M4.1 Earthquake in the Hokkaido, Japan region — December 5, 2022
2022-12-05 18:06:46 UTC (2022-12-05) · approx. 3:06 AM UTC+9 local
On December 5, 2022 at 18:06 UTC, a magnitude 4.1 intermediate depth earthquake struck in the Hokkaido, Japan region, at a depth of 72.0 km and coordinates 41.8894°, 142.4698°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 21 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 406 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 6.0 mainshock that occurred 13 days ago 32 km SSW of Honchō, Japan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
142.4698°E
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.1 earthquake in the Hokkaido, Japan region?
The magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck in the Hokkaido, Japan region on December 5, 2022 at 18:06 UTC had a depth of 72.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.1 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M6.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.1 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 32 km SSW of Honchō, Japan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.1 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000j85v). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2022, December 5, 2022). M4.1 Earthquake in the Hokkaido, Japan region — December 5, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000j85v/