M4.1 Earthquake 53 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina — December 17, 2024
2024-12-17 22:39:20 UTC (2024-12-17) · approx. 6:39 PM UTC-4 local
On December 17, 2024 at 22:39 UTC, a magnitude 4.1 intermediate depth earthquake struck 53 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina, at a depth of 203.8 km and coordinates -24.0042°, -66.7867°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 21 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 406 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 5.3 mainshock that occurred 9 days ago 44 km NW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-66.7867°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.1 earthquake near San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina?
The magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck 53 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina on December 17, 2024 at 22:39 UTC had a depth of 203.8 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 4.1 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.3 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.1 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock that occurred earlier 44 km NW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.1 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000nzng). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, December 17, 2024). M4.1 Earthquake 53 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina — December 17, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000nzng/