M4.2 Earthquake 82 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile — October 17, 2023
2023-10-17 20:52:36 UTC (2023-10-17) · approx. 3:52 PM UTC-5 local
On October 17, 2023 at 20:52 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 82 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile, at a depth of 8.4 km and coordinates -30.3130°, -72.0939°.
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 22 days ago 76 km W of Coquimbo, Chile. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-72.0939°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Coquimbo, Chile?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 82 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile on October 17, 2023 at 20:52 UTC had a depth of 8.4 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 76 km W of Coquimbo, Chile. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000lg7y). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, October 17, 2023). M4.2 Earthquake 82 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile — October 17, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000lg7y/