E ML=4.4 EMSC KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA
P: 28JAN2023 150073 8.0S 128.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Banda Sea
O: 28JAN2023 20:49:04 10.1S 115.9E ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTH OF BALI, INDONESIA
P: 30JAN2023 150090 9.0S 113.0E 4.0-5.6 ABCAA So. of Bali
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 28JAN2023 11:58:29 3.8S 80.5W mb=4.5 EMSC PERU-ECUADOR BORDER REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150077 4.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Ecuador
O: 28JAN2023 10:14:23 13.7S 76.2W ML=4.3 EMSC NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU
P: 26JAN2023 150284 15.0S 71.0W 4.0-5.4 ABCAA Central Peru
O: 29JAN2023 01:46:18 16.5N 100.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUERRERO, MEXICO
P: 24JAN2023 150123 17.0N 100.0W 3.5-5.2 BAAAA Oaxaca, Mexico
O: 28JAN2023 20:16:54 19.6N 66.3W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 29JAN2023 03:44:41 18.9N 65.3W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150124 19.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 28JAN2023 07:39:34 27.4N 111.3W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150132 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Gulf of California
O: 28JAN2023 20:16:54 19.6N 66.3W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 29JAN2023 03:48:09 38.5N 44.9E mb=4.1 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 28JAN2023 13:53:10 33.6N 45.8E mb=4.5 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150192 33.0N 46.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA So. Iran
O: 28JAN2023 18:14:47 38.5N 44.9E Mw=5.9 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
O: 28JAN2023 20:10:07 39.1N 45.0E mb=4.5 EMSC TURKEY-IRAN BORDER REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150198 39.0N 43.0E 3.5-5.0 CABAA Turkey
P: 22JAN2023 150206 40.0N 44.0E 3.5-4.9 CAAAA Caucasus/Caspian Sea
O: 29JAN2023 05:09:13 37.6N 20.9E mb=4.3 EMSC IONIAN SEA
P: 25JAN2023 150174 37.0N 21.0E 3.0-4.8 BAAAA No. Greece
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 in Greece was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Greece in Arkhaia, Olimbia Ilia.
O: 28JAN2023 10:29:47 44.2N 12.4E ML=3.8 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 30JAN2023 150210 43.0N 13.0E 3.0-5.4 ABAAA Italy
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 29JAN2023 04:38:32 9.0S 67.3E mb=4.8 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
P: 24JAN2023 150290 14.0S 66.0E 4.0-5.4 BCAAA So. Indian Ocean
O: 28JAN2023 09:13:24 34.9S 54.4E mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTHWEST INDIAN RIDGE
P: 25JAN2023 150316 35.0S 55.0E 4.0-6.0 BAAAA So. Indian Ocean
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 28JAN2023 08:08:22 31.4S 179.4W mb=4.8 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150317 32.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 ABBAA No. Kermadec Islands
O: 28JAN2023 20:26:58 42.9S 171.9E ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 28JAN2023 20:26:58 42.9S 171.9E MS=3.5 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
O: 28JAN2023 16:19:37 42.9S 171.9E ML=4.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 28JAN2023 16:19:37 42.9S 171.9E MS=4.3 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity
P: 26JAN2023 150322 42.0S 172.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA So. Island, N.Z.
GEONET reported this earthquake of M 4.3 was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand. 13 felt reports were published including 9 of weak and 4 of light shaking; 0 moderate; 0 strong; 0 severe and 0 extreme shaking in northern South Island.
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: 28JAN2023 08:06:15 32.4N 115.4W Ml=2.1 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 30JAN2023 150185 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 28JAN2023 08:53:04 31.2N 115.4W ML=3.1 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 28JAN2023 07:09:06 34.0N 116.8W Ml=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150188 34.4N 116.5W 2.5-4.4 AAAAA So. California
O: 29JAN2023 04:42:39 35.6N 117.5W Ml=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 28JAN2023 17:16:14 38.2N 117.8W ML=3.3 EMSC NEVADA
O: 28JAN2023 17:16:15 38.2N 117.9W ML=3.7 ANSS NEVADA
P: 24JAN2023 150154 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 28JAN2023 20:38:01 38.8N 122.7W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 00:52:21 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 04:43:43 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JAN2023 01:26:53 39.8N 122.9W Md=2.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
O: 28JAN2023 23:56:58 40.5N 124.4W Mw=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150226 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
ALASKA
O: 29JAN2023 06:52:28 57.5N 154.6W ML=3.2 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
O: 28JAN2023 17:41:04 58.5N 156.9W ml=3.0 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 29JAN2023 02:57:55 60.1N 153.4W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150270 60.3N 153.0W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 28JAN2023 19:15:53 61.9N 152.1W ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150272 62.8N 151.2W 3.2-5.2 AAAAA Central Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 28JAN2023 16:10:51 49.0N 128.6W mb=4.0 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
P: 29JAN2023 150239 48.9N 129.3W 2.8-5.2 AAAAA Vancouver Island area
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 28JAN2023 22:07:26 31.6N 104.1W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 29JAN2023 150181 32.5N 104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 28JAN2023 09:39:50 41.5N 112.2W ML=2.9 EMSC UTAH
O: 29JAN2023 04:36:34 41.1N 111.6W ML=2.6 EMSC UTAH
P: 30JAN2023 150199 39.8N 112.7W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Utah area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.9 in Utah was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Utah in Brigham City, Honeyville, Corinne, Mendon and Salt Lake City.
NEIC reported an aftershock of M 2.6 in Northern Utah was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Utah in Morgan, Bountiful and Nephi.
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 29JAN2023 05:26:30 36.3N 98.6W ML=3.4 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 29JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 AABAA Southern Plains
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.4 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Fairview.
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES LEYTE, PHILIPPINES
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 27, 2023
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Leyte, Philippines. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in the Eastern Visayas in Sogod, Pawing and III in MacArthur, Tabunok, Ichon, Dolores, Cebu and Calero and in Brsilisa, Caraga, Philippines. PHIVOLCS reported this earthquake was felt with intensity V in Guiuan and Mercedes, Eastern Samar and IV in General Macarthur, Lawaan, Quinapondan, and Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Abuyog, Alangalang, City of Babay, Dulag, Inopacan, Javier, La Paz, Mayorga, Palo, Santa Fe, Tabontabon, Tanauan and Tolosa, Leyte; City of Tacloban; Anahawan, Hinunagan, Saint Bernard, San Francisoc and San Juan, Southern Leyte; Libho, Loreto and San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Intensity II-III was also felt in Leyte, Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, Philippines. A similar earthquake of M 5.4 hit the area on October 24, 2022 but the last event of significantly larger magnitude within about 150 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.4 on April 23, 2019. Forecast 150112 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around January 27, 2023.
O: 27JAN2023 20:25:28 10.7N 125.5E Mw=5.4 EMSC LEYTE, PHILIPPINES
P: 27JAN2023 150112 11.0N 126.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Luzon, Philippines
A moderate earthquake of M 4.6 also occurred today in the U.S. Virgin Islands. NEIC reported it was felt in this area with intensity II-III in Saint Hohn, Saint Thomas and Frederiksted and in the British Virgin Islands at Road Town Tortola. An M 4.7 hit the Virgin Islands about 100 km west of this epicenter on January 8, 2023. At the time this summary noted :
"An M 4.3-4.7 earthquake shook the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands and in Puerto Rico at Culebra, Fajardo, Luquillo, Ceiba, Rio Grande, Carolina, San Juan. The last earthquake in the Virgin Islands with M>=4.7 was an M 5.5 on May 8, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"A moderately strong M 4.9-5.5 shook the U.S. Virgin Islands today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Saint John and Saint Thomas and in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Intensity III was also felt in Culebra, Vieques, Fajard, Celca, Puerto Rico and in the U. S. Virgin Islands at Christiansted, Frederiksted. The last earthquake in the Virgin Islands within about 150 km of this epicenter with equal or greater magnitude was an M 6.1 on October 11, 2008.
"The Virgin Islands is also a region which often shows strong triggering due to geomagnetic effect and this earthquake was likely triggered by the geomagnetic storm. The timing of the maximum effects of this geomagnetic storm is such as to coincide with the period of greatest danger of large earthquakes ...
The earthquake in the Virgin Islands of M 6.1 today was reported by NEIC to have been felt with maximum intensity V in Puerto Rico at Naranjito, ... It was the most widely reported earthquake (by NEIC) in the region of Puerto Rico in at least the last 10 years and the second most widely felt in the area in that time period after an M 7.3 on November 29, 2007 that occurred south of this in Dominica." (October 12, 2008, May 8, 2022, January 8, 2023).
Forecast 150111 had expected today's earthquake within about 100 km was likely around January 28, 2023. This activity is at 142 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 27JAN2023 11:06:52 18.9N 64.3W mb=4.5 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 27JAN2023 11:06:52 18.9N 64.3W mb=4.6 ANSS VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150111 18.0N 64.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA Leeward Islands
A major swarm of minor earthquakes occurred today in the Canary Island in the Central Atlantic. It occurred near local solar noon and was short-lived. This is like other volcanic swarms in the area and may indicate re-emergence of volcanism in the area. This follows a highly unusual earthquake south of this in the Cape Verde Islands area, the strongest in more than 35 years, which occurred yesterday. It may be related to that earthquake.
O: 27JAN2023 14:35:44 28.1N 16.2W ML=2.6 EMSC CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
O: 27JAN2023 13:47:05 28.1N 16.2W ML=2.5 EMSC CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
In other news, Popocatepetl in central Mexico erupted with ash and lava today.
It was not an immediate threat to populated areas. Also Chilean officials raised the alert level of Lascar Volcano in northern Chile to Orange. This means that an eruption is likely but not imminent at this volcano near the Bolivian border. Villarrica volcano in Chile south of this is also showing signs of renewed volcanic activity. Lascar volcano is at 144 degrees from the M 7.5 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9-4.4 in the Prince George, British Columbia area of Canada. This follows enhanced seismicity over the past two days in the region of Alberta, Canada as described in the previous issue of this summary:
"Two earthquakes of M 3.9 hit the area of Alberta, Canada on January 25. These events were at different epicenters about 250 km apart. They are at 102-103 degrees from the M 7.2 in Molucca Sea of January 18 and were probably promoted by energy from that source. The last earthquake of M>=3.9 in Alberta was an M 4.5 on December 1, 2022 near one of today's epicenters. Forecast 149972 had expected activity in these areas in mid-January." (January 26, 2023)
This is an unusual epicenter. The last earthquake of M>=3.9 within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred more than 35 years ago. Earthquakes of M>=3 have hit the area within about 200 km as an M 3.2 on September 21, 2022, an M 3.4 on March 14, 2013 and an M 3.0 on February 9, 1993. Forecast 149972 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely in mid-January. This epicenter is at 106 degrees from the M 7.6 in Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 27JAN2023 20:38:15 54.2N 121.9W ML=3.9 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
O: 27JAN2023 20:38:17 54.1N 121.9W MB=4.4 ECAN of Prince George, BC
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CABAA Alberta
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 27JAN2023 09:36:38 30.6N 50.4E mb=4.4 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
P: 19JAN2023 149924 30.0N 51.0E 3.8-5.4 CAAAA So. Iran
O: 28JAN2023 01:08:03 36.4N 71.4E mb=4.3 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 27JAN2023 150166 37.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 27JAN2023 19:06:14 39.6N 74.8E mb=4.4 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 25JAN2023 150166 39.0N 72.0E 3.8-5.5 AABAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 28JAN2023 03:52:31 1.4N 121.5E ML=4.2 EMSC MINAHASA, SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 30JAN2023 150066 1.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 27JAN2023 07:12:04 1.7N 99.5E mb=4.3 EMSC NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 24JAN2023 150071 1.0N 100.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA So. Sumatera
O: 27JAN2023 22:22:49 1.8S 139.3E ML=4.1 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 29JAN2023 150089 2.0S 140.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 28JAN2023 00:03:30 3.2N 127.2E mb=4.6 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 27JAN2023 19:37:51 1.9N 127.1E mb=4.4 EMSC HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 27JAN2023 21:17:33 2.0N 97.0E ML=4.3 EMSC SIMEULUE, INDONESIA
P: 26JAN2023 150071 2.0N 98.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. Sumatera
O: 27JAN2023 18:18:00 2.9S 129.6E mb=4.7 EMSC SERAM, INDONESIA
P: 28JAN2023 150076 3.0S 129.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Ceram area
O: 27JAN2023 07:06:33 4.6N 126.0E ML=4.1 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150068 4.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 27JAN2023 15:34:33 6.3N 94.1E ML=4.3 EMSC NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
P: 23JAN2023 150070 9.0N 94.0E 4.0-5.6 BCAAA Nicobar Islands
O: 27JAN2023 18:00:33 7.2S 107.6E ML=4.2 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 28JAN2023 150091 8.0S 108.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. of Java
O: 27JAN2023 20:25:28 10.7N 125.5E Mw=5.4 EMSC LEYTE, PHILIPPINES
P: 27JAN2023 150112 11.0N 126.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Luzon, Philippines
O: 28JAN2023 05:02:34 13.1N 145.6E mb=5.0 EMSC GUAM REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150126 12.0N 144.0E 4.0-5.5 ABBAA So. Marianas/Guam
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 27JAN2023 21:12:23 14.9N 94.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 28JAN2023 150103 17.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.4 ACAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 27JAN2023 10:51:18 16.6S 69.8W mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN PERU
P: 21JAN2023 150292 17.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.5 CAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 27JAN2023 11:06:52 18.9N 64.3W mb=4.5 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150111 18.0N 64.0W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA Leeward Islands
O: 27JAN2023 14:37:44 19.3N 66.7W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 28JAN2023 02:08:27 18.0N 66.9W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 28JAN2023 05:33:02 18.0N 66.9W Md=3.3 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 27JAN2023 16:34:56 18.1N 67.0W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 28JAN2023 150124 19.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 28JAN2023 01:22:41 19.3N 68.2W Md=3.4 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
O: 27JAN2023 08:54:54 17.3N 69.1W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
O: 27JAN2023 08:31:22 18.3N 69.1W ML=3.2 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150129 20.0N 69.0W 3.0-4.8 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 27JAN2023 10:56:36 19.7S 69.2W mb=4.2 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
P: 26JAN2023 150305 20.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Chile in Iquique, Tarapaca.
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 27JAN2023 17:38:07 34.8N 14.2E ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 BAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 28JAN2023 05:32:51 44.2N 12.4E ML=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 30JAN2023 150210 43.0N 13.0E 3.0-5.4 ABAAA Italy
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Northern Italy was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Italy in Emilia-Romagna at Cesenatico and Cesena (IV) and Castelvetro Piacentino.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 28JAN2023 02:51:33 24.4S 179.5W mb=4.4 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
O: 27JAN2023 16:33:25 23.2S 179.6W mb=4.2 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
O: 27JAN2023 16:37:39 23.8S 179.0W mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Tonga Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 27JAN2023 14:35:44 28.1N 16.2W ML=2.6 EMSC CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
O: 27JAN2023 13:47:05 28.1N 16.2W ML=2.5 EMSC CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 27JAN2023 13:50:34 32.5S 179.0E ML=4.4 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150317 34.0S 180.0E 4.0-5.5 BBAAA So. Kermadec Islands
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 27JAN2023 20:43:54 50.1N 156.4E mb=4.4 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
P: 27JAN2023 150218 49.0N 155.0E 3.5-5.6 ABAAA NE Pacific
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 27JAN2023 08:38:40 30.9N 115.2W ML=3.4 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 25JAN2023 150183 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 27JAN2023 17:53:16 31.3N 116.3W ML=3.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 27JAN2023 09:02:43 31.5N 114.5W ML=3.6 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 30JAN2023 150185 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 BBBAA So. California
O: 27JAN2023 08:18:48 31.9N 115.5W ML=3.5 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 27JAN2023 14:58:15 31.6N 115.5W ML=3.5 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 27JAN2023 22:59:59 31.8N 116.5W ML=3.5 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 28JAN2023 05:28:36 33.6N 116.7W Ml=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.5N 116.5W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 27JAN2023 23:34:38 36.2N 117.9W Ml=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 27JAN2023 15:13:22 35.7N 117.6W Ml=2.6 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27JAN2023 15:55:28 36.0N 117.8W Ml=2.4 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 28JAN2023 01:30:17 38.0N 118.1W ML=2.2 EMSC NEVADA
P: 24JAN2023 150154 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 27JAN2023 08:22:30 40.4N 127.1W ML=3.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
P: 26JAN2023 150227 40.3N 127.2W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Eureka, Arcata.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.2 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Fortuna, Hydesville, Rio Dell, Loleta, Eureka, Ferndale, Scotia, Kneeland and Carlotta.
ALASKA
O: 27JAN2023 18:55:57 51.5N 175.8W mb=3.9 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 27JAN2023 150245 51.7N 176.4W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
O: 27JAN2023 18:35:56 52.3N 170.5W mb=3.6 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
P: 29JAN2023 150251 52.4N 169.4W 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Fox Islands, Aleutians
O: 28JAN2023 06:05:19 61.7N 151.7W ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
P: 29JAN2023 150271 60.8N 151.7W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 27JAN2023 18:18:40 63.0N 150.6W ML=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 29JAN2023 150274 63.2N 151.4W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA Central Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 27JAN2023 20:38:15 54.2N 121.9W ML=3.9 EMSC BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
O: 27JAN2023 20:38:17 54.1N 121.9W MB=4.4 ECAN of Prince George, BC
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CABAA Alberta
O: 27JAN2023 20:38:18 60.2N 138.1W ML=3.7 EMSC SOUTHERN YUKON TERRITORY, CANA
P: 27JAN2023 150267 60.0N 139.0W 3.2-5.0 AAAAA Central Alaska
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 27JAN2023 19:33:24 31.6N 104.0W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 27JAN2023 10:09:30 31.7N 104.6W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 27JAN2023 16:00:52 31.7N 104.1W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 27JAN2023 17:55:05 31.6N 104.0W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 29JAN2023 150181 32.5N 104.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 27JAN2023 12:13:06 33.2N 83.3W Md=2.1 EMSC GEORGIA, USA
P: 30JAN2023 150167 35.0N 83.0W 2.0-4.1 BCAAA Kentucky/Tennessee/NC
O: 28JAN2023 04:52:36 35.0N 97.7W mb=3.3 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 27JAN2023 150193 35.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Southern Plains
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.5 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity IV in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Alex, Blanchard, Purcell and II-III in Amber, Washington, Chickasha and Oklahoma City.
O: 26JAN2023 15:09:25 72.3N 76.2W MB=2.1 ECAN of Pond Inlet, NU
P: 27JAN2023 150282 71.0N 75.0W 2.5-3.9 ABAAA Baffin/Davis Strait Canada
O: 26JAN2023 11:28:41 49.5N 67.1W MB=2.0 ECAN of Baie-Trinité, QC
P: 27JAN2023 150213 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.4 ACBAA Maine
HAWAII
No earthquakes of M>=3 were located in Hawaii.
STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN NORTHERN KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 26, 2023
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. It was not reported felt in this remote area. This event was preceded by a series of earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands yesterday. This series was described in the previous issue of this summary as:
"A series of moderate earthquakes occurred in the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand today. They were not felt in this remote area. This activity included two of M 5.0 each in the northern and Central Kermadecs. Although an M 5.0-5.1 did hit in the northern Kermadec Islands on January 20, 2023, this is the first significant activity in the Kermadec Islands since an M 5.4 on December 20, 2022 and the first such in northern Kermadec Islands since an M 5.4 on December 13, 2022. A great earthquake of M 8.1 hit the area on March 4, 2021 relieving much of the accumulated regional strain. It may indicate activation of the area with a possible strong earthquake in the near future." (January 25-26, 2023)
The last earthquake with M>=6 in the northern or central Kermadec Islands occurred on March 2, 2022 with M 6.6 and before that an M 6.5 on January 29, 2022.
Forecast 150314 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around January 26, 2023.
O: 26JAN2023 10:45:53 30.3S 178.7W Mw=6.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 4.8 in Djibouti. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II in Aden, Yemen. This earthquake appears to have been triggered by Solar Flare #4280 - an M2.8 Class flare which peaked within about five minutes of this earthquake in Djibouti. (see flare lists below). This is the second strongest Solar Flare observed in the past week - following an M4.6 flare that triggered moderate seismicity in the Santa Monica, California area at 10:00 UT on January 25. At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"This earthquake appears to have been triggered by a strong solar flare - an M4.6 which reached maximum intensity within several minutes of this earthquake in Southern California. This flare of M4.6 is the strongest reported by SWPC since an M6.0 on January 15 (#340). An X1.0 occurred on January 10, 2023 and an
X1.9 occurred on January 9 (#8520 and 8040)." (January 25, 2023)
The relation of solar flares to earthquakes in Djibouti and Ethiopia was emphasized in this summary when an M 5.1 hit the area of Djibouti on January 18, 2023 as:
"A moderate M 5.1 also occurred near 45 East longitude in the area of Djibouti today. A smaller foreshock preceded this event. This continues activation of this region in recent days much of which was promoted by strong solar and geomagnetic storms. Most of this including an M 5.5 on December 26, 2022 and an M 4.9 on January 9, 2023 occurred about 400 km west of today's event. The last event in Djibouti listed by EMSC was an M 3.8 on January 4, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
" ... an M 3.5 occurred in Djibouti, Ethiopia today. This possibility had been discussed on December 12 as being a possible triggering point from strong solar flares at this time as:
"The area of Africa was unusually seismic today. Moderate earthquakes were recorded in Djibouti (M 3.5), South Africa (M 4.4) and Morocco (M 4.5). The earthquake in Djibouti may be the beginning of stronger activity in that region and in Ethiopia. This usually peaks during high solar flare periods as it is located on the geomagnetic equator in areas of high heat flow." (December 12, 2022, December 26, 2022)
The only earthquake in Djibouti with equal or larger magnitude in the past
5 years was an M 4.4 on August 31, 2020. The last of significantly larger magnitude were of M 4.7 on April 14, 2017. The only event of M>=5 in the area was an M 5.6 on June 17, 2012, part of a strong regional activation with the last solar active period." (January 19, 2023)
Furthermore when an M 5.5 earthquake hit the area of Ethiopia nearby Djibouti on December 26, 2022 this summary noted:
"The first of today's earthquakes in Ethiopia was simultaneous with flare 4230 - C3.6 flare and the largest in the past 30 hours. A stronger C4.4 coincided with the aftershock in Ethiopia of M 4.6. This suggests SFE was a factor in the enhanced magnitude of these events. Today's event of M 5.2-5.5 is the strongest in Ethiopia within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.6-5.7 eleven years ago on June 12, 2011 and prior to that a series of events up to M 5.5 in late September, 2005. The largest earthquake in the area in the past 30 years was M 5.7 on August 10, 2002 and June 2, 2011." (December 27, 2022)
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4280 1253 1306 1315 M2.8 (January 26, 2023) 2.1E-02
Forecast 150106 had expected today's event within about 150 km was likely around January 21, 2023.
O: 26JAN2023 13:05:41 11.7N 43.8E mb=4.8 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF DJIBOUTI
P: 21JAN2023 150106 13.0N 43.0E 3.5-4.9 BBAAA Ethiopia
Two earthquakes of M 3.9 hit the area of Alberta, Canada on January 25. These events were at different epicenters about 250 km apart. They are at 102-103 degrees from the M 7.2 in Molucca Sea of January 18 and were probably promoted by energy from that source. The last earthquake of M>=3.9 in Alberta was an M 4.5 on December 1, 2022 near one of today's epicenters. Forecast 149972 had expected activity in these areas in mid-January.
O: 25JAN2023 18:36:39 56.1N 116.6W MB=3.9 ECAN of Reno, AB
O: 25JAN2023 11:46:34 54.3N 117.7W MB=3.9 ECAN of Fox Creek, AB
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CA BA Alberta
The largest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.1 in the Andreanof Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.1 within about 150 km of today's epicenter was an M 5.8 on August 16, 2020. The last within about 100 km was an 5.1 on March 21, 2015. These events are about 100 km south of the normal seismicity in the area. Forecast 150246 had expected this activity was likely around January 27.
O: 26JAN2023 16:41:36 50.7N 172.6W Mw=5.1 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 27JAN2023 150246 52.2N 173.9W 3.5-4.9 ABAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
An unusual earthquake of M 3.7 occurred today near local solar noon in the area off the coast of Baja, California. The last earthquake of M>=3.7 within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 3.8 on September 8, 2018. This may be part of the recent earthquakes that began with an M 6.2 off Baja California of November 22, 2022 or the earthquakes three days ago south of Los Angeles, California. Forecast 150184 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around January 26-30.
O: 26JAN2023 21:39:11 31.9N 117.2W ML=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 26JAN2023 150184 32.9N 117.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
P: 30JAN2023 150184 32.0N 117.4W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA So. California
A pair of antipodal earthquakes occurred today in the Sunda Strait (M 4.2) and in Colombia (M 4.7) about two hours apart. Antipodal events in these areas are not uncommon but may signify an outside influence such as solar flares, GRB or geomagnetic influence.
O: 27JAN2023 02:11:55 6.6S 104.1E ML=4.2 EMSC SUNDA STRAIT, INDONESIA
P: 29JAN2023 150093 6.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. of Sumatera
The earthquake in Colombia occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Colombia was felt with intensity II III in the area(s) of Colombia in Pereira and Manizales. Forecast 150061 had expected this event in late January.
O: 27JAN2023 04:34:38 5.1N 76.1W mb=4.5 EMSC COLOMBIA
P: 23JAN2023 150061 7.0N 78.0W 4.0-5.4 BBBAA Colombia
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 27JAN2023 05:51:32 23.9N 94.4E ML=3.9 EMSC MYANMAR
P: 22JAN2023 150138 23.0N 95.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Myanmar
O: 26JAN2023 23:38:18 36.7N 67.7E mb=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL AFGHANISTAN
P: 27JAN2023 150166 37.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 AACAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 27JAN2023 00:10:44 41.5N 77.5E mb=4.6 EMSC KYRGYZSTAN
P: 24JAN2023 150212 40.0N 77.0E 4.0-5.6 BBAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in Kazakhstan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kazakhstan in Almaty (IV) and Boralday.
O: 26JAN2023 23:50:18 44.3N 81.2E mb=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 27JAN2023 150212 41.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Asia today.
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 26JAN2023 17:33:46 2.9N 126.5E ML=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 26JAN2023 13:11:31 3.0N 127.1E ML=4.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 26JAN2023 17:25:59 3.0N 127.2E ML=4.2 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 26JAN2023 22:30:23 3.1N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 26JAN2023 21:22:54 3.2N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 26JAN2023 08:42:35 3.6N 125.9E ML=4.3 EMSC KEPULAUAN SANGIHE, INDONESIA
O: 26JAN2023 08:57:30 2.9N 127.2E ML=4.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 26JAN2023 12:20:12 2.2N 97.9E ML=4.3 EMSC NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 26JAN2023 150071 2.0N 98.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. Sumatera
O: 27JAN2023 04:24:05 2.6N 95.8E mb=4.3 EMSC SIMEULUE, INDONESIA
P: 26JAN2023 150071 2.0N 98.0E 4.0-5.4 AACAA So. Sumatera
O: 26JAN2023 11:42:03 2.9S 152.5E mb=4.8 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
P: 27JAN2023 150082 5.0S 153.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA New Britain
O: 27JAN2023 01:51:36 6.1S 129.4E ML=4.2 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150099 6.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA West Irian, PNG
O: 27JAN2023 02:11:55 6.6S 104.1E ML=4.2 EMSC SUNDA STRAIT, INDONESIA
P: 29JAN2023 150093 6.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 27JAN2023 03:21:37 13.8N 120.6E mb=4.5 EMSC MINDORO, PHILIPPINES
P: 17JAN2023 149849 14.0N 121.0E 3.5-5.0 CAAAA Luzon, Philippines
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 27JAN2023 04:34:38 5.1N 76.1W mb=4.5 EMSC COLOMBIA
P: 23JAN2023 150061 7.0N 78.0W 4.0-5.4 BBBAA Colombia
O: 27JAN2023 05:25:19 14.7N 92.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 29JAN2023 150108 15.0N 92.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Guatemala
O: 26JAN2023 15:58:43 16.4N 94.0W ML=4.0 EMSC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JAN2023 17:50:27 15.0N 94.8W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 21JAN2023 150103 16.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 26JAN2023 11:00:31 16.6N 95.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 28JAN2023 150103 17.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.4 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 26JAN2023 22:16:19 17.0S 71.5W mb=4.3 EMSC NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
P: 28JAN2023 150292 18.0S 71.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 27JAN2023 02:15:29 18.1N 67.1W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 22JAN2023 150124 19.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 27JAN2023 00:27:58 18.2N 94.6W ML=4.0 EMSC VERACRUZ, MEXICO
P: 24JAN2023 150103 17.0N 94.0W 3.5-5.2 BBAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 27JAN2023 02:19:24 18.3N 68.0W Md=3.4 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
O: 27JAN2023 03:25:42 18.3N 68.0W Md=3.4 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150125 19.0N 69.0W 3.4-5.3 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 26JAN2023 09:11:56 19.1N 66.3W Md=3.5 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 28JAN2023 150124 19.0N 66.0W 3.4-5.2 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 26JAN2023 19:18:02 22.0N 106.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO
P: 19JAN2023 149843 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.1 CCAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 26JAN2023 11:28:30 32.9S 68.8W ML=4.0 EMSC MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
P: 27JAN2023 150313 33.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Central Chile
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 26JAN2023 13:05:41 11.7N 43.8E mb=4.8 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF DJIBOUTI
P: 21JAN2023 150106 13.0N 43.0E 3.5-4.9 BBAAA Ethiopia
O: 26JAN2023 10:45:41 44.2N 12.4E ML=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 24JAN2023 150210 44.0N 11.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA Italy
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in Europe today.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 26JAN2023 17:55:28 12.3S 167.0E mb=4.9 EMSC SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
P: 27JAN2023 150296 11.0S 167.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Vanuatu Islands
O: 26JAN2023 14:19:01 17.8S 173.4W mb=4.8 EMSC TONGA
P: 28JAN2023 150294 17.0S 172.0W 4.0-5.5 AABAA Tonga Islands
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported in the Southwest Pacific region today.
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 27JAN2023 05:29:21 49.6S 117.5E mb=5.0 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
P: 22JAN2023 150325 49.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.8 BACAA So. of Australia
O: 26JAN2023 19:17:04 57.5N 33.5W Mw=5.2 EMSC REYKJANES RIDGE
O: 26JAN2023 19:30:47 57.4N 33.4W Mw=5.3 EMSC REYKJANES RIDGE
P: 20JAN2023 149985 57.0N 33.0W 4.0-5.6 CAAAA North Mid-Atlantic Ridge
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 26JAN2023 10:45:53 30.3S 178.7W Mw=6.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 26JAN2023 13:56:51 23.3N 123.3E mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPA
P: 27JAN2023 150143 23.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Taiwan
O: 26JAN2023 16:04:56 30.6N 137.6E mb=4.5 EMSC IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150162 30.0N 139.0E 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Central/So. Honshu Japan
O: 27JAN2023 06:03:30 37.8N 141.6E ML=4.2 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP
P: 29JAN2023 150180 37.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 26JAN2023 22:16:11 31.1N 115.8W ML=3.2 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 25JAN2023 150183 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 26JAN2023 21:39:11 31.9N 117.2W ML=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 26JAN2023 150184 32.9N 117.6W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
P: 30JAN2023 150184 32.0N 117.4W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA So. California
O: 26JAN2023 07:58:05 33.0N 116.3W Ml=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 30JAN2023 150185 33.0N 115.9W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Southern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Bonita and Lake Forest.
O: 26JAN2023 17:13:02 33.7N 116.7W Ml=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.5N 116.5W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 27JAN2023 01:10:55 37.4N 118.6W Md=2.0 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 24JAN2023 150152 37.5N 118.6W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA California/Nevada area
P: 25JAN2023 150154 38.0N 118.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 27JAN2023 00:00:48 38.2N 117.9W ml=2.3 EMSC NEVADA
P: 24JAN2023 150154 37.8N 118.2W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 26JAN2023 07:06:03 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 26JAN2023 18:56:02 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA 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 and Windsor.
ALASKA
O: 26JAN2023 16:41:36 50.7N 172.6W Mw=5.1 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
P: 27JAN2023 150246 52.2N 173.9W 3.5-4.9 ABAAA Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians
O: 26JAN2023 20:50:14 63.0N 149.7W ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 26JAN2023 20:50:14 63.0N 149.7W ML=3.9 ANSS CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 25JAN2023 150274 62.9N 150.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.9 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and in Palmer with IV.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 27JAN2023 02:48:00 46.4N 122.4W Ml=2.4 EMSC WASHINGTON
P: 25JAN2023 150240 47.5N 121.8W 2.0-4.0 ABAAA Washington state, U.S.
O: 25JAN2023 18:36:39 56.1N 116.6W MB=3.9 ECAN of Reno, AB
O: 25JAN2023 11:46:34 54.3N 117.7W MB=3.9 ECAN of Fox Creek, AB
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CA BA Alberta
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 27JAN2023 04:47:14 31.7N 104.1W ML=2.9 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26JAN2023 09:14:47 31.6N 104.1W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 26JAN2023 10:47:42 32.8N 100.7W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26JAN2023 11:03:18 32.8N 100.7W mb=3.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 ABCAA SW U.S.A
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.2 in Western Texas was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Rotan.
O: 27JAN2023 03:21:13 44.5N 115.2W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
P: 24JAN2023 150215 44.6N 115.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Montana/Idaho
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 26JAN2023 04:06:31 47.6N 70.0W MB=0.8 ECAN of Kamouraska, QC
P: 27JAN2023 150213 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA Maine
HAWAII
O: 26JAN2023 20:39:41 19.2N 155.4W Ml=3.1 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 24JAN2023 150109 19.2N 155.3W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu.
STRONG QUAKE SHAKES DODECANESE ISLANDS, GREECE; UNUSUAL CAPE VERDE QUAKE
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 25, 2023
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Dodecanese Islands of Greece and Turkey. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in the Dodecanese Islands, Greece at Lardos and IV in Rodos. Intensity III shaking occurred in Greece at Afantou, Koskinou, Sgourou, Soroni, Simi and in Turkey at Fethiye, Mugla and Kas, Antalya among other communities. A light foreshock occurred near this epicenter on January 24. At the time this summary noted:
"A light earthquake of M 2.7 was also recorded in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Turkey today. This event is notable as it occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses with the new moon of January 21. It lies near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment (see above and under "TIDAL" section of this summary. The last significant earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 5.5 on June 28, 2020. A major event of M 7.0 shook the area about 250 km northwest of this on October 30, 2020. This activity is at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 150195 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km" (January 24-25, 2023)
The last earthquake in the Dodecanese Islands within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.9 was an M 5.9 about 150 km south of today's epicenter on October 19, 2021. The last within about 150 km was an M 6.0 on June 10, 2012.
At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"Strong earthquakes of M 5.6-6.0 hit the regions of the Dodecanese Islands, Greece and Hindu Kush in Afghanistan today. These followed a strong M1.3 solar flare. The Hindu Kush earthquakes occurred at an epicenter which was within 30 minutes of local solar noon when the flare occurred. The sub-solar nature of this subsequent earthquake strongly suggests triggering from Solar Flare effects. The earthquake in the Dodecanese Islands occurred may have been similarly triggered. ...
At least 60 were reported injured in this earthquake with six injured while jumping out of windows and balconies while in panic. The quake epicenter was near the resort city of Mugla. A number of hotels in Antalya and Mugla evacuated tourists. Fifty-four of the injured were in Fethiye. Two others were hospitalized with heart attacks. This is the largest earthquake in this area within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 6.4 about 200 km southwest of this epicenter on July 15, 2008. The only event in the past 22 years within 150 km of today's epicenter of M>=5.8 was an M 5.8 on January 23, 2005. An M 6.2 also occurred about 150 km to the west on July 20, 1996." (June 10, 2012)
Today's event followed an M4.6 solar flare about 2 hours earlier (see flare lists below) and may have been triggered by SFE associated with that flare.
This event is at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9 and was probably promoted by energy from that source.
O: 25JAN2023 12:37:06 35.8N 28.5E Mw=5.9 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150195 35.0N 28.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Turkey
The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 5.3 in the Cape Verde Islands region. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III i Cape Verde in Mindelo, Ponta do Sol, Assomada and Praia. The last earthquake of M>=5.3 in the Cape Verde area of the central Atlantic within about 300 km of this epicenter occurred more than 35 years ago. The only earthquake in the general Cape Verde region in this time period of M>=5.0 was an M 5.0 on September 18, 1998 about 250 km south of today's epicenter. Today's earthquake may have been promoted by energy from Tropical Cyclone Irene which formed near the antipode of Cape Verde about a week ago. This summary noted it at the time as:
"TC Irene (09P) formed today (at 16S 158E) in the area southwest of Vanuatu with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the east and south and may trigger some seismicity in the region of Vanuatu while in the region." (January 19, 2023)
Forecasts 149798 and 150116 had expected enhanced seismicity in the Central
Mid-Atlantic west of this epicenter in mid-January. This epicenter is at 146 degrees from the M 7.2 in the Molucca Sea of January 18 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 26JAN2023 04:16:09 16.6N 25.6W Mw=5.3 EMSC CAPE VERDE
P: 15JAN2023 149798 14.0N 34.0W 4.0-5.9 CCDAA Central Mid-Atlantic
P: 27JAN2023 150116 17.0N 47.0W 4.0-5.8 AADCA Central Mid-Atlantic
An M 4.3 quake also occurred today in Ethiopia. This is an area where seismicity is often brought on by strong solar flares. An M2.0 flare (#4190) occurred about an hour before this earthquake and may have triggered it by SFE. This and the area of Djibouti had shown increased seismicity in the past several months with the increase in solar activity. This is expected to continue. Forecast 150106 had expected today's activity in Ethiopia was likely around January 26.
O: 25JAN2023 23:38:27 12.5N 40.5E mb=4.3 EMSC ETHIOPIA
P: 26JAN2023 150106 12.0N 40.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Ethiopia
An earthquake of M 5.5 occurred in Sichuan, China today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Sichuan at Yaan and II in Chengdu. This appears to be the strongest aftershock to date of an M 6.6-6.8 near this epicenter of September 5, 2022. That event was discussed in this summary at the time as:
"The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 6.6-6.8 in Sichuan, China. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VIII in Sichuan at Yaan, IV in Huayang, Chengdu, Guihu, III in Leshan, Mianyang, Jiangyou, Yongohang, Heyang. The official Chinese network - CENC - reported this at M 6.8. At least 65 have been confirmed death with many others still missing and thousands homeless. Around 1000 appear to have been injured in this earthquake, mostly in the cities of Moxi and Ya'an. The city of Chengdu of 21 million residents saw slight damage and casualties but remained under COVID-19 restrictions for residents and emergency personnel preventing effective disaster mitigation. The earthquake knocked out power and damaged buildings in the Tibetan town of Moxi where 37 were killed. More than 50,000 have been moved into tents for fear of unstable homes and living conditions. Damage and rockslides on highways occurred. The landslides reportedly damaged homes and caused power outages and created a new lake." (September 5, 2022)
Earthquakes of M 5.9 also hit the area on June 1 and June 9, 2022. Forecast 150139 had expected today's activity to the south was likely around January 25, 2023.
O: 25JAN2023 19:49:46 29.8N 102.1E Mw=5.5 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 21:19:09 29.8N 102.0E mb=4.4 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 20:51:12 29.4N 101.9E mb=4.6 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 23:21:38 29.7N 102.0E mb=4.9 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
P: 25JAN2023 150139 26.0N 101.0E 4.0-5.5 ACAAA Myanmar
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in the Kodiak Island region of Alaska. This is the strongest earthquake in the Kodiak Island area since an M 4.6 on October 12, 2022. The only earthquakes of significantly larger magnitude in the Kodiak area in the past 2.5 years was an M 4.9 on January 3, 2021 and an M 4.8 on January 11, 2022. Forecast 150270 had expected today's event to the northeast was likely around January 27.
O: 25JAN2023 15:13:34 57.5N 154.9W mb=4.5 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150270 60.3N 153.0W 3.2-5.0 ACAAA Central Alaska
A series of light to moderate earthquakes were lightly felt in the Malibu and Los Angeles areas of Southern California today. This was presented in the previous issue of this summary, but because of the regional interest in these events this analysis is updated and repeated today here:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.2 was followed by aftershocks of M 3.7 and 2.6 in the Malibu area of Southern California today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Malibu and Los Angeles with intensity II-III in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Calabasas, Redondo Beach and as far as Whittier, Altadena, Pasadena, California. The aftershocks were felt in a similar area. This activity occurred near local solar midnight at a longitude consistent with tidal triggering related to the close encounter new moon of January 21, 2023 as previously described in this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
This earthquake appears to have been triggered by a strong solar flare - an M4.6 which reached maximum intensity within several minutes of this earthquake in Southern California. This flare of M4.6 is the strongest reported by SWPC since an M6.0 on January 15 (#340). An X1.0 occurred on January 10, 2023 and an X1.9 occurred on January 9 (#8520 and 8040).
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4040 0937 1011 1049 M4.6 (January 25, 2023) 1.5E-01
Today's M 4.2 is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.3 on September 18, 2021. The last earthquake in the area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.7 on May 18, 2009. The last strong earthquake to occur in this region was the Northridge M 6.7 of January 17, 1994. That event was preceded by several light earthquakes felt in the Los Angeles area of M 3.6 and 3.7 on January 9, 1994 and January 12, 1994 within about 15 km of today's epicenters. This caused some residents of Los Angeles to believe that a stronger event in the region was imminent and to take precautions. An earthquake of M 6.7 also hit the area on February 9, 1971 - the San Fernando earthquake. The period of 30-33 years appears to be the approximate inter-event time for large earthquakes in this region. Since it has been 29 years since the Northridge quake, the area is entering into a period of likely enhanced seismicity. Triggering of today's activity by a strong solar flare suggests that the region is near a breaking point which could be reached in the near future and could be triggered by a strong X-class solar flare. Today's earthquake occurred at 15 km depth - a depth at which moderate to large earthquakes often occur in this region (the Northridge quake was at 18 km depth) - near the brittle-ductile transition boundary.
Further factors which has historically been in play with larger earthquakes in Southern California include Tropical Cyclones in the area south of Madagascar which are prominent at this time of year and major earthquakes in Indonesia. For example, the M 6.7 in February, 1971 was preceded a month earlier by an M 8.1 in New Guinea at 3S 140E. This area - at 103 degrees from Los Angeles, California - has shown several swarms in recent days and could generate a strong earthquake at this time.
A tropical Cyclone (Cheneso) is currently located north of Madagascar. This is expected to track to the south and then to the east, reaching an antipodal position to southern California in several days. Antipodal focusing of energy from this storm could further complicate seismicity in the region of Southern California at this time. TC Cheneso was noted in this and previous issues
of this summary as:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Northern Madagascar with winds up to 85 kts. It is expected to track to the south over the next several days. Some triggering of seismicity in East Africa may occur with this storm." (January 23-25, 2023)
and
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Northern Madagascar with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the south over the next several days. Some triggering of seismicity in East Africa may occur with this storm. This system will be at 34S 60E on January 31 with winds up to 65 kts. This is antipodal to southern California and Los Angeles where moderate earthquakes occurred on January 25. Focused antipodal energy from this storm could lead to enhanced seismicity in Southern California at that time." (January 26, 2023)
Forecast 150186 had expected this activity within about 30 km was likely around
January 22-25, 2023." (January 25, 2023)
O: 25JAN2023 10:03:33 33.9N 118.7W Ml=3.6 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:22:31 33.9N 118.7W ML=2.7 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:38:48 33.9N 118.7W ML=2.8 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W Mw=4.2 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN
P: 22JAN2023 150186 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
P: 25JAN2023 150186 34.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
A series of moderate earthquakes occurred in the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand today. They were not felt in this remote area. This activity included two of M 5.0 each in the northern and Central Kermadecs. Although an M 5.0-5.1 did hit in the northern Kermadec Islands on January 20, 2023, this is the first significant activity in the Kermadec Islands since an M 5.4 on December 20, 2022 and the first such in northern Kermadec Islands since an M 5.4 on December 13, 2022. A great earthquake of M 8.1 hit the area on March 4, 2021 relieving much of the accumulated regional strain. It may indicate activation of the area with a possible strong earthquake in the near future. Forecasts 150308, 150314, 150317 and 150315 had expected this activity around January 23-29.
O: 25JAN2023 20:13:07 28.3S 176.0W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150308 27.0S 177.0W 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Tonga Islands
O: 25JAN2023 18:08:33 29.7S 178.9E mb=4.2 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 26JAN2023 04:07:55 30.3S 178.7W mb=4.4 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
O: 25JAN2023 15:09:35 31.4S 178.2W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150317 32.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA So. Kermadec Islands
O: 25JAN2023 13:15:49 35.4S 178.7E ML=4.0 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
P: 23JAN2023 150314 37.0S 179.0E 3.5-4.9 ABAAA E. of North Islands N.Z.
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
Aftershocks also continued in the Molucca Sea following the M 7.6 there a week ago. The largest of these today was an M 5.7. Forecast 150064 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area around January 27.
O: 26JAN2023 04:23:52 2.9N 127.0E Mw=5.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 25JAN2023 19:22:59 29.3N 81.6E ML=3.9 EMSC NEPAL
P: 23JAN2023 150200 30.0N 83.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
O: 25JAN2023 16:02:10 35.8N 79.9E mb=5.3 EMSC KASHMIR-XINJIANG BORDER REGION
P: 30JAN2023 150178 39.0N 78.0E 3.8-5.2 ABCBA Northern India
O: 26JAN2023 01:41:56 36.1N 70.3E mb=4.1 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 23JAN2023 150166 36.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 BAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 25JAN2023 21:53:05 37.5N 72.3E mb=4.0 EMSC TAJIKISTAN
P: 27JAN2023 150166 37.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 25JAN2023 13:13:41 41.4N 84.0E mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 27JAN2023 150212 41.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 AABAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
O: 25JAN2023 13:48:25 44.8N 81.2E mb=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
P: 18JAN2023 149940 42.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 CCAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
P: 27JAN2023 150212 41.0N 82.0E 4.0-5.4 ACAAA Kirgizstan/Xinjiang
O: 25JAN2023 19:49:46 29.8N 102.1E Mw=5.5 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 21:19:09 29.8N 102.0E mb=4.4 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 20:51:12 29.4N 101.9E mb=4.6 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
O: 25JAN2023 23:21:38 29.7N 102.0E mb=4.9 EMSC WESTERN SICHUAN, CHINA
P: 25JAN2023 150139 26.0N 101.0E 4.0-5.5 ACAAA Myanmar
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 26JAN2023 06:33:47 2.8N 127.1E mb=4.9 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 25JAN2023 15:51:50 2.9N 127.0E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 26JAN2023 04:23:52 2.9N 127.0E Mw=5.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 26JAN2023 01:46:21 3.0N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 26JAN2023 02:25:09 3.2N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 25JAN2023 16:48:06 3.3N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 25JAN2023 19:31:07 2.8N 127.2E ML=4.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 25JAN2023 12:46:17 5.5S 153.7E mb=4.6 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
P: 27JAN2023 150082 5.0S 153.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA New Britain
O: 25JAN2023 14:12:54 6.0S 155.0E Mw=4.8 EMSC BOUGAINVILLE REGION, P.N.G.
P: 27JAN2023 150094 6.0S 155.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Solomon Islands
O: 26JAN2023 03:33:29 7.2S 110.2E ML=4.0 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 28JAN2023 150091 8.0S 108.0E 4.0-5.8 AABAA So. of Java
O: 25JAN2023 19:10:59 10.7S 111.8E ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 23JAN2023 150090 11.0S 111.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. of Bali
O: 25JAN2023 07:02:38 11.3S 119.3E ML=4.8 EMSC SOUTH OF SUMBA, INDONESIA
P: 21JAN2023 150293 11.0S 119.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA So. of Indonesia
O: 25JAN2023 16:27:56 15.2N 122.3E ML=4.6 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
P: 21JAN2023 150112 13.0N 124.0E 3.5-5.0 BCBAA Luzon, Philippines
O: 25JAN2023 22:27:32 20.3N 146.2E mb=4.7 EMSC MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
P: 23JAN2023 150145 21.0N 146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Volcano Islands
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 26JAN2023 04:29:43 0.1S 77.5W mb=4.1 EMSC ECUADOR
P: 22JAN2023 150077 1.0S 77.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Ecuador
P: 28JAN2023 150077 2.0S 78.0W 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Ecuador
O: 26JAN2023 03:16:21 2.0S 80.0W mb=4.6 EMSC NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR
P: 28JAN2023 150077 2.0S 78.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA Ecuador
O: 25JAN2023 09:11:40 3.5S 80.7W mb=4.4 EMSC PERU-ECUADOR BORDER REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150077 4.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Ecuador
O: 25JAN2023 21:26:29 9.3N 78.0W ML=4.3 EMSC PANAMA
P: 23JAN2023 150061 7.0N 78.0W 4.0-5.4 ACAAA Colombia
O: 26JAN2023 02:20:30 10.4N 86.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
P: 29JAN2023 150117 11.0N 86.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA Nicaragua
O: 25JAN2023 09:49:03 12.1S 74.2W ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
P: 17JAN2023 150010 14.0S 73.0W 4.0-5.6 CBBAA Central Peru
O: 26JAN2023 04:45:32 14.9N 95.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 19JAN2023 149841 15.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.2 CAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 25JAN2023 10:30:52 16.9N 95.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 25JAN2023 21:44:36 17.3N 94.4W ML=4.1 EMSC VERACRUZ, MEXICO
P: 24JAN2023 150103 17.0N 94.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
P: 28JAN2023 150103 17.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.4 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 26JAN2023 01:17:00 17.0S 69.6W mb=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN PERU
P: 21JAN2023 150292 17.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.5 BAAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
P: 28JAN2023 150292 18.0S 71.0W 4.0-5.5 AABAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 25JAN2023 18:06:50 18.7N 74.0W ML=3.1 EMSC HAITI REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150125 19.0N 73.0W 3.4-5.3 AAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 25JAN2023 22:49:12 28.1N 112.3W ML=3.8 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150132 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA Gulf of California
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 25JAN2023 23:38:27 12.5N 40.5E mb=4.3 EMSC ETHIOPIA
P: 26JAN2023 150106 12.0N 40.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA Ethiopia
O: 25JAN2023 07:54:45 34.8N 14.2E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 BAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 25JAN2023 12:37:06 35.8N 28.5E Mw=5.9 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150195 35.0N 28.0E 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Turkey
O: 26JAN2023 06:00:26 44.2N 12.3E ML=3.5 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 24JAN2023 150210 44.0N 11.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA Italy
O: 26JAN2023 04:16:09 16.6N 25.6W Mw=5.3 EMSC CAPE VERDE
P: 15JAN2023 149798 14.0N 34.0W 4.0-5.9 CCDAA Central Mid-Atlantic
P: 27JAN2023 150116 17.0N 47.0W 4.0-5.8 AADCA Central Mid-Atlantic
O: 25JAN2023 20:56:55 26.6S 33.0E ML=3.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA
P: 20JAN2023 150032 22.0S 33.0E 4.0-5.4 BCAAA So. Indian Ocean
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 25JAN2023 10:45:35 20.3S 177.7W mb=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150306 20.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 25JAN2023 23:14:42 24.0S 180.0W mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 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
No significant (M>=5) or unusual earthquakes were reported on Ocean Ridges today.
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 25JAN2023 20:13:07 28.3S 176.0W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150308 27.0S 177.0W 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Tonga Islands
O: 25JAN2023 18:08:33 29.7S 178.9E mb=4.2 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 26JAN2023 04:07:55 30.3S 178.7W mb=4.4 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
P: 26JAN2023 150314 30.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 AAAAA No. Kermadec Islands
O: 25JAN2023 15:09:35 31.4S 178.2W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150317 32.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 AABAA So. Kermadec Islands
O: 25JAN2023 13:15:49 35.4S 178.7E ML=4.0 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
P: 23JAN2023 150314 37.0S 179.0E 3.5-4.9 ABAAA E. of North Islands N.Z.
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BAAAA North 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: 25JAN2023 10:03:33 33.9N 118.7W Ml=3.6 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:22:31 33.9N 118.7W ML=2.7 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:38:48 33.9N 118.7W ML=2.8 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W Mw=4.2 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN
P: 22JAN2023 150186 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
P: 25JAN2023 150186 34.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
O: 25JAN2023 17:00:59 30.8N 116.2W ML=3.4 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 25JAN2023 07:26:59 31.1N 115.4W ML=3.1 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 25JAN2023 150183 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 25JAN2023 10:21:13 32.0N 115.5W Ml=2.2 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 25JAN2023 19:26:56 35.6N 117.6W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 26JAN2023 01:11:28 36.8N 121.5W ML=2.5 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 25JAN2023 150158 36.9N 121.7W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA Central California
O: 25JAN2023 07:48:18 37.6N 118.9W Md=2.6 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 19:56:19 38.0N 118.1W ml=2.4 EMSC NEVADA
P: 25JAN2023 150154 38.0N 118.8W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 25JAN2023 17:43:57 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.9 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 18:23:29 38.8N 122.8W Md=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.9 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Geyserville, Kelseyville (IV), Healdsburg and Petaluma.
O: 25JAN2023 20:22:39 40.1N 123.7W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150226 40.2N 124.2W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
O: 25JAN2023 23:23:43 40.4N 125.2W Md=2.6 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 22JAN2023 150226 40.5N 125.8W 2.5-4.7 BAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
ALASKA
O: 25JAN2023 15:13:34 57.5N 154.9W mb=4.5 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150270 60.3N 153.0W 3.2-5.0 ACAAA Central Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 25JAN2023 11:46:34 54.3N 117.7W ML=3.9 EMSC ALBERTA, CANADA
O: 25JAN2023 11:46:34 54.3N 117.7W MB=3.9 ECAN of Fox Creek, AB
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CABAA Alberta
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 25JAN2023 08:46:19 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26JAN2023 05:45:14 31.7N 104.3W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 25JAN2023 13:09:02 31.6N 104.2W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 25JAN2023 10:01:41 35.9N 97.2W ML=3.6 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 24JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA Southern Plains
O: 25JAN2023 12:41:26 35.9N 97.2W ML=2.0 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 24JAN2023 23:56:30 45.0N 74.2W MB=1.5 ECAN of Huntingdon, QC
P: 29JAN2023 150222 45.7N 75.2W 2.0-4.2 BAAAA New York State
O: 24JAN2023 17:45:03 49.7N 94.7W MB=1.9 ECAN of Rat Portage, ON
O: 24JAN2023 15:35:42 72.3N 75.9W MB=2.3 ECAN of Pond Inlet, NU
P: 21JAN2023 150282 73.3N 73.5W 2.5-4.3 BAAAA Baffin/Davis Strait Canada
P: 27JAN2023 150282 71.0N 75.0W 2.5-3.9 BBAAA Baffin/Davis Strait Canada
O: 24JAN2023 06:12:14 49.8N 82.4W MB=2.6 ECAN of Kapuskasing, ON
P: 27JAN2023 150230 49.0N 81.0W 2.0-4.2 BAAAA Ohio/Lake Erie
HAWAII
O: 25JAN2023 17:17:43 19.1N 155.4W Ml=3.2 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
O: 25JAN2023 08:35:28 19.2N 155.4W ML=3.8 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 24JAN2023 150109 19.2N 155.3W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu.
STRONG SOLAR FLARE TRIGGERS MODERATE QUAKES SOUTH OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 24, 2023
A moderate earthquake of M 4.2 was followed by aftershocks of M 3.7 and 3.5 in the Malibu area of Southern California today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Malibu and Los Angeles with intensity II-III in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Calabasas, Redondo Beach and as far as Whittier, Altadena, Pasadena, California. The aftershocks were felt in a similar area. This activity occurred near local solar midnight at a longitude consistent with tidal triggering related to the close encounter new moon of January 21, 2023 as previously described in this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
This earthquake appears to have been triggered by a strong solar flare - an M4.6 which reached maximum intensity within several minutes of this earthquake in Southern California. This flare of M4.6 is the strongest reported by SWPC since an M6.0 on January 15 (#340). An X1.0 occurred on January 10, 2023 and an X1.9 occurred on January 9 (#8520 and 8040).
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0935 1000 1025 M4.6 (January 25, 2023) 4.5E-02
Today's M 4.2 is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.3 on September 18, 2021. The last earthquake in the area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 4.7 on May 18, 2009. The last strong earthquake to occur in this region was the Northridge M 6.7 of January 17, 1994. That event was preceded by several light earthquakes felt in the Los Angeles area of M 3.6 and 3.7 on January 9, 1994 and January 12, 1994 within about 15 km of today's epicenters. This caused some residents of Los Angeles to believe that a stronger event in the region was imminent and to take precautions. An earthquake of M 6.7 also hit the area on February 9, 1971 - the San Fernando earthquake. The period of 30-33 years appears to be the approximate inter-event time for large earthquakes in this region. Since it has been 29 years since the Northridge quake, the area is entering into a period of likely enhanced seismicity. Triggering of today's activity by a strong solar flare suggests that the region is near a breaking point which could be reached in the near future and could be triggered by a strong X-class solar flare. Today's earthquake occurred at 15 km depth - a depth at which moderate to large earthquakes often occur in this region (the Northridge quake was at 18 km depth) - near the brittle-ductile transition boundary.
Further factor which has historically been in play with larger earthquakes in Southern California include Tropical Cyclones in the area south of Madagascar which are prominent at this time of year and major earthquakes in Indonesia. For example, the M 6.7 in February, 1971 was preceded a month earlier by an M 8.1 in New Guinea at 3S 140E. This area - at 103 degrees from Los Angeles, California - has shown several swarms in recent days and could generate a strong earthquake at this time.
A tropical Cyclone (Cheneso) is currently located north of Madagascar. This is expected to track to the south and then to the east, reaching an antipodal position to southern California in several days. Antipodal focusing of energy from this storm could further complicate seismicity in the region of Southern California at this time. TC Chenesco was noted in this and previous issues of this summary as:
"TC Cheneso (08S) continued today in the area west of Northern Madagascar with winds up to 85 kts. It is expected to track to the south over the next several days. Some triggering of seismicity in East Africa may occur with this storm." (January 23-25, 2023)
Forecast 150186 had expected this activity within about 30 km was likely around January 22-25, 2023.
O: 25JAN2023 10:03:31 33.9N 118.7W ML=3.3 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:03:33 33.9N 118.7W ml=3.5 ANSS Malibu Beach CA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W mw=4.2 ANSS S of Malibu Beach
O: 25JAN2023 10:22:33 33.9N 118.7W Ml=2.8 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W Mw=4.2 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN
P: 22JAN2023 150186 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
P: 25JAN2023 150186 34.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
An M 3.6-3.7 earthquake in Oklahoma occurred less than a minute following the M 4.2 in Southern California. It is likely that event was also triggered by the strong M4.6 solar flare. P-waves from southern California had not reached the area of Oklahoma when this M 3.7 occurred. The first energy from southern California to arrive in Oklahoma got there as a p-wave about three minutes after the M 4.2 in Los Angeles, too late to have influenced regional seismicity in Oklahoma. NEIC reported this earthquake in Oklahoma was felt with intensity II-III in Edmond, Oklahoma. An M 4.1 in Central Peru 11 minutes before the M 4.2 in Southern California may also have been triggered by SFE from the M4.6 flare. The area of Oklahoma often sees enhanced seismicity with strong tidal and/or solar flare activity. The last earthquake of M>=3.7 within about 100 km of today's event in Oklahoma occurred nearly a year ago on January 31, 2022 (M 4.5) and prior to that on September 19, 2021 (M 3.8). Triggering by SFE in this area suggests a larger event is likely in the near future in this region.
Forecast 150193 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around January 24, 2023. This epicenter is located at 103 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy rom that source.
O: 25JAN2023 10:01:42 35.9N 97.2W ml=3.7 ANSS km ENE of Meridian
O: 25JAN2023 10:01:42 35.9N 97.2W ML=3.6 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 24JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA Southern Plains
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4 in Argentina. This follows an M 6.8 in the area on January 19, 2023 and may be an aftershock of that event. Both occurred at deep focus. Today's event was felt with intensity II in Cascavel, Brazil, Iquique, Tarapaca, Chile, Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile. It is unusual to see strong, deep focus, aftershocks days apart as the temperature regime at these depths quickly heals ruptures. When the earthquake of M 6.8 occurred in Argentina on January 20, 2023, this summary noted:
"The last earthquake of M>=6.8 within about 300 km of today's event in Argentina was an M 6.8 on May 28, 2012 and an M 7.0 on January 1, 2011." (January 21, 2023)
Forecasts 150025 and 150299 had expected today's activity in mid-January in this area of Argentina. This earthquake is located at 144 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and at 101-103 degrees from the recent major earthquakes in Tonga and Fiji and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 24JAN2023 18:36:59 26.7S 63.2W Mw=6.4 EMSC SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA
P: 13JAN2023 150025 28.0S 64.0W 4.0-5.8 CBAAA Argentina
P: 22JAN2023 150299 23.0S 65.0W 4.0-5.7 ACBAA Argentina
A strong earthquake was also felt today as an M 5.6-5.7 in Nepal. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VII in Jumla, V in Dipayal, Doti, Nepal with IV in Nepal at Dallekh, Birendranagar and in Kichha, Uttaranchal, India. Intensity II-III was also felt in Nepal in Tansen, Palpa, and Pokhara, Kashi. In India this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in Uttaranchal at Almora, Clement Town, and in Uttar Pradesh at Lakhnau, Cawnpore, Dankaur and Ghaziabad among other communities. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Nepal at Simikot, Birendranagar, Dhangadhi, Kohalpur, Kanchanpur, Pokhara, and in India at Pithoragarh, Almora, Haldwani, Pilibhit, Bhikia Sain, Shahjahanpur among other communities.
This is the strongest earthquake in Nepal within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.0 on September 25, 2008 and an M 6.2 on April 7, 2005 and July 11, 2004, the only such events in Nepal in the past 35 years. Forecast 150200 had expected today's event in this region was likely around January 23, 2023. This epicenter is at 105 degrees from the M 6.4 off northern California of December 20, 2022 and from recent strong earthquakes in Fiji and Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 24JAN2023 08:58:30 29.7N 81.7E mb=5.6 EMSC NEPAL
P: 23JAN2023 150200 30.0N 83.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
Aftershocks also continued in the region south of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea today. The strongest earthquake in the area today was an M 5.3, the strongest in the current swarm. This activity was addressed in previous issues of this summary in part as:
"An earthquake of M 5.0 occurred near Malta in the Central Mediterranean today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity I-II in Malta at Floriana and Ta Xbiex, Inner Harbour and San Pawl il-Bahar. ... This earthquake of M 5.0 is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter in the past 30 years. An M 5.3 occurred about 200 km west of this on September 10, 1993 and near this epicenter with M 5.3 on September 29, 1992." (January 23-24, 2023)
NEIC reported today's earthquake of M 5.3 in Malta was felt with intensity IV in the area(s) of Malta in Zurrieq, Birzebugia, Marsaxlokk, Bormia, and II-III in Safi, Rabat, Zebbug, Marsascala, Isla, Msida, Mosta, Sliema, San Paul and Mellieha. Forecast 150170 had expected today's enhanced activity within about 25 km of this epicenter was likely around January 22, 2023. This activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and at 106 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Molucca Sea today (like today’s activity near Los Angeles, California) and at 102 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (January 18, 19 2023)
O: 25JAN2023 01:12:51 34.8N 14.2E mb=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 24JAN2023 20:25:35 34.9N 14.3E Mw=5.3 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 03:28:59 34.9N 14.2E ML=3.9 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 04:06:30 34.9N 14.0E ML=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 07:54:45 34.9N 14.2E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 24JAN2023 22:10:37 34.7N 14.3E ML=3.8 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 06:44:06 35.0N 14.2E ML=3.8 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
A light earthquake of M 2.7 was also recorded in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Turkey today. This event is notable as it occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses with the new moon of January 21. It lies near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment (see above and under "TIDAL" section of this summary. The last significant earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter was an M 5.5 on June 28, 2020. A major event of M 7.0 shook the area about 250 km northwest of this on October 30, 2020. This activity is at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 150195 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km
O: 24JAN2023 22:01:06 36.0N 28.1E ML=2.7 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150195 35.0N 28.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Turkey
The strong aftershock sequence in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia also continued today. Two event of M>=5 occurred with M 5.5 and M 5.2. The M 5.2 occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. This activity was located within about 25 km and three days of forecast 150064.
O: 24JAN2023 15:21:03 3.1N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 20:17:55 3.1N 127.1E Mw=5.5 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 16:10:16 3.6N 128.6E Mw=5.2 EMSC NORTH OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 24JAN2023 07:23:26 27.7N 90.3E ML=2.9 EMSC BHUTAN
P: 29JAN2023 150137 27.0N 92.0E 4.0-5.5 BABAA Myanmar
O: 24JAN2023 08:58:30 29.7N 81.7E mb=5.6 EMSC NEPAL
P: 23JAN2023 150200 30.0N 83.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
O: 24JAN2023 15:57:08 50.1N 142.7E mb=4.5 EMSC SAKHALIN, RUSSIA
P: 14JAN2023 149964 49.0N 142.0E 3.5-5.5 CAAAA So. Kurils
P: 25JAN2023 150261 54.0N 143.0E 4.0-5.6 ACAAA Sakhalin
O: 24JAN2023 11:57:52 52.5N 160.3E mb=4.4 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
P: 29JAN2023 150249 53.0N 160.0E 4.0-5.7 BAAAA E. of Kamchatka
O: 25JAN2023 03:57:52 56.1N 113.7E mb=4.3 EMSC BURYATIYA, RUSSIA
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 24JAN2023 12:06:35 2.8N 127.0E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 10:17:27 2.9N 127.2E ML=4.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 19:25:40 3.0N 127.1E mb=4.4 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 20:12:55 3.0N 127.3E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 13:11:24 3.1N 127.1E mb=4.9 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 15:21:03 3.1N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 20:17:55 3.1N 127.1E Mw=5.5 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 21:23:48 3.2N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 25JAN2023 00:44:51 3.5N 127.3E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 16:10:16 3.6N 128.6E Mw=5.2 EMSC NORTH OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 24JAN2023 13:14:15 0.3N 123.6E ML=4.5 EMSC MINAHASA, SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 23JAN2023 150095 1.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA Sulawesi area
P: 30JAN2023 150066 1.0N 123.0E 4.0-5.4 CAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 24JAN2023 12:37:40 2.2S 140.4E ML=4.1 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 29JAN2023 150089 2.0S 140.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 24JAN2023 11:08:10 2.8N 127.3E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 24JAN2023 150067 2.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 25JAN2023 00:57:41 2.8S 122.5E ML=4.0 EMSC SULAWESI, INDONESIA
P: 23JAN2023 150095 1.0S 122.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA Sulawesi area
O: 25JAN2023 06:57:40 4.4N 125.9E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN SANGIHE, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150068 4.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 24JAN2023 22:24:00 7.2S 129.3E ML=4.3 EMSC KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 13:07:02 7.8S 128.1E ML=4.3 EMSC KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA
P: 22JAN2023 150073 7.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Banda Sea
O: 25JAN2023 03:35:20 9.2N 126.7E mb=4.7 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 25JAN2023 150065 8.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.5 ABAAA Halmahera
O: 25JAN2023 07:02:38 11.3S 119.3E ML=4.8 EMSC SOUTH OF SUMBA, INDONESIA
P: 21JAN2023 150293 11.0S 119.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA So. of Indonesia
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 25JAN2023 02:22:16 8.3N 82.8W ML=4.0 EMSC PANAMA-COSTA RICA BORDER REGION
P: 27JAN2023 150062 8.0N 83.0W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA Costa Rica
O: 25JAN2023 09:11:40 3.5S 80.7W mb=4.4 EMSC PERU-ECUADOR BORDER REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150077 4.0S 81.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Ecuador
O: 25JAN2023 09:49:03 12.1S 74.2W ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
P: 17JAN2023 150010 14.0S 73.0W 4.0-5.6 CBBAA Central Peru
O: 25JAN2023 05:15:30 13.0N 88.7W Mw=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
P: 23JAN2023 150107 13.0N 90.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Guatemala
P: 30JAN2023 150104 14.0N 89.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA Coast of Central America
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in El Salvador was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of El Salvador in San Agustin and Antiguo Cuscatlan.
O: 24JAN2023 11:18:45 18.3N 67.4W Md=3.1 EMSC MONA PASSAGE, PUERTO RICO
O: 25JAN2023 04:36:25 18.4N 66.4W Md=3.7 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 25JAN2023 06:46:52 18.6N 66.8W Md=3.6 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 25JAN2023 05:16:33 18.1N 67.1W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 22JAN2023 150124 19.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.4 BAAAA Puerto Rico
O: 25JAN2023 01:49:07 18.7N 104.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE COLIMA, MEXICO
P: 27JAN2023 150115 18.0N 104.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA Michoacan, Mexico
O: 24JAN2023 23:35:54 18.9N 65.3W Md=3.2 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150111 19.0N 66.0W 3.0-5.3 AAAAA Leeward Islands
O: 24JAN2023 08:51:43 19.8N 70.6W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 24JAN2023 11:23:07 21.4S 68.3W Mw=4.6 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 24JAN2023 19:08:28 21.6S 68.5W mb=4.5 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
P: 22JAN2023 150297 21.0S 68.0W 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Argentina
O: 24JAN2023 18:36:59 26.7S 63.2W Mw=6.4 EMSC SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA
P: 13JAN2023 150025 28.0S 64.0W 4.0-5.8 CBAAA Argentina
P: 22JAN2023 150299 23.0S 65.0W 4.0-5.7 ACBAA Argentina
O: 24JAN2023 14:28:33 31.1S 71.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
P: 22JAN2023 150312 31.0S 72.0W 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Central Chile
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 25JAN2023 01:12:51 34.8N 14.2E mb=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 24JAN2023 20:25:35 34.9N 14.3E Mw=5.3 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 03:28:59 34.9N 14.2E ML=3.9 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 04:06:30 34.9N 14.0E ML=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 07:54:45 34.9N 14.2E ML=4.0 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 24JAN2023 22:10:37 34.7N 14.3E ML=3.8 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 25JAN2023 06:44:06 35.0N 14.2E ML=3.8 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 24JAN2023 05:59:32 35.3N 31.3E ML=3.9 EMSC CYPRUS REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150196 34.0N 33.0E 3.5-5.0 ABBAA Turkey
O: 24JAN2023 22:01:06 36.0N 28.1E ML=2.7 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150195 35.0N 28.0E 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Turkey
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
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: 24JAN2023 22:18:01 34.8S 178.6E ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150317 34.0S 180.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
P: 29JAN2023 150315 35.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.5 BAAAA North Island, N.Z.
O: 24JAN2023 15:35:26 33.2S 179.6E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150317 34.0S 180.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA So. Kermadec Islands
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 25JAN2023 01:00:49 37.6N 141.6E mb=5.2 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP
P: 29JAN2023 150180 37.0N 141.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA Off East Coast Honshu
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.2 in Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Honshu, Japan in Migyagi, Tochigi, Ibaraki and Tokyo Prefectures.
O: 24JAN2023 22:54:58 28.0N 139.4E mb=4.6 EMSC BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150130 29.0N 140.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Bonin Islands
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 24JAN2023 10:11:00 30.5N 114.0W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 16JAN2023 149913 30.2N 114.1W 2.0-3.9 CAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 24JAN2023 08:07:32 30.9N 116.2W ML=3.5 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 24JAN2023 10:17:30 30.8N 116.3W ML=3.5 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
P: 25JAN2023 150183 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 25JAN2023 10:03:31 33.9N 118.7W ML=3.3 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:03:33 33.9N 118.7W ml=3.5 ANSS Malibu Beach CA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W mw=4.2 ANSS S of Malibu Beach
O: 25JAN2023 10:22:33 33.9N 118.7W Ml=2.8 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 10:00:54 33.9N 118.7W Mw=4.2 EMSC CHANNEL ISLANDS REG., CALIFORN
P: 22JAN2023 150186 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
P: 25JAN2023 150186 34.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
O: 24JAN2023 16:31:19 34.4N 119.2W Ml=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 22JAN2023 150186 33.9N 118.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
P: 25JAN2023 150186 34.3N 118.5W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
O: 24JAN2023 07:34:20 36.2N 118.1W Ml=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 25JAN2023 07:48:18 37.6N 118.9W Md=2.6 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 24JAN2023 150152 37.5N 118.6W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 24JAN2023 18:20:03 40.5N 124.0W Md=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JAN2023 01:47:20 40.6N 124.2W Md=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 22JAN2023 150226 40.3N 124.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 2.7 each in Northern California were felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Fortuna, Loleta, Ferndale, Rio Dell, Carlotta, Arcata and Garberville.
ALASKA
O: 25JAN2023 01:15:27 59.1N 153.7W ml=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 24JAN2023 08:42:02 58.8N 153.2W ML=3.1 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150270 60.3N 153.0W 3.2-5.0 BBAAA Central Alaska
O: 24JAN2023 13:07:05 61.0N 151.0W ML=3.4 EMSC KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
O: 24JAN2023 13:07:05 61.0N 151.0W ML=3.3 ANSS KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
P: 22JAN2023 150271 61.2N 151.2W 3.2-5.3 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Eagle River.
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 24JAN2023 22:03:46 46.3N 119.4W Ml=2.2 EMSC WASHINGTON
P: 25JAN2023 150231 45.2N 120.1W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Oregon state, U.S.
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 24JAN2023 15:06:46 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 15:18:15 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 19:44:33 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.4 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 19:57:04 31.7N 104.4W ML=3.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 20:08:48 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 20:14:21 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 20:28:07 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 20:33:56 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 24JAN2023 17:55:37 31.6N 104.2W ML=2.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 25JAN2023 05:13:31 41.5N 112.2W ML=2.8 EMSC UTAH
P: 22JAN2023 150241 43.2N 111.0W 2.0-4.1 BBAAA Yellowstone/Wyoming
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Northern Utah was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern Utah in Brigham City, Honeyville, Willard, Corinne and Sal Lake City.
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 24JAN2023 20:08:18 35.0N 97.7W ML=2.0 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 24JAN2023 150193 35.0N 96.0W 2.0-4.1 AABAA Southern Plains
P: 27JAN2023 150193 35.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA Southern Plains
O: 25JAN2023 10:01:42 35.9N 97.2W ml=3.7 ANSS km ENE of Meridian
O: 25JAN2023 10:01:42 35.9N 97.2W ML=3.6 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 24JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA Southern Plains
O: 23JAN2023 15:32:11 48.7N 71.9W MB=1.9 ECAN of L'Ascension-de-Notre-Seigneur, QC
O: 23JAN2023 22:42:18 48.7N 71.9W MB=1.9 ECAN of Péribonka, QC
P: 21JAN2023 150220 47.3N 70.5W 2.0-4.1 ABAAA New England
O: 23JAN2023 13:20:52 41.8N 81.2W MB=2.0 ECAN of Cleveland, OH
P: 21JAN2023 150229 41.0N 81.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA Ohio/Lake Erie
O: 23JAN2023 10:54:20 44.9N 73.6W MB=1.6 ECAN of Hemmingford, QC
P: 22JAN2023 150221 44.0N 74.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA New York State
O: 23JAN2023 05:31:02 49.9N 92.6W MB=0.8 ECAN of Dryden, ON
O: 23JAN2023 04:21:22 47.4N 70.5W MB=1.0 ECAN of Saint-Louis-de-l'Isle-aux-Cou
P: 21JAN2023 150220 47.3N 70.5W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA New England
HAWAII
O: 24JAN2023 09:58:50 19.1N 155.4W ML=3.5 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
O: 25JAN2023 08:35:28 19.2N 155.4W ML=3.8 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 24JAN2023 150109 19.2N 155.3W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.2-3.5 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu, Captain Cook and Mililani.
The M 3.6-3.8 was reported with intensity II-III in Pahala, Naalehu, Captain Cook, Holualoa, Honaunau, Kealakekua, Pepeekeo and Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
MODERATE EARTHQUAKE IN NEPAL AND INDIA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 23, 2023
The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 5.6-5.7 in Nepal. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Dipayal, Doti, Nepal with IV in Kichha, Uttaranchal, India. Intensity II-III was also felt in Nepal in Tansen, Palpa, and Pokhara, Kashi. In India this earthquake was felt with intensity II-III in Uttaranchal at Almora, Clement Town, and in Uttar Pradesh at Lakhnau, Cawnpore, Dankaur and Ghaziabad among other communities. EMSC reported light to moderate shaking in Nepal at Simikot, Birendranagar, Dhangadhi, Kohalpur, Kanchanpur, Pokhara, and in India at Pithoragarh, Almora, Haldwani, Pilibhit, Bhikia Sain, Shahjahanpur among other communities. This is the strongest earthquake in Nepal within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M i6.0 on September 25, 2008 and an M 6.2 on April 7, 2005 and July 11, 2004, the only such events in Nepal in the past 35 years. Forecast 150200 had expected today's event in this region was likely around January 23, 2023. This epicenter is at 105 degrees from the M 6.4 off northern California of December 20, 2022 and from recent strong earthquakes in Fiji and Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 24JAN2023 08:58:31 29.7N 81.7E mb=5.7 EMSC NEPAL
P: 23JAN2023 150200 30.0N 83.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
Moderately strong aftershocks of M 5.5 and M 5.8-5.9 also occurred in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia today. NEIC did not report these as felt but BMG indicated they were lightly felt in the epicentral areas. BMG reported the larger event at M 5.9. Following is a listing of events in the region today of M>=5. A more complete listing is found in the "INDONESIA" section of this summary. Forecast 150064 had expected regional activation was likely around January 27.
O: 23JAN2023 17:06:49 2.8N 127.0E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 01:10:21 2.8N 127.0E Mw=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:13:16 2.8N 127.0E Mw=5.8 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 18:17:35 2.9N 127.2E mb=5.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:30:06 2.9N 127.1E mb=5.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Halmahera
A light earthquake of M 3.4-3.6 occurred today south of San Francisco, California as part of the activation of this region accompanying the new moon of January 21, 2023. NEIC reported today's event was felt with intensity II-III in Central California in San Martin, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Watsonville, San Juan Bautista, Aptos, Hollister, Soquel and Los Gatos among other communities. A similar M 3.6 hit about 40 km south of this on January 19, 2023. This summary noted at the time:
"A series of light earthquakes occurred in the region of Central California today. ... An M 3.6 was also widely felt north of San Francisco today. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity IV...
This regional activation had been anticipated in the previous issue of this summary as:
"Recent earthquakes of M 7.6 in the Banda Sea and M 7.0 in the Molucca Sea have been occurring at 103-106 degrees from the coast of Central California in the vicinity south of San Francisco, California and off the coast of northern California. This area is also on the edge of being strongly influenced by the upcoming new moon as it is near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment. As such enhanced seismicity in this area is likely in the next several days. The aftershock zone of the M 6.4 of December 20, 2022 is included in this watch area and a moderate aftershock is possible in this area in the next week." (January 18-19, 2023)
Forecast 150159 had expected today's event within about 10 km was likely around
January 25, 2023.
O: 23JAN2023 14:07:36 37.1N 121.5W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JAN2023 13:58:02 37.1N 121.5W ML=3.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JAN2023 13:58:02 37.1N 121.5W ML=3.6 ANSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 25JAN2023 150159 37.1N 121.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
An earthquake of M 5.1 shook the island of Malta in the Central Mediterranean Sea today. It was felt in Malta with maximum intensity IV in Mellieha and II-III in Gharghur, Sliema, Inner Harbour. EMSC reported intensity up to IV was felt in Malta at Zurrieq, Luqa, Rabat, Marsaskala, Birkirkara, Balzan, Marsa, Santa Venera, Msida, Valletta, Smart City, Sliema, Xemxija, Saint Paul's Bay, and Xaghra. This is the largest earthquake in the current series of events south of Malta. Today's event occurred within about 30 minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize at this hour with the new moon. The initial activity near Malta occurred on January 18 and 19, 2023 and had been addressed in this summary at the time as:
"Moderate earthquakes continued in the region of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea today. The strongest of these was an M 5.1. NEIC reported it was felt in Malta with intensity VII in San Lawrenz Gozo and Comino and IV in Birgu Inner Harbour with intensity II-III shaking in Malta at Rabat, Zabbar, Bormla, Lija, Mosta and San Pawl, il-Bahar. This activity began yesterday and was addressed at the time in this summary as:
"An earthquake of M 5.0 occurred near Malta in the Central Mediterranean today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity I-II in Malta at Floriana and Ta Xbiex, Inner Harbour and San Pawl il-Bahar. ... This earthquake of M 5.0 is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter in the past 30 years. An M 5.3 occurred about 200 km west of this on September 10, 1993 and near this epicenter with M 5.3 on September 29, 1992.
...
The unusual nature of this earthquake suggest that a strong aftershock sequence is likely in the next several days. Forecasts 149638 and 149900 had expected today's event in the Mediterranean south of Sicily and north of Malta was likely around January 7-14, 2023. This activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and at 106 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Molucca Sea today and at 102 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (January 18, 19 2023)
This unique activity in Malta was likely promoted by the equally unusual new moon of January 21-22, 2023, at the closest approach to earth in nearly 1000 years. This was described in previous summaries as:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
Forecast 150170 had expected today's activity in Malta was likely within about
25 km around January 22, 2023. This epicenter is at 148 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:53 35.0N 14.2E Mw=5.1 EMSC MALTA REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
An unusual earthquake of M 4.0 occurred in the region of eastern Nunavut, Canada. Earthquakes hit near this epicenter with M 5.2 on July 12, 2022 and May 24, 2021 with M 4.2 and prior to that on July 25, 2005. Forecast 150266 had expected this event was likely within about 100 km of this epicenter around January 26, 2023.
O: 20JAN2023 14:48:40 61.8N 61.1W MB=4.0 ECAN of Iqaluit, NU
P: 26JAN2023 150266 61.0N 58.0W 2.5-4.0 CABAA Baffin/Davis Strait Canada
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 in Northern Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=4.1 occurred on December 16, 2019 with M 4.3. This and today's event appear to be aftershocks of an M 6.3 near this epicenter on August 12, 2018. Today's event occurred near local solar noon at a longitude which saw maximized tidal stresses with the new moon of January 21 and was probably promoted by tidal energy. See above for the tidal forecast from this summary.
O: 23JAN2023 21:44:40 69.7N 144.5W Mw=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 23JAN2023 08:53:18 52.8N 160.0E mb=4.2 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
P: 27JAN2023 150252 53.0N 159.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Kamchatka
O: 23JAN2023 13:42:03 24.8N 93.1E mb=5.1 EMSC MANIPUR, INDIA REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150138 23.0N 95.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA Myanmar
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1 in Assam, India was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Assam, India in Silchar and Lala.
O: 24JAN2023 05:25:03 27.7N 90.4E ML=3.2 EMSC BHUTAN
P: 29JAN2023 150137 27.0N 92.0E 4.0-5.5 BABAA Myanmar
O: 24JAN2023 08:58:31 29.7N 81.7E mb=5.7 EMSC NEPAL
P: 23JAN2023 150200 30.0N 83.0E 3.8-5.2 AAAAA Xizang
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 23JAN2023 14:57:32 5.4S 147.1E mb=4.6 EMSC EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G
P: 21JAN2023 150084 5.0S 147.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA New Ireland
O: 23JAN2023 22:55:20 5.5S 104.3E mb=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
P: 22JAN2023 150093 4.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 ABBAA So. of Sumatera
O: 23JAN2023 19:45:01 6.8S 107.0E ML=4.4 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
P: 20JAN2023 149826 7.0S 107.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA So. of Java
O: 23JAN2023 13:29:36 6.9S 126.6E mb=4.4 EMSC BANDA SEA
P: 22JAN2023 150072 6.0S 125.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA Banda Sea
O: 23JAN2023 15:06:37 7.5S 104.1E ML=4.3 EMSC SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESI
P: 29JAN2023 150093 6.0S 103.0E 4.0-5.4 CBAAA So. of Sumatera
O: 24JAN2023 04:13:59 2.7N 127.2E mb=4.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 05:14:11 2.7N 126.9E mb=4.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 15:38:36 2.8N 127.1E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 17:06:49 2.8N 127.0E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 01:10:21 2.8N 127.0E Mw=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:13:16 2.8N 127.0E Mw=5.8 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 04:02:56 2.8N 127.2E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 05:35:07 2.8N 127.0E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 18:17:35 2.9N 127.2E mb=5.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:25:24 2.9N 126.8E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:30:06 2.9N 127.1E mb=5.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:37:05 2.9N 127.1E ML=4.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 02:53:28 2.9N 127.1E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 03:38:37 2.9N 127.1E mb=4.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 03:50:55 2.9N 127.1E ML=4.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 05:04:39 2.9N 127.0E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 14:09:00 3.0N 127.0E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 24JAN2023 04:48:19 3.0N 127.2E ML=3.8 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 14:01:51 3.1N 127.2E mb=4.6 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 03:22:14 3.1N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 04:21:04 3.1N 127.2E ML=4.0 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
O: 24JAN2023 02:50:44 3.7N 127.4E ML=4.1 EMSC KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
P: 27JAN2023 150064 3.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Halmahera
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 23JAN2023 15:38:30 8.9N 84.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF COSTA RICA
P: 21JAN2023 150102 10.0N 84.0W 3.5-5.6 ABAAA Caribbean Sea
O: 23JAN2023 20:35:59 14.8N 94.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 19JAN2023 149841 15.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.2 BAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 22:53:13 15.4N 95.7W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 23JAN2023 21:21:59 17.0N 93.9W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 24JAN2023 150103 17.0N 94.0W 3.5-5.2 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 17:08:30 19.0N 64.4W ML=2.7 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 24JAN2023 00:46:24 18.3N 65.7W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO
P: 19JAN2023 149848 18.0N 65.0W 3.0-4.9 BAAAA Leeward Islands
O: 23JAN2023 12:01:32 18.9N 65.0W Md=3.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150111 19.0N 66.0W 3.0-5.3 AAAAA Leeward Islands
O: 24JAN2023 00:33:32 19.6N 70.9W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
O: 24JAN2023 04:27:59 19.6N 70.1W ML=3.3 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
O: 24JAN2023 00:41:15 19.7N 71.0W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 AAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 23JAN2023 07:44:02 19.9N 108.5W ML=3.9 EMSC REVILLA GIGEDO ISLANDS REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150105 19.0N 109.0W 3.5-5.3 BAAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 13:29:27 22.0N 106.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO
P: 19JAN2023 149843 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.1 BCAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 22:34:17 22.6S 66.3W mb=4.2 EMSC JUJUY, ARGENTINA
P: 22JAN2023 150299 23.0S 65.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Argentina
O: 23JAN2023 10:52:47 31.4S 68.5W mb=4.3 EMSC SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA
P: 19JAN2023 150037 31.0S 69.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Central Chile
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:53 35.0N 14.2E Mw=5.1 EMSC MALTA REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 24JAN2023 05:42:20 45.6N 26.5E ML=3.6 EMSC ROMANIA
P: 23JAN2023 150235 46.0N 27.0E 3.0-5.3 AAAAA Romania/NW Turkey
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 23JAN2023 22:21:20 18.4S 177.8W mb=4.4 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 18JAN2023 150020 18.0S 178.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Tonga Islands
P: 25JAN2023 150306 20.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.7 ABAAA Tonga Islands
O: 24JAN2023 06:16:04 22.3S 175.4W mb=4.7 EMSC TONGA REGION
P: 19JAN2023 150034 23.0S 176.0W 4.0-5.6 BAAAA Tonga Islands
P: 26JAN2023 150306 21.0S 175.0W 4.0-5.9 ABAAA Tonga Islands
O: 23JAN2023 08:09:05 23.0S 171.7E mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150301 22.0S 172.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Loyalty Islands
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:46 23.4S 179.4W mb=4.6 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA 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
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: 24JAN2023 02:11:36 45.8N 143.3E mb=4.1 EMSC HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150208 44.0N 142.0E 3.5-5.8 ABAAA Hokkaido, Japan
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 23JAN2023 10:00:10 29.1N 113.4W ML=3.7 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150132 28.0N 112.0W 3.5-5.3 BBBAA Gulf of California
O: 23JAN2023 22:32:42 30.2N 114.1W ML=3.8 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 23JAN2023 20:36:53 30.2N 114.1W ML=3.5 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
P: 16JAN2023 149913 30.2N 114.1W 2.0-3.9 CAAAA SW U.S.A
O: 23JAN2023 10:38:33 30.9N 116.0W ML=3.6 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 25JAN2023 150183 30.9N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA So. California
O: 24JAN2023 07:34:20 36.2N 118.1W Ml=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150149 36.2N 117.9W 2.5-4.9 BAAAA California/Nevada area
O: 23JAN2023 13:58:02 37.1N 121.5W ML=3.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 25JAN2023 150159 37.1N 121.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
O: 23JAN2023 12:57:49 38.8N 122.7W Md=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA Central California
O: 23JAN2023 14:07:36 37.1N 121.5W Md=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JAN2023 13:58:02 37.1N 121.5W ML=3.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 25JAN2023 150159 37.1N 121.5W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Central California
ALASKA
O: 24JAN2023 08:42:03 58.8N 153.2W ml=3.1 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 27JAN2023 150270 60.3N 153.0W 3.2-5.0 BBAAA Central Alaska
O: 24JAN2023 05:21:02 60.2N 151.0W ML=3.0 EMSC KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
P: 25JAN2023 150268 60.1N 150.6W 3.2-5.1 AAAAA Central Alaska
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.0 in Kenai, Alaska was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska and in Sterling.
O: 23JAN2023 10:08:01 63.2N 150.9W ml=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 25JAN2023 150274 62.9N 150.2W 3.2-4.9 AAAAA Central Alaska
O: 23JAN2023 21:44:40 69.7N 144.5W Mw=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
O: 22JAN2023 00:35:17 58.8N 137.5W MB=3.5 ECAN of Skagway, AK
P: 21JAN2023 150263 58.0N 136.0W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Southeast Alaska
PACIFIC NORTHWESTERN U.S./WESTERN CANADA
O: 23JAN2023 03:19:27 54.5N 118.5W MB=3.0 ECAN of Grande Prairie, AB
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA Alberta
O: 22JAN2023 17:50:24 53.0N 132.8W MB=3.1 ECAN of Village of Queen Charlotte, B
P: 24JAN2023 150248 54.0N 134.0W 3.0-5.5 AAAAA British Colombia
O: 22JAN2023 15:29:11 56.1N 116.7W MB=3.4 ECAN of Reno, AB
P: 17JAN2023 149972 54.0N 120.0W 2.0-4.1 BCBAA Alberta
O: 22JAN2023 15:18:14 50.1N 130.3W MB=3.4 ECAN of Port Alice, BC
O: 22JAN2023 15:18:07 49.7N 130.9W MB=3.6 ECAN of Port Alice, BC
P: 22JAN2023 150247 50.3N 130.2W 3.0-5.0 AAAAA British Colombia
O: 22JAN2023 05:06:23 62.3N 128.8W MB=4.6 ECAN of Tungsten, NT
P: 21JAN2023 150280 64.0N 131.0W 2.5-4.3 ABBAA Yukon Territory, Canada
O: 24JAN2023 02:19:39 42.1N 124.6W ML=2.6 EMSC OFFSHORE OREGON
O: 24JAN2023 04:50:38 42.0N 124.5W ML=2.6 EMSC OFFSHORE OREGON
P: 26JAN2023 150228 43.1N 126.5W 3.0-4.4 ABBAA Off Coast of Oregon
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.7 in Oregon was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Oregon in Brookings.
O: 23JAN2023 23:16:46 43.3N 127.3W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
P: 26JAN2023 150228 43.1N 126.5W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA Off Coast of Oregon
O: 24JAN2023 00:53:35 44.8N 122.7W ML=2.0 EMSC OREGON
P: 25JAN2023 150231 45.3N 121.7W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA Oregon state, U.S.
ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION
O: 23JAN2023 11:56:31 31.6N 104.0W ML=2.4 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 24JAN2023 05:12:39 35.0N 97.7W mb=2.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 23JAN2023 14:55:11 36.4N 97.3W ML=2.0 EMSC OKLAHOMA
P: 24JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA Southern Plains
O: 24JAN2023 05:52:23 37.2N 97.8W mb=2.6 EMSC KANSAS
P: 24JAN2023 150193 36.0N 97.0W 2.0-4.3 ABAAA Southern Plains
O: 23JAN2023 04:21:22 47.4N 70.5W MB=1.0 ECAN of Saint-Louis-de-l'Isle-aux-Cou
O: 21JAN2023 02:27:46 47.5N 70.0W MB=1.1 ECAN of La Pocatière, QC
O: 21JAN2023 02:26:40 47.5N 70.0W MB=1.2 ECAN of La Pocatière, QC
O: 21JAN2023 00:38:02 47.7N 70.2W MB=0.8 ECAN of La Malbaie, QC
P: 21JAN2023 150213 47.0N 70.0W 2.0-4.3 AAAAA Maine
O: 21JAN2023 00:22:49 73.4N 81.1W MB=2.3 ECAN of Pond Inlet, NU
O: 20JAN2023 14:48:40 61.8N 61.1W MB=4.0 ECAN of Iqaluit, NU
P: 26JAN2023 150266 61.0N 58.0W 2.5-4.0 CABAA Baffin/Davis Strait Canada
O: 20JAN2023 13:28:48 41.8N 67.1W MB=3.1 ECAN of Barrington, NS
P: 26JAN2023 150219 42.0N 71.0W 2.0-4.1 CACAA New England
O: 22JAN2023 22:45:42 45.0N 67.1W MB=2.1 ECAN of Saint Andrews, NB
O: 20JAN2023 03:20:09 46.0N 66.0W MB=1.7 ECAN of Canning, NB
P: 27JAN2023 150213 47.0N 69.0W 2.0-4.4 CABAA Maine
HAWAII
O: 24JAN2023 05:25:25 19.0N 155.4W ML=3.1 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 24JAN2023 150109 19.2N 155.3W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
O: 23JAN2023 20:12:37 20.2N 156.5W ML=3.0 EMSC MAUI REGION, HAWAII
P: 25JAN2023 150133 20.1N 156.1W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA Hawaii area
MODERATE QUAKES CONTINUE SOUTH OF MALTA
EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR JANUARY 22, 2023
An earthquake of M 5.1 shook the island of Malta in the Central Mediterrean Sea today. It was felt in Malta with maximum intensity IV in Mellieha and II-III in Gharghur, Sliema, Inner Harbour. EMSC reported intensity up to IV was felt in Malta at Zurrieq, Luqa, Rabat, Marsaskala, Birkirkara, Balzan, Marsa, Santa Venera, Msida, Valletta, Smart City, Sliema, Xemxija, Saint Paul's Bay, and Xaghra. This is the largest earthquake in the current series of events south of Malta. Today's event occurred within about 30 minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize at this hour with the new moon. The initial activity near Malta occurred on January 18 and 19, 2023 and had been addressed in this summary at the time as:
"Moderate earthquakes continued in the region of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea today. The strongest of these was an M 5.1. NEIC reported it was felt in Malta with intensity VII in San Lawrenz Gozo and Comino and IV in Birgu Inner Harbour with intensity II-III shaking in Malta at Rabat, Zabbar, Bormla, Lija, Mosta and San Pawl, il-Bahar. This activity began yesterday and was addressed at the time in this summary as:
"An earthquake of M 5.0 occurred near Malta in the Central Mediterranean today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity I-II in Malta at Floriana and Ta Xbiex, Inner Harbour and San Pawl il-Bahar. A foreshock of M 4.2 was felt with intensity III in Mellieha, Northern Malta. This earthquake occurred simultaneously with a C3.0 solar flare which began at the time of the M 5.0 in Malta. This earthquake of M 5.0 is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter in the past 30 years. An M 5.3 occurred about 200 km west of this on September 10, 1993 and near this epicenter with M 5.3 on September 29, 1992. The epicenter was within minutes of local solar midnight when the M1.8 class solar flare began (#1310) and was probably promoted by SFE associated with that flare which maximize at this hour (see flare listing above).
The unusual nature of this earthquake suggest that a strong aftershock sequence is likely in the next several days. Forecasts 149638 and 149900 had expected today's event in the Mediterranean south of Sicily and north of Malta was likely around January 7-14, 2023. This activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8, 2023 and at 106 degrees from the M 7.0 in the Molucca Sea today and at 102 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (January 18, 19 2023)
This unique activity in Malta was likely promoted by the equally unusual new moon of January 21-22, 2023, at the closest approach to earth in nearly 1000 years. This was described in previous summaries as:
"The new moon will arrive on January 21, 2023 at 20:53 UT. Longitudes which are at sub-solar conditions (local solar noon) at this time are near 135 West while those at local solar midnight are near 45 East longitude. In the west these include most of the coastline of North America from Alaska to California and portions of the East Pacific Rise while in the east the areas of Iran, Eastern Turkey, eastern Africa, and central Asia are included. These are the regions most likely to see substantial tidal triggering in the next week. Other areas may also see triggering with this new moon tidal alignment especially areas where SFE is also active. Tidally triggered events are most likely to occur new local solar midnight or noon. This is a super-moon that is the closest to the earth of any approach since the year 1030 with the next such approach 353 years from now. Tides are related to the third power of the distance, so even a small reduction in distance and have a considerable effect on tidal stress and subsequent tidally related seismicity. Likelihood of a strong to major tidally promoted earthquake in the next week are considered moderate to high." (January 18-22, 2023)
A C7 Solar flare was completing its life when this earthquake occurred in Malta and may have helped promoted this event. An M 4.6 earthquake in Fiji near the antipode of Malta occurred about 7 seconds prior to the quake in Malta and may also have been triggered by SFE from this solar flare (see flare listings below).
Forecast 150170 had expected today's activity in Malta was likely within about
25 km around January 22, 2023. This epicenter is at 148 degrees from the M 7.0 in Vanuatu of January 8 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 22JAN2023 13:56:23 34.9N 14.1E ML=3.4 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 22JAN2023 14:21:13 34.9N 14.2E ML=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:53 35.0N 14.2E Mw=5.1 EMSC MALTA REGION
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:52 35.0N 14.2E mw=5.1 ANSS SSW of Qrendi Malta
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.1 in the Volcano Islands, Japan. The last earthquake in the Volcano Islands with equal or larger magnitude was an M 5.2 more than a year ago on December 27, 2021. The last earthquake of significantly larger magnitude in the Volcano Islands occurred as an M 5.6 about 200 km north of today's epicenter on November 11, 2020. Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses with the new moon. Forecast 150145 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely in the Volcano Islands around January 27, 2023. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 7.6 in Michoacan, Mexico of September 19, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JAN2023 02:59:41 23.5N 143.0E mb=5.2 EMSC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 27JAN2023 150145 23.0N 143.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Volcano Islands
Enhanced seismicity in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico also continued today. This included two earthquakes at different epicenters of M 3.9 in Puerto Rico which NEIC reported was felt with intensity IV in Puerto Rico at Hormigueros and Lajas and II-III in San German, Sabana, Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, Las Marias, and Guanica among other communities. This follows an M 4.0 yesterday in Puerto Rico and a strong swarm in the Virgin Islands in the past two days. These may be related to the M 6.2 in Guadeloupe of January 20, 2023. Forecasts 150124 and 150111 had expected this activity within these areas was likely around January 22-24, 2023. This activity is at 146 degrees from the M 7.6 in New Guinea of September 10, 2022 and may have been promoted by energy from this source.
O: 23JAN2023 01:17:47 18.0N 67.0W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 22JAN2023 15:13:24 18.1N 67.0W Md=3.9 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 23JAN2023 03:05:19 17.9N 66.9W Md=3.6 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150124 19.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.4 ABAAA Puerto Rico
O: 22JAN2023 14:35:13 18.8N 65.5W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 22JAN2023 16:43:29 19.0N 65.1W Md=3.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 23JAN2023 06:37:03 19.5N 65.7W Md=3.9 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150111 19.0N 66.0W 3.0-5.3 AAAAA Leeward Islands
An earthquake of M 4.9 also occurred today in the Loyalty Islands. It was not reported felt in that remote area. After a strong series of earthquakes in the Loyalty Islands during 2022, the area has been relatively quiet for the past month following an M 6.0 on December 28, 2022 so the occurrence of today's M 4.9 is of some regional significance. It may have been promoted by the passage of Tropical Cyclone Irene (10P) in this region in the past two days as noted in earlier summaries as:
"TC 10P continued today in the area of the Loyalty Islands with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the east and south and may trigger some seismicity in the region of Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands while in the region." (January 19-21, 2023)
Forecast 150301 had expected today's event within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around January 24, 2023.
O: 23JAN2023 08:09:08 22.8S 171.7E mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150301 22.0S 172.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Loyalty Islands
The strongest solar flare of the day was a respectable M1.6 (#2870) which maximized near 1700 UT. Earthquakes near the maximum of this flare occurred in the Northern California aftershock zone (M 2.8) and in the San Francisco Bay area of California (M 2.4) and an earlier event in San Francisco followed the other M-class solar flare today - #2790. An aftershock in the Banda Sea of M 4.6 also occurred at the height of this flare. These represent typical (at this time) SFE-related seismicity. Forecasts 149890 and 150159 had expected enhanced seismicity in the San Francisco area in late January, 2023.
O: 22JAN2023 13:36:12 37.4N 122.2W Md=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
O: 22JAN2023 16:59:50 37.4N 122.2W Md=2.4 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 18JAN2023 149890 37.2N 122.1W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA Central California
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 CAAAA Central California
The earthquakes in San Francisco were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II in Portola Valley, Los Altos, Redwood City, La Honda, Loma Mar and Vallejo, California.
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2790 1212 1226 1234 M1.1 (January 22, 2023) 1.2E-02
2870 1649 1702 1710 M1.6 (January 22, 2023) 1.2E-02
Today's earthquake and forecast map follows. Stippled White areas are nodal distances (360/n, n an integer) from the earthquake of M 7.2 in the area of the Molucca Sea, January 18, 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: 22JAN2023 21:22:37 36.6N 70.8E mb=4.4 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
P: 23JAN2023 150166 36.0N 71.0E 3.8-5.6 AAAAA Hindu Kush/Pakistan
O: 22JAN2023 22:08:27 38.6N 99.0E mb=4.2 EMSC NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
P: 22JAN2023 150191 39.0N 100.0E 3.5-4.9 AAAAA So. China
O: 23JAN2023 08:53:18 52.8N 160.0E mb=4.2 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
P: 27JAN2023 150252 53.0N 159.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Kamchatka
INDONESIA AND PHILIPPINES
O: 22JAN2023 09:44:44 2.6S 140.7E mb=4.7 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES
P: 24JAN2023 150097 3.0S 139.0E 4.0-5.5 AABAA West Irian, PNG
P: 29JAN2023 150089 2.0S 140.0E 4.0-5.6 CAAAA Papua New Guinea
O: 22JAN2023 08:35:17 3.7S 144.1E mb=4.5 EMSC NEAR N COAST OF NEW GUINEA, PN
P: 22JAN2023 150084 4.0S 146.0E 4.0-5.5 AABAA New Ireland
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in New Guinea was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of New Guinea in Mount Hagen.
O: 22JAN2023 22:49:21 6.7N 127.0E mb=4.7 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
P: 21JAN2023 150065 6.0N 127.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Halmahera
O: 23JAN2023 02:42:57 2.8N 127.2E mb=4.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 23JAN2023 03:02:50 2.8N 127.1E ML=4.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 22JAN2023 18:21:02 2.9N 127.1E mb=4.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 22JAN2023 13:10:21 3.0N 127.1E ML=4.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 22JAN2023 17:57:43 2.8N 127.1E mb=4.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
P: 23JAN2023 150064 2.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Halmahera
P: 24JAN2023 150067 2.0N 126.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA Mindanao, Philippines
O: 22JAN2023 16:57:12 7.5S 128.4E mb=4.6 EMSC KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESIA
O: 22JAN2023 22:17:06 7.2S 129.6E ML=4.1 EMSC KEPULAUAN BABAR, INDONESIA
P: 22JAN2023 150073 7.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA Banda Sea
P: 22JAN2023 150099 6.0S 130.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA West Irian, PNG
P: 23JAN2023 150073 7.0S 128.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Banda Sea
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
O: 22JAN2023 23:48:30 8.1N 82.1W ML=4.4 EMSC PANAMA-COSTA RICA BORDER REGIO
P: 25JAN2023 150062 7.0N 82.0W 3.5-5.0 BBAAA Costa Rica
P: 27JAN2023 150062 8.0N 83.0W 3.5-5.0 BAAAA Costa Rica
O: 22JAN2023 20:46:08 13.1N 90.9W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 22JAN2023 22:08:56 14.1N 91.4W mb=4.6 EMSC GUATEMALA
P: 23JAN2023 150107 13.0N 90.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Guatemala
O: 22JAN2023 10:43:16 15.2N 94.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
P: 21JAN2023 150103 16.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 00:56:40 16.3S 73.6W ML=4.0 EMSC NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
P: 22JAN2023 150292 18.0S 73.0W 4.0-5.5 ABAAA So. Peru/Bolivia
O: 22JAN2023 07:23:06 15.4N 94.9W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 22JAN2023 07:53:21 16.5N 95.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 22JAN2023 21:32:43 15.7N 95.5W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 23JAN2023 02:47:30 16.5N 95.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
P: 21JAN2023 150103 16.0N 95.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA Chiapas, Mexico
O: 22JAN2023 21:34:15 19.7N 71.0W ML=3.0 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
P: 26JAN2023 150129 20.0N 71.0W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA Bahamas/No. Caribbean
O: 22JAN2023 09:58:27 22.1N 106.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE NAYARIT, MEXICO
P: 19JAN2023 149843 19.0N 107.0W 3.5-5.1 BCAAA Coast of Jalisco, Mexico
O: 23JAN2023 01:17:47 18.0N 67.0W Md=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 22JAN2023 15:13:24 18.1N 67.0W Md=3.9 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 23JAN2023 03:05:19 17.9N 66.9W Md=3.6 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 22JAN2023 150124 19.0N 67.0W 3.4-5.4 ABAAA Puerto Rico
O: 22JAN2023 14:35:13 18.8N 65.5W Md=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 22JAN2023 16:43:29 19.0N 65.1W Md=3.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 23JAN2023 06:37:03 19.5N 65.7W Md=3.9 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
P: 24JAN2023 150111 19.0N 66.0W 3.0-5.3 AAAAA Leeward Islands
AFRICA AND EUROPE
O: 22JAN2023 13:56:23 34.9N 14.1E ML=3.4 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 22JAN2023 14:21:13 34.9N 14.2E ML=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:53 35.0N 14.2E Mw=5.1 EMSC MALTA REGION
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:52 35.0N 14.2E mw=5.1 ANSS SSW of Qrendi Malta
P: 22JAN2023 150170 35.0N 14.0E 3.0-4.6 AAAAA Mediterranean/Sicily
O: 22JAN2023 08:38:47 44.2N 12.4E ML=3.5 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
P: 24JAN2023 150210 44.0N 11.0E 3.0-4.9 AAAAA Italy
O: 23JAN2023 01:51:27 63.9N 22.4W ML=3.5 EMSC ICELAND REGION
P: 17JAN2023 150002 63.0N 23.0W 3.0-4.8 CAAAA Iceland area
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC
O: 22JAN2023 20:13:42 7.2S 156.0E mb=5.0 EMSC SOLOMON ISLANDS
P: 23JAN2023 150094 8.0S 156.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA Solomon Islands
O: 22JAN2023 18:56:12 19.2S 177.3W mb=4.6 EMSC FIJI REGION
P: 25JAN2023 150306 20.0S 179.0W 4.0-5.7 BABAA Tonga Islands
O: 23JAN2023 10:37:46 23.4S 179.4W Mw=4.6 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI REGION
P: 26JAN2023 150307 24.0S 180.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Tonga Islands
O: 23JAN2023 08:09:08 22.8S 171.7E mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS
P: 24JAN2023 150301 22.0S 172.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA Loyalty Islands
OCEAN RIDGES
O: 23JAN2023 03:02:02 57.7S 23.8W mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
P: 23JAN2023 150329 58.0S 25.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA So. Sandwich Islands
ZEALANDIA AND AUSTRALIA REGION
O: 22JAN2023 22:15:28 37.9S 176.4E mb=4.3 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
P: 21JAN2023 150315 38.0S 179.0E 3.0-4.4 AABAA North Island, N.Z.
JAPAN AND KURIL ISLANDS
O: 23JAN2023 02:59:41 23.5N 143.0E mb=5.2 EMSC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
P: 27JAN2023 150145 23.0N 143.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA Volcano Islands
O: 23JAN2023 04:35:06 24.3N 125.3E Mw=4.2 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN RYUKYU ISL., JAPA
P: 27JAN2023 150144 24.0N 125.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA Taiwan
U.S./CANADA*
WESTERN U.S./CANADA
CALIFORNIA
O: 22JAN2023 19:43:29 31.1N 115.4W ML=3.2 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 22JAN2023 20:16:56 31.1N 115.4W ML=3.0 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 22JAN2023 19:22:46 31.1N 115.4W ML=3.5 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
P: 26JAN2023 150183 32.0N 116.3W 2.5-4.6 BAAAA So. California
O: 22JAN2023 09:38:45 33.7N 116.8W Ml=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 28JAN2023 150185 33.5N 116.5W 2.5-4.6 CAAAA So. California
O: 22JAN2023 09:02:28 35.6N 117.4W Ml=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 22JAN2023 150189 35.6N 118.4W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA So. California
O: 22JAN2023 13:36:12 37.4N 122.2W Md=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
O: 22JAN2023 16:59:50 37.4N 122.2W Md=2.4 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
P: 18JAN2023 149890 37.2N 122.1W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA Central California
P: 28JAN2023 150159 37.3N 121.6W 2.5-4.7 CAAAA Central California
O: 22JAN2023 14:42:45 38.8N 122.7W Md=2.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 27JAN2023 150160 38.8N 122.8W 2.5-4.8 BAAAA Central California
O: 22JAN2023 16:56:54 40.3N 124.8W Md=2.8 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 22JAN2023 16:56:54 40.3N 124.8W Md=3.3 ANSS OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 22JAN2023 21:49:16 40.5N 124.4W ML=2.5 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
P: 22JAN2023 150226 40.3N 124.7W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA Off Coast of No. Calif
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.3 in Northern California was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Ferndale, Fotuna, Kneeland, Arcata and Sacramento.
ALASKA
O: 23JAN2023 08:10:37 57.7N 153.2W ml=3.0 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
P: 24JAN2023 150277 55.0N 149.0W 3.0-4.7 ACCAA Northern Alaska
O: 22JAN2023 10:01:17 63.6N 149.9W ML=3.2 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 23JAN2023 10:08:01 63.2N 150.9W ml=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
P: 25JAN2023 150274 62.9N 150.2W 3.2-4.9 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: 22JAN2023 16:19:10 31.6N 104.0W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 22JAN2023 10:37:42 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
P: 24JAN2023 150181 31.5N 103.6W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA SW U.S.A
EASTERN U.S./CANADA
O: 22JAN2023 08:53:29 36.4N 89.5W mb=2.6 EMSC TENNESSEE
P: 23JAN2023 150172 36.9N 89.2W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA New Madrid area
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.6 in western Tennessee was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of western Tennessee in Tiptonville, Dyersburg and Jackson.
O: 22JAN2023 20:06:37 38.8N 97.0W mb=2.8 EMSC KANSAS
P: 24JAN2023 150194 39.0N 99.0W 2.0-4.4 AABAA Southern Plains
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Kansas was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Kansas in Hope.
HAWAII
O: 22JAN2023 08:27:29 19.1N 155.4W ML=3.4 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
P: 24JAN2023 150109 19.2N 155.3W 3.0-4.8 AAAAA Hawaii
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.1-3.4 in Hawaii was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Naalehu.
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