4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 147 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, RussiaJuly 20, 2024

2024-07-20 23:22:37 UTC (2024-07-20) · approx. 10:22 AM UTC+11 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mb)
Time23:22 UTC10:22 AM UTC+11
Depth50.1 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates51.678°, 159.103°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On July 20, 2024 at 23:22 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 147 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, Russia, at a depth of 50.1 km and coordinates 51.6784°, 159.1030°.

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 5.3 mainshock that occurred 23 days ago 175 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, Russia. 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.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 51.68°, 159.10°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mb
Depth
50.1 km
shallow crustal
Location
51.6784°N
159.1030°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000nhe7
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
35
Azimuthal Gap
125.0°
Min Station Distance
1.375°
RMS Residual
0.86 sec
Last Updated
2024-09-28 22:41:22 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Vilyuchinsk, Russia?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 147 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, Russia on July 20, 2024 at 23:22 UTC had a depth of 50.1 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 M5.3 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock that occurred earlier 175 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, Russia. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000nhe7). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, July 20, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 147 km SSE of Vilyuchinsk, RussiaJuly 20, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000nhe7/