M4.2 Earthquake 160 km W of Neiafu, Tonga — August 17, 2024
2024-08-17 18:04:39 UTC (2024-08-17) · approx. 6:04 AM UTC-12 local
On August 17, 2024 at 18:04 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 160 km W of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 223.8 km and coordinates -18.5216°, -175.4951°.
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 5.5 mainshock that occurred 2 hours 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
-175.4951°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Neiafu, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 160 km W of Neiafu, Tonga on August 17, 2024 at 18:04 UTC had a depth of 223.8 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 M5.5 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 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.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000ncun). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, August 17, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 160 km W of Neiafu, Tonga — August 17, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000ncun/