4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 29 km SSW of Khanabad, Afghanistan — June 4, 2024

2024-06-04 22:50:11 UTC (2024-06-04) · approx. 3:50 AM UTC+5 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mwr)
Time22:50 UTC≈ 3:50 AM UTC+5
Depth10.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates36.454°, 68.947°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On June 4, 2024 at 22:50 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 29 km SSW of Khanabad, Afghanistan, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 36.4540°, 68.9467°.

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 12 days ago 7 km ESE of Baghlān, Afghanistan. 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.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 36.45°, 68.95°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mwr
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
36.4540°N
68.9467°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000mqcw
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
63
Azimuthal Gap
63.0°
Min Station Distance
1.941°
RMS Residual
1.03 sec
Last Updated
2024-08-16 21:59:21 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Khanabad, Afghanistan?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 29 km SSW of Khanabad, Afghanistan on June 4, 2024 at 22:50 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 7 km ESE of Baghlān, Afghanistan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000mqcw). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, June 4, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 29 km SSW of Khanabad, Afghanistan — June 4, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000mqcw/