M4.2 Earthquake 60 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu — February 3, 2024
2024-02-03 19:05:18 UTC (2024-02-03) · approx. 6:05 AM UTC+11 local
On February 3, 2024 at 19:05 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 60 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 210.8 km and coordinates -13.5848°, 167.0777°.
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 6.0 mainshock that occurred 24 days ago 55 km W of Sola, 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
167.0777°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 60 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu on February 3, 2024 at 19:05 UTC had a depth of 210.8 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 M6.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 55 km W of Sola, Vanuatu. 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: us7000lxs3). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, February 3, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 60 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu — February 3, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000lxs3/