M4.6 Earthquake in the Fiji region — August 20, 2021
2021-08-20 21:20:52 UTC (2021-08-20) · approx. 9:20 AM UTC-12 local
On August 20, 2021 at 21:20 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 deep-focus earthquake struck in the Fiji region, at a depth of 417.4 km and coordinates -19.1693°, -177.4263°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 120 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 899 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in Fiji, a region characterized by the Fiji Fracture Zone at the junction of the Pacific and Australian plates, with deep-focus seismicity from the subducted slab. View all earthquakes in Fiji.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
-177.4263°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake in the Fiji region?
The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck in the Fiji region on August 20, 2021 at 21:20 UTC had a depth of 417.4 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -19.1693°, -177.4263°, which is in the Fiji region. View all earthquakes in Fiji.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
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Location
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000f6b8). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2021, August 20, 2021). M4.6 Earthquake in the Fiji region — August 20, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000f6b8/