Earthquakes on December 21, 2025: 330 Worldwide, Largest M5.6

Time ↓	Mag ↕	Location ↕	Depth ↕	Felt ↕	MMI	Alert	Status	Details
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:48:32 UTC	2.0ml	113 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.563°, -139.870°	19.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
This magnitude 2.0 event was detected 113 km N of Yakutat, Alaska on December 21, 2025, with origin time 23:48 UTC. It arrived roughly 2 hours after a larger magnitude 4.1 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. The event originated approximately 19.8 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.563°, -139.870°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:38:38 UTC	2.1ml	56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.664°, -104.341°	6.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025 at 23:38 UTC, a magnitude 2.1 earthquake struck 56 km S of Whites City, New Mexico. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 2.9 earthquake that occurred about 10 hours earlier. The hypocenter lay at 6.8 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 31.664°N, -104.341°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:35:10 UTC	2.0ml	95 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.393°, -139.501°	0.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 2.0 earthquake 95 km N of Yakutat, Alaska came in on December 21, 2025 at 23:35 UTC. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 2.8 earthquake that occurred about 20 hours earlier. At a depth of just 0.8 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 60.393°N, -139.501°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:33:04 UTC	4.4mb	10 km S of Iwaizumi, Japan 39.752°, 141.818°	67.3 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded 10 km S of Iwaizumi, Japan on December 21, 2025 at 23:33 UTC. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 67.3 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 39.752°N, 141.818°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.4 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:11:58 UTC	4.5mb	153 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea -5.646°, 151.783°	35.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 23:11 UTC on December 21, 2025, a magnitude 4.5 tremor occurred 153 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea. It arrived roughly 1 hours after a larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. The hypocenter lay at 35.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The epicenter is at -5.646°, 151.783°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:07:31 UTC	5.3mww	141 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea -5.518°, 151.758°	48.6 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 5.3 earthquake 141 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea at 23:07 UTC. It ranks as the fourth largest event in the current dataset. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 48.6 km depth. The epicenter is at -5.518°, 151.758°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M5.3 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:03:32 UTC	2.6md	5 km SW of Ridgemark, CA 36.783°, -121.409°	6.9 km	1	-	-	Auto	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 2.6 earthquake 5 km SW of Ridgemark, CA at 23:03 UTC. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 3.3 earthquake that occurred about 2 hours earlier. A small number of nearby observers (1) submitted felt reports to the USGS. At a depth of 6.9 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 36.783°N, -121.409°E. The automatic solution is preliminary and may be refined as additional station data arrives. See the M2.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 23:02:33 UTC	2.3ml	8 km S of Ojai, CA 34.377°, -119.246°	7.4 km	2	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 2.3 earthquake 8 km S of Ojai, CA at 23:02 UTC. A small number of nearby observers (2) submitted felt reports to the USGS. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 7.4 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 34.377°, -119.246°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.3 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:36:09 UTC	2.4md	4 km SE of San Ramon, CA 37.750°, -121.946°	8.7 km	1	-	-	Auto	USGS →
Seismographs logged a magnitude 2.4 earthquake 4 km SE of San Ramon, CA with origin time 22:36 UTC on December 21, 2025. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 3.9 earthquake that occurred about 20 hours earlier. A small number of nearby observers (1) submitted felt reports to the USGS. The event originated approximately 8.7 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 37.750°N, -121.946°E. The automatic solution is preliminary and may be refined as additional station data arrives. See the M2.4 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:26:59 UTC	4.7mb	273 km N of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 17.659°, 146.146°	153.1 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake was recorded 273 km N of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands on December 21, 2025 at 22:26 UTC. At a depth of 153.1 km, the event was intermediate depth. The offshore location combined with this depth is characteristic of seismicity along descending slabs. The epicenter is at 17.659°, 146.146°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.7 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:26:54 UTC	2.6md	10 km WSW of Stratford, CA 36.157°, -119.926°	14.7 km	-	-	-	Auto	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 2.6 earthquake 10 km WSW of Stratford, CA at 22:26 UTC on December 21, 2025. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 14.7 km depth. The epicenter is at 36.157°, -119.926°. The automatic solution is preliminary and may be refined as additional station data arrives. See the M2.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:25:37 UTC	4.8mb	South Sandwich Islands region -55.353°, -27.400°	15.9 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake in the South Sandwich Islands region came in on December 21, 2025 at 22:25 UTC. At a depth of 15.9 km, the event was shallow crustal. Coordinates: -55.353°, -27.400°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.8 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:22:45 UTC	2.0ml	36 km WSW of Manley Hot Springs, Alaska 64.875°, -151.356°	8.6 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.0 seismic event took place 36 km WSW of Manley Hot Springs, Alaska on December 21, 2025 at 22:22 UTC. The hypocenter lay at 8.6 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. Coordinates: 64.875°, -151.356°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:15:02 UTC	2.1ml	119 km NNW of Yakutat, Alaska 60.600°, -140.163°	14.4 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.1 earthquake was recorded 119 km NNW of Yakutat, Alaska on December 21, 2025 at 22:15 UTC. Coming 18 hours after a magnitude 4.1 earthquake in the immediate vicinity, it is most likely an aftershock of that larger rupture. At a depth of 14.4 km, the event was shallow crustal. Coordinates: 60.600°, -140.163°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:14:30 UTC	2.6ml	24 km SSW of Westbrook, Texas 32.143°, -101.075°	8.7 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 22:14 UTC on December 21, 2025, a magnitude 2.6 tremor occurred 24 km SSW of Westbrook, Texas. The event originated approximately 8.7 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. Coordinates: 32.143°, -101.075°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:13:38 UTC	2.1ml	101 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.447°, -139.492°	3.7 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Seismographs logged a magnitude 2.1 earthquake 101 km N of Yakutat, Alaska with origin time 22:13 UTC on December 21, 2025. It arrived roughly 1 hours after a larger magnitude 4.1 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. At a depth of just 3.7 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.447°, -139.492°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 22:05:39 UTC	2.1md	5 km SW of Ridgemark, CA 36.778°, -121.410°	6.3 km	-	-	-	Auto	USGS →
December 21, 2025 brought a magnitude 2.1 earthquake 5 km SW of Ridgemark, CA, logged at 22:05 UTC. It arrived roughly 1 hours after a larger magnitude 3.3 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 6.3 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 36.778°, -121.410°. The automatic solution is preliminary and may be refined as additional station data arrives. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:56:21 UTC	2.1ml	109 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.531°, -139.775°	13.2 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 2.1 earthquake 109 km N of Yakutat, Alaska at 21:56 UTC. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 4.1 earthquake that occurred about 1 hours earlier. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 13.2 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 60.531°N, -139.775°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:45:08 UTC	2.0ml	101 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.452°, -139.589°	11.9 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
December 21, 2025 brought a magnitude 2.0 earthquake 101 km N of Yakutat, Alaska, logged at 21:45 UTC. It arrived roughly 1 hours after a larger magnitude 4.1 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. At a depth of 11.9 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.452°, -139.589°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:45:03 UTC	4.5mb	south of Africa -53.533°, 24.905°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 4.5 earthquake south of Africa at 21:45 UTC on December 21, 2025. At a depth of 10.0 km, the event was shallow crustal. Geolocation places the event at -53.533°N, 24.905°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:40:40 UTC	4.5mb	157 km E of Yigo Village, Guam 13.381°, 146.336°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
This magnitude 4.5 event was detected 157 km E of Yigo Village, Guam on December 21, 2025, with origin time 21:40 UTC. The event originated approximately 10.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 13.381°, 146.336°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:36:08 UTC	2.0md	4 km NW of Lynn, Arkansas 36.037°, -91.284°	6.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 21:36 UTC on December 21, 2025, a magnitude 2.0 tremor occurred 4 km NW of Lynn, Arkansas. The hypocenter lay at 6.8 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 36.037°N, -91.284°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:29:51 UTC	2.1ml	108 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.523°, -139.834°	11.2 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 21:29 UTC on December 21, 2025, a magnitude 2.1 tremor occurred 108 km N of Yakutat, Alaska. Coming 1 hours after a magnitude 4.1 earthquake in the immediate vicinity, it is most likely an aftershock of that larger rupture. The hypocenter lay at 11.2 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 60.523°, -139.834°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:26:13 UTC	4.1mb	111 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.550°, -139.685°	5.0 km	-	IV	green	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 4.1 seismic event took place 111 km N of Yakutat, Alaska on December 21, 2025 at 21:26 UTC. In the 72 hours after this event, the USGS recorded 7 smaller earthquakes within 20 km, consistent with an ongoing aftershock sequence rooted here. The USGS PAGER system assigned a green alert level for this event, signalling no significant casualties or damage expected. Maximum shaking intensity peaked at MMI 4.5 (moderate). The hypocenter lay at 5.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.550°, -139.685°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 21:16:45 UTC	4.2mwr	116 km WNW of Aykol, China 41.300°, 78.823°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 4.2 earthquake 116 km WNW of Aykol, China at 21:16 UTC. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 10.0 km depth. Geolocation places the event at 41.300°N, 78.823°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 20:41:12 UTC	2.9ml	114 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.563°, -139.974°	5.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 2.9 earthquake 114 km N of Yakutat, Alaska at 20:41 UTC. It arrived roughly 17 hours after a larger magnitude 4.1 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 5.0 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.563°, -139.974°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.9 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 20:40:49 UTC	3.3ml	4 km WSW of Ridgemark, CA 36.790°, -121.408°	7.0 km	40	III	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
December 21, 2025 brought a magnitude 3.3 earthquake 4 km WSW of Ridgemark, CA, logged at 20:40 UTC. In the 72 hours after this event, the USGS recorded 6 smaller earthquakes within 20 km, consistent with an ongoing aftershock sequence rooted here. The event generated 40 citizen felt reports to the USGS. Peak ground motion corresponded to MMI 3.2, classified as light shaking. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 7.0 km depth. Coordinates: 36.790°, -121.408°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M3.3 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 20:27:56 UTC	3.2ml	14 km ENE of Wright, Wyoming 43.821°, -105.341°	0.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 3.2 earthquake was recorded 14 km ENE of Wright, Wyoming on December 21, 2025 at 20:27 UTC. At a depth of just 0.0 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. Geolocation places the event at 43.821°N, -105.341°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M3.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 19:57:27 UTC	2.0ml	109 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.525°, -139.911°	11.2 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On December 21, 2025 at 19:57 UTC, a magnitude 2.0 earthquake struck 109 km N of Yakutat, Alaska. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 4.1 earthquake that occurred about 16 hours earlier. The event originated approximately 11.2 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 60.525°N, -139.911°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2025-12-21 2025-12-21 19:56:19 UTC	2.0ml	110 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.539°, -139.854°	10.4 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was recorded 110 km N of Yakutat, Alaska on December 21, 2025 at 19:56 UTC. Coming 16 hours after a magnitude 4.1 earthquake in the immediate vicinity, it is most likely an aftershock of that larger rupture. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 10.4 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 60.539°, -139.854°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.

Legend:

Mag: Magnitude ({magType} = ml, mb, mw, etc.)

Felt: Number of DYFI felt reports

MMI: Modified Mercalli Intensity (I-X+)

Alert: PAGER alert level

Depth: Shallow (<70km), Intermediate, Deep (>300km)

Status: Auto = preliminary, Reviewed = verified by seismologist

Click any row to see additional technical details.

About This Page

This page shows all earthquakes recorded by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program during the 24-hour UTC period on December 21, 2025. Data includes all events of magnitude 1.0 or greater. Past earthquake data is considered final after review by USGS seismologists.

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