3.2

M3.2 Earthquake 96 km W of Petrolia, CAMarch 1, 2026

2026-03-01 21:23:26 UTC (2026-03-01) · approx. 1:23 PM UTC-8 local

MagnitudeM3.2(ml)
Time21:23 UTC1:23 PM UTC-8
Depth10.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates40.424°, -125.410°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On March 1, 2026 at 21:23 UTC, a magnitude 3.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 96 km W of Petrolia, CA, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 40.4242°, -125.4100°.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 858 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 93 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 40.42°, -125.41°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
3.2 ml
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
40.4242°N
-125.4100°E

Technical Information

Event ID
nc75320897
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
155
Stations Used
122
Azimuthal Gap
249.0°
Min Station Distance
0.814°
RMS Residual
0.21 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-09 22:36:43 UTC

Common Questions

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

The magnitude 3.2 earthquake that struck 96 km W of Petrolia, CA on March 1, 2026 at 21:23 UTC had a depth of 10.0 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 3.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

What should I do after an earthquake?

If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: nc75320897). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, March 1, 2026). M3.2 Earthquake 96 km W of Petrolia, CAMarch 1, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/nc75320897/