M4.2 Earthquake 163 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste — May 13, 2023
2023-05-13 17:56:53 UTC (2023-05-13) · approx. 1:56 AM UTC+8 local
On May 13, 2023 at 17:56 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 163 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste, at a depth of 291.8 km and coordinates -7.1037°, 127.4175°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 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 5.0 mainshock that occurred 5 days ago 209 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 4 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
127.4175°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Lospalos, Timor Leste?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 163 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste on May 13, 2023 at 17:56 UTC had a depth of 291.8 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 209 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000kcue). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, May 13, 2023). M4.2 Earthquake 163 km NNE of Lospalos, Timor Leste — May 13, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000kcue/