M4.2 Earthquake 85 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico — October 27, 2024
2024-10-27 21:16:06 UTC (2024-10-27) · approx. 3:16 PM UTC-6 local
On October 27, 2024 at 21:16 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 85 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico, at a depth of 37.0 km and coordinates 14.2669°, -93.0654°.
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 5 days ago 85 km SW of El Arenal, Mexico. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 7 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-93.0654°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Puerto Madero, Mexico?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 85 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico on October 27, 2024 at 21:16 UTC had a depth of 37.0 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 85 km SW of El Arenal, Mexico. 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: us7000nq4p). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, October 27, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 85 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico — October 27, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000nq4p/