3.2

M3.2 Earthquake 17 km NW of Colstrip, MontanaMay 19, 2022

2022-05-19 20:44:18 UTC (2022-05-19) · approx. 1:44 PM UTC-7 local

MagnitudeM3.2(ml)
Time20:44 UTC1:44 PM UTC-7
Depth0.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates46.006°, -106.758°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On May 19, 2022 at 20:44 UTC, a magnitude 3.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 17 km NW of Colstrip, Montana, at a depth of 0.0 km and coordinates 46.0062°, -106.7578°.

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 46.01°, -106.76°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
3.2 ml
Depth
0.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
46.0062°N
-106.7578°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000hmgl
Event Type
mining explosion
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
158
Stations Used
22
Azimuthal Gap
105.0°
Min Station Distance
0.776°
RMS Residual
1.03 sec
Last Updated
2022-07-24 02:40:27 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 3.2 earthquake near Colstrip, Montana?

The magnitude 3.2 earthquake that struck 17 km NW of Colstrip, Montana on May 19, 2022 at 20:44 UTC had a depth of 0.0 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.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 3.2 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000hmgl). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2022, May 19, 2022). M3.2 Earthquake 17 km NW of Colstrip, MontanaMay 19, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000hmgl/