M3.0 Earthquake 69 km S of Leilani Estates, Hawaii — January 4, 2023
2023-01-04 17:38:08 UTC (2023-01-04) · approx. 7:38 AM UTC-10 local
On January 4, 2023 at 17:38 UTC, a magnitude 3.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 69 km S of Leilani Estates, Hawaii, at a depth of 44.0 km and coordinates 18.8397°, -154.9017°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 71 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred 23 days ago 42 km ESE of Naalehu, Hawaii. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 22 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-154.9017°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.0 earthquake near Leilani Estates, Hawaii?
The magnitude 3.0 earthquake that struck 69 km S of Leilani Estates, Hawaii on January 4, 2023 at 17:38 UTC had a depth of 44.0 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.0 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.2 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 3.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 42 km ESE of Naalehu, Hawaii. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.0 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: hv73295042). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, January 4, 2023). M3.0 Earthquake 69 km S of Leilani Estates, Hawaii — January 4, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/hv73295042/