4.3

M4.3 Earthquake in the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New GuineaJanuary 15, 2022

2022-01-15 18:22:12 UTC (2022-01-15) · approx. 4:22 AM UTC+10 local

MagnitudeM4.3(mb)
Time18:22 UTC4:22 AM UTC+10
Depth214.2 kmintermediate depth
Coordinates-5.384°, 147.342°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On January 15, 2022 at 18:22 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck in the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 214.2 km and coordinates -5.3840°, 147.3422°.

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.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -5.38°, 147.34°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.3 mb
Depth
214.2 km
intermediate depth
Location
-5.3840°N
147.3422°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000gewe
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
284
Azimuthal Gap
116.0°
Min Station Distance
3.318°
RMS Residual
1.04 sec
Last Updated
2022-04-01 17:40:29 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake in the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea?

The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck in the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea on January 15, 2022 at 18:22 UTC had a depth of 214.2 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.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000gewe). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2022, January 15, 2022). M4.3 Earthquake in the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New GuineaJanuary 15, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000gewe/