4.4

M4.4 Earthquake 41 km E of Vinchina, Argentina — November 12, 2020

2020-11-12 20:56:22 UTC (2020-11-12) · approx. 3:56 PM UTC-5 local

MagnitudeM4.4(mb)
Time20:56 UTC≈ 3:56 PM UTC-5
Depth184.3 kmintermediate depth
Coordinates-28.699°, -67.785°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On November 12, 2020 at 20:56 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 intermediate depth earthquake struck 41 km E of Vinchina, Argentina, at a depth of 184.3 km and coordinates -28.6987°, -67.7850°.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 60 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 655 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 12 days ago 51 km WSW of Arauco, Argentina. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 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 -28.70°, -67.78°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.4 mb
Depth
184.3 km
intermediate depth
Location
-28.6987°N
-67.7850°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000ce06
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
298
Azimuthal Gap
125.0°
Min Station Distance
2.189°
RMS Residual
0.70 sec
Last Updated
2021-01-27 17:28:52 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Vinchina, Argentina?

The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 41 km E of Vinchina, Argentina on November 12, 2020 at 20:56 UTC had a depth of 184.3 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 4.4 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 4.4 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock that occurred earlier 51 km WSW of Arauco, Argentina. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.4 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000ce06). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2020, November 12, 2020). M4.4 Earthquake 41 km E of Vinchina, Argentina — November 12, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2021 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000ce06/