M4.3 Earthquake 117 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu — January 7, 2022
2022-01-07 22:57:33 UTC (2022-01-07) · approx. 9:57 AM UTC+11 local
On January 7, 2022 at 22:57 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck 117 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu, at a depth of 128.7 km and coordinates -20.4869°, 169.8026°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 43 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 558 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 5.4 mainshock that occurred 13 days ago 81 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu. 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.
Earthquake Details
169.8026°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Isangel, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck 117 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu on January 7, 2022 at 22:57 UTC had a depth of 128.7 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 4.3 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.4 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 81 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000ga27). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2022, January 7, 2022). M4.3 Earthquake 117 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu — January 7, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000ga27/