3.2

M3.2 Earthquake 52 km WNW of Petrolia, CADecember 5, 2024

2024-12-05 23:13:50 UTC (2024-12-05) · approx. 3:13 PM UTC-8 local

MagnitudeM3.2(ml)
Time23:13 UTC3:13 PM UTC-8
Depth14.9 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates40.406°, -124.893°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On December 5, 2024 at 23:13 UTC, a magnitude 3.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 52 km WNW of Petrolia, CA, at a depth of 14.9 km and coordinates 40.4063°, -124.8927°.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 951 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 97 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 40.41°, -124.89°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
3.2 ml
Depth
14.9 km
shallow crustal
Location
40.4063°N
-124.8927°E

Technical Information

Event ID
nc75096661
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
158
Stations Used
23
Azimuthal Gap
278.0°
Min Station Distance
0.429°
RMS Residual
0.18 sec
Last Updated
2025-02-06 09:14:25 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 3.2 earthquake near Petrolia, CA?

The magnitude 3.2 earthquake that struck 52 km WNW of Petrolia, CA on December 5, 2024 at 23:13 UTC had a depth of 14.9 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 3.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 3.2 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: nc75096661). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, December 5, 2024). M3.2 Earthquake 52 km WNW of Petrolia, CADecember 5, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/nc75096661/