3.2

M3.2 Earthquake 34 km WSW of Birney, MontanaApril 12, 2023

2023-04-12 20:53:23 UTC (2023-04-12) · approx. 1:53 PM UTC-7 local

MagnitudeM3.2(ml)
Time20:53 UTC1:53 PM UTC-7
Depth0.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates45.154°, -106.887°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On April 12, 2023 at 20:53 UTC, a magnitude 3.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 34 km WSW of Birney, Montana, at a depth of 0.0 km and coordinates 45.1536°, -106.8869°.

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 45.15°, -106.89°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
3.2 ml
Depth
0.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
45.1536°N
-106.8869°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000k3wv
Event Type
mining explosion
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
158
Stations Used
33
Azimuthal Gap
64.0°
Min Station Distance
1.604°
RMS Residual
0.73 sec
Last Updated
2023-06-17 21:36:49 UTC

Common Questions

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

The magnitude 3.2 earthquake that struck 34 km WSW of Birney, Montana on April 12, 2023 at 20:53 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: us6000k3wv). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, April 12, 2023). M3.2 Earthquake 34 km WSW of Birney, MontanaApril 12, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000k3wv/