M4.3 Earthquake 155 km W of Neiafu, Tonga — January 16, 2024
2024-01-16 17:20:17 UTC (2024-01-16) · approx. 5:20 AM UTC-12 local
On January 16, 2024 at 17:20 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck 155 km W of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 230.3 km and coordinates -18.3909°, -175.4275°.
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 5.5 mainshock that occurred 1 day ago 122 km W of Neiafu, Tonga. 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
-175.4275°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Neiafu, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck 155 km W of Neiafu, Tonga on January 16, 2024 at 17:20 UTC had a depth of 230.3 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 M5.5 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.5 mainshock that occurred earlier 122 km W of Neiafu, Tonga. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Location
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000lt8t). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, January 16, 2024). M4.3 Earthquake 155 km W of Neiafu, Tonga — January 16, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000lt8t/