M3.4 Earthquake 86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska — March 20, 2026
2026-03-20 17:14:46 UTC (2026-03-20) · approx. 6:14 AM UTC-11 local
On March 20, 2026 at 17:14 UTC, a magnitude 3.4 shallow crustal earthquake struck 86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska, at a depth of 13.7 km and coordinates 52.4412°, -169.8488°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.4 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 1.9 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 134 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-169.8488°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.4 earthquake near Nikolski, Alaska?
The magnitude 3.4 earthquake that struck 86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska on March 20, 2026 at 17:14 UTC had a depth of 13.7 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 3.4 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.4 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000shw9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, March 20, 2026). M3.4 Earthquake 86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska — March 20, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000shw9/