4.3

M4.3 Earthquake 12 km S of Calatagan, PhilippinesMarch 20, 2024

2024-03-20 20:02:31 UTC (2024-03-20) · approx. 4:02 AM UTC+8 local

MagnitudeM4.3(mb)
Time20:02 UTC4:02 AM UTC+8
Depth198.3 kmintermediate depth
Coordinates13.717°, 120.615°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On March 20, 2024 at 20:02 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck 12 km S of Calatagan, Philippines, at a depth of 198.3 km and coordinates 13.7171°, 120.6148°.

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 5.0 mainshock that occurred 2 days ago 7 km NW of Cabacao, Philippines. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 13.72°, 120.61°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.3 mb
Depth
198.3 km
intermediate depth
Location
13.7171°N
120.6148°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000m7xr
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
284
Stations Used
23
Azimuthal Gap
124.0°
Min Station Distance
21.343°
RMS Residual
0.69 sec
Last Updated
2024-05-27 14:19:24 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Calatagan, Philippines?

The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck 12 km S of Calatagan, Philippines on March 20, 2024 at 20:02 UTC had a depth of 198.3 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 M5.0 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 7 km NW of Cabacao, Philippines. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

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: us7000m7xr). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, March 20, 2024). M4.3 Earthquake 12 km S of Calatagan, PhilippinesMarch 20, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000m7xr/