M4.2 Earthquake 73 km S of Sola, Vanuatu — August 15, 2023
2023-08-15 18:08:19 UTC (2023-08-15) · approx. 5:08 AM UTC+11 local
On August 15, 2023 at 18:08 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 73 km S of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 143.7 km and coordinates -14.5400°, 167.5215°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 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 6.1 mainshock that occurred 10 days ago 56 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
167.5215°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 73 km S of Sola, Vanuatu on August 15, 2023 at 18:08 UTC had a depth of 143.7 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M6.1 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 56 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000kqg9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, August 15, 2023). M4.2 Earthquake 73 km S of Sola, Vanuatu — August 15, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000kqg9/