Special Earthquake EventsIRIS features special earthquake event pages to provide useful resources for the science community and the general public. These "Special Event" pages highlight earthquakes that had a major effect on a population or have some other unique scientific significance. Earthquake Headlines »Magnitude 6.6 - QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck in the Queen Charlotte Islands region off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. local time (1530 GMT). The quake was centered 250 km (155 miles) southwest of Prince Rupert, BC. A PDF has been prepared with additional details about the earthquake. Download here Magnitude 7.2 - FIJI
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The Fiji earthquake of 9 November 2009 occurred at the northern end of the inclined seismic zone that dips to the west beneath Tonga and Fiji. The broad-scale tectonics of the earthquake region are dominated by the relative convergence of the Pacific and Australia plates. The inclined seismic zone lies within the Pacific plate, which subducts westward beneath the Australia plate at the Tonga trench. At the latitude of the earthquake, the Pacific plate moves westward with respect to the interior of the Australia plate at a velocity of about 86 mm/y. A two page PDF and a quicktime animation have been prepared with additional details about the earthquake. Download here Magnitude 7.6 - VANUATU
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The Torres Islands, Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009, occurred on or near the plate boundary between the Australia and Pacific plates. In the region of the earthquake, the Australia plate moves to the east-northeast with respect to the Pacific plate at a velocity of about 91 mm/year. The Australia plate thrusts under the Pacific plate at the New Hebrides trench and dips to the east-northeast. The October 7 earthquake’s location, depth, and focal mechanism are consistent with the earthquake having occurred as thrust-faulting associated with subduction along the Australia-Pacific plate boundary. The Vanuatu region experiences a very high level of earthquake activity, with over a dozen events of magnitude 7 and larger having been recorded since the early decades of the twentieth century. The subducting Australia plate is seismically active to depths of about 350 km beneath the islands. Recent large earthquakes near the October 7 event include a M 7.2 earthquake in 2007 and a M 7.3 earthquake in 1999. Read more | Maps | Classroom presentation slides
Magnitude 7.6 - SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: At least 1100 people were killed, 2181 were injured and thousands are still unaccounted for in the Padang area. More than 2650 buildings have been damaged in the area and landslides have disrupted power and communications. Felt (VII) at Padang. Widely felt throughout Sumatra and Java, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. A small local tsunami with wave heights of 27 centimeters (amplitude measured relative to normal sea level) was generated. The magnitude 7.6 southern Sumatra earthquake of September 30, 2009 occurred as a result of oblique-thrust faulting near the subduction interface plate boundary between the Australian and Sunda plates. At the location of this earthquake, the Australian Plate moves northeast with respect to the Sunda plate at a velocity of approximately 65 mm/yr.
Magnitude 8.0 - SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: At least 110 people killed in Samoa, 22 people in American Samoa and seven people on Niuatoputapu, Tonga. Widespread damage to infrastructure at Pago Pago, American Samoa, in many parts of Samoa and on Niuatoputapu, Tonga. Felt (V) at Apia, Samoa and (IV) at Tafuna, American Samoa. The broad-scale tectonics of the Tonga region are dominated by the relative convergence of the Pacific and Australia plates, with the Pacific plate subducting westward beneath the Australia plate at the Tonga trench. At the latitude of the earthquake of September 29, 2009, the Pacific plate moves westward with respect to the interior of the Australia plate at a velocity of about 86 mm/year. The earthquake occurred near the northern end of a 3,000 km long segment of the Pacific/Australia plate boundary that trends north-northeast. Read more | Maps | News photos | Classroom presentation slides Watch the seismic waves cross the US: US View | Global View
Redoubt Volcano Observations - Alaska
2009-09-20 No significant activity has been detected at Redoubt during the past 24 hours. Clouds obscured the volcano in web camera views this morning. The lava dome in the summit crater is gradually cooling, and it is possible that the dome could collapse, but the likelihood of this is declining over time. A major dome collapse event could result in significant ash production, hot block-and-ash flows, and flooding in the Drift River valley. Redoubt Volcano is a stratovolcano located within a few hundred kilometers of more than half of the population of Alaska. This volcano has erupted explosively at least six times since historical observations began in 1778. The Redoubt volcano erupted in March 2009. An eruption also occurred in 1989-90 and similar eruptions can be expected in the future. (source: Alalska Volcano Observatory) Photo courtesy of Game McGimsey (AVO/USGS) Read more | Images | Maps | Webicorder | News Video
Magnitude 6.1 - BHUTAN
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The magnitude 6.1 earthquake of September 21, 2009, occurred 180 km (110 miles) E of THIMPHU, Bhutan. At least eleven people killed and dozens injured in Mongar and Tashigang due to collapsed buildings. Many buildings destroyed and many roads have been damaged. Cracks appeared in buildings at Guwahati, India. Felt (IV) at Thimphu, Bhutan. Also felt at Tashigang and Tshongdue. Felt (II) at Calcutta, India. Also felt at Bidhannagar, Dispur, Kalimpong, Mussoorie, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Dum Dum, Patna, Shillong, Silchar and Tezpur. Felt in northern Bangladesh and at Lhasa, China.
Magnitude 7.0 - JAVA, INDONESIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The magnitude 7.0 earthquake of September 2, 2009, occurred 95 km (60 miles) SSW of Bandung, Java, Indonesia. At lesast 46 people killed in western Java. At least 72 people killed, many injured and servere damage in western Java. Landslide at Cikangkareng causing casualties and damage. Felt widely on Java. Maximum intensity (VII) at Tasikmalaya; (VI) at Cianjur and Sukabumi and (V) at Bandung, Bekasi and Bogor. Felt (IV) at Denpasar and (II) at Kuta, Bali. Also felt at Ubud. Felt at Jambi and Metro, Lampung and Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Barat.
Magnitude 7.6 - ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The Andaman Islands earthquake of August 10, 2009, occurred in the boundary region of India plate and the Burma plate, near the north end of the rupture zone associated with the great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake of December 26, 2004. Early analysis of seismographic data implies that the earthquake occurred as the result of normal faulting on a north-northeast or northeast trending fault plane. This style of faulting is consistent with the earthquake occurring as a result of stresses generated by bending of the India plate as it subducts beneath the Burma plate. The August 10 earthquake was therefore an intraplate earthquake, in contrast to the great 2004 earthquake, which was an interplate thrust-fault earthquake on the interface between the India plate and the Burma plate. Magnitude 7.1 - IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The magnitude 7.1 earthquake of August 9, 2009, occurred off the south coast of Honshu within the Izu-Bonin subduction system. This system extends 1,200 km from southern Honshu to the Mariana Islands and constitutes part of the boundary between the Pacific plate and the Philippine Sea plate. The Pacific plate moves westwards relative to the Philippine Sea plate with a velocity of about 50 mm/y and subducts beneath it at the Izu-Bonin trench. The earthquake occurred at depth within the westward dipping Pacific plate, well beneath the overriding Philippine Sea plate. Subduction of the Pacific plate along the northern and western margins of the Pacific Ocean generates a large amount of seismicity. Earthquakes typically occur as thrust faulting on interfaces that separate the subducting Pacific plate from the overriding plates, and earthquakes occur within the subducting or overriding plates as the result of stresses associated with intraplate deformation. The August 9, 2009, earthquake was an intraplate event. Its focal depth of 303 km classifies it is a “deep” earthquake, an earthquake with depth greater than or equal to 300 km. Earthquakes have been accurately located to depths of 450 km in the section of the Izu-Bonin subduction system within which the August 9 earthquake occurred. Due to its great depth, the August 9 earthquake did not cause any damage and no damaging tsunami was generated. Magnitude 6.9 - GULF OF CALIFORNIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The Gulf of California earthquakes of August 3, 2009, occurred in the plate boundary region between the North America and Pacific plate. At the latitude of the earthquake, the Pacific plate moves northwest with respect to the North America plate at about 45 mm/y. The plate boundary beneath the Gulf consists of a series of transform faults separated by small spreading centers or pull-apart basins: earthquakes occur as the result of strike-slip faulting and normal faulting. The seismographically recorded radiation pattern of the main shock of August 3, 18:00 UTC, implies that the shock occurred as the result of strike-slip faulting, but the earthquake has not yet been associated with a specific geologically mapped fault. The largest historically recorded shocks from the Gulf of California have had magnitudes of about 7.
Magnitude 7.6 - OFF WEST COAST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND, N.Z.
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, located 150 km (95 miles) WNW of Invercargill. The recent (09/07/15) thrust earthquake occurred near the southern tip of South Island in a region known as Fiordland, in a complex area of transition in plate boundary structure from Puysegur subduction to Alpine fault strike-slip motion. The preliminary location, depth, and estimate of fault orientation of this event are consistent with the earthquake having resulted from slip on the subduction thrust interface between the Pacific and Australian plates.
Magnitude 7.3 - OFFSHORE HONDURAS
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake struck off the coast of Honduras on Thursday, May 28, 2009, 125 km (75 miles) NNE of La Ceiba, Honduras. At least 7 people killed, 40 injured and more than 130 buildings damaged or destroyed in northern Honduras. The central span of a major bridge at El Progreso was destroyed. At least 5 buildings destroyed and 25 damaged in Belize. Felt in much of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Also felt in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Virgin Islands and in parts of Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Seiches were reported in swimming pools at La Ceiba and Roatan and ground cracks and possible liquefaction was observed at Monkey River, Belize. Magnitude 4.7 - NORTH KOREA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: The shallow, magnitude 4.7 seismic event that occurred on 25 May 2009 at 00:54:43 UTC is linked to the claim of a nuclear test by North Korean officials. While the USGS cannot positively identify the seismic event as a nuclear test, it was shallow and located in the vicinity of the 9 October 2006 North Korean nuclear test (magnitude 4.3). Moreover, comparisons of the seismograms of the 9 October 2006 and 25 May 2009 events at individual seismic stations shows similar features, suggesting that the two events are in close spatial proximity and are the same type of source, although the more recent event is larger.
Read more | Maps | CTBTO Initial Findings
Magnitude 4.7 - GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIFORNIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck about 3 miles east of Los Angeles International airport at 8:39 p.m. (PDT) local time, at a depth of 8.5 miles. Given that the location is in a densely populated part of the Los Angeles basin, it was widely felt. Initial estimates from the USGS ShakeMap indicate that although strong shaking will have been felt by many people, damage is expected to be light.
Read more | Maps | LA Times story
Magnitude 6.3 - CENTRAL ITALY
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake occurred 95 km (60 miles) NE of ROME, Italy on April 6, 2009. The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. At least 287 people killed, 1,000 injured, 40,000 homeless and 10,000 buildings damaged or destroyed in the L'Aquila area. Felt throughout central Italy. The April 6th 2009 earthquake in Central Italy occurred as a result of normal faulting on a NW-SE oriented structure in the central Apennines, a mountain belt that runs from the Gulf of Taranto in the south to the southern edge of the Po basin in northern Italy.
Read more | Maps | European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre | INGV
Redoubt Volcano Observations - Alaska
2009-04-23 The eruption of Redoubt volcano continues. Seismic data indicate episodic rock fall events and small earthquakes that are likely associated with continued slow growth of the lava dome in the summit crater. Satellite and web camera views are obscured by clouds this morning. Additional explosive events are possible with little or no warning. These could result in ash emission, tephra fallout, and additional lahar and flood inundation in the Drift Rver valley. The volcano remains at ORANGE/WATCH and AVO is staffed 24/7. Redoubt Volcano is a stratovolcano located within a few hundred kilometers of more than half of the population of Alaska. This volcano has erupted explosively at least six times since historical observations began in 1778. The most recent eruption occurred in 1989-90 and similar eruptions can be expected in the future. (source: Alalska Volcano Observatory) Photo courtesy of Game McGimsey (AVO/USGS) Read more | Images | Maps | Webicorder | News Video
Magnitude 7.6 - TONGA REGION
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake occurred near Tongo on Thursday, March 19, 2009. The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available.
Read more | Maps | Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
Magnitude 7.2 - KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake occurred near Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. The recent earthquake near Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia of February 11, 2009 likely occurred as a result of reverse faulting near the plate-boundary separating Philippine Sea and Celebes Sea basins. Read more | Maps | Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
Magnitude 7.4 - EAST OF THE KURIL ISLANDS
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake occurred about 595 km (370 miles) ENE of Kuril'sk, Kuril Islands on Thursday, January 15, 2009. The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available.
Magnitude 7.6 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: An earthquake occurred about 150 km (95 miles) WNW of Manokwari, Papua, Indonesia on Saturday, January 03, 2009. The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available.
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