M4.0 Earthquake 23 km WNW of Valparaíso, Chile — December 25, 2024
2024-12-25 23:14:32 UTC (2024-12-25) · approx. 6:14 PM UTC-5 local
On December 25, 2024 at 23:14 UTC, a magnitude 4.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 23 km WNW of Valparaíso, Chile, at a depth of 24.3 km and coordinates -32.9860°, -71.8777°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 15 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 347 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 5.1 mainshock that occurred 18 days ago 52 km NNW of Valparaíso, Chile. 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
-71.8777°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Valparaíso, Chile?
The magnitude 4.0 earthquake that struck 23 km WNW of Valparaíso, Chile on December 25, 2024 at 23:14 UTC had a depth of 24.3 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 4.0 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 52 km NNW of Valparaíso, Chile. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Location
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.0 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000pfm9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, December 25, 2024). M4.0 Earthquake 23 km WNW of Valparaíso, Chile — December 25, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000pfm9/