M4.2 Earthquake in the Galapagos Triple Junction region — September 13, 2023
2023-09-13 18:49:58 UTC (2023-09-13) · approx. 11:49 AM UTC-7 local
On September 13, 2023 at 18:49 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck in the Galapagos Triple Junction region, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 2.1984°, -101.7460°.
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 5.2 mainshock that occurred 16 days ago in the Galapagos Triple Junction region. 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
-101.7460°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake in the Galapagos Triple Junction region?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck in the Galapagos Triple Junction region on September 13, 2023 at 18:49 UTC had a depth of 10.0 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 M5.2 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred earlier in the Galapagos Triple Junction region. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000kwh9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2023, September 13, 2023). M4.2 Earthquake in the Galapagos Triple Junction region — September 13, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000kwh9/