STRONG EARTHQUAKE AFTERSHOCKS STRIKE TAIWAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 22, 2024

 

 

A strong series of aftershocks of moderate to large magnitude occurred in Taiwan with two strong quakes of M 6.0 and 6.1 today. Local news reports these event have caused further damage to structures weakened by the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024. These are the strongest aftershocks in Taiwan of the April 2, 2004 mainshock since April 2 when an M 6.4 aftershock occurred. NEIC reported the events of M 6.0 and M 6.1 were felt with intensity up to VIII with damage in Hualien City, Taiwan. EMSC reported they were felt in Taiwan with strong to extreme intensity in Zhuangwei Township East Districk, Hsinchu, Shihjhalun, Xindian District, Wenshan District, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Da'an District, Zhongzhen District, Beitou District, Tamsui District. Regional press reported damage to many structures as well as to infrastructure and landslides were particularly destructive. Some injuries have been reported. The first of the moderately large earthquakes in Taiwan today occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by the full moon of April 23. Forecast seismicity with the full moon had been noted in  previous issues of this summary as:

 

"The full moon will arrive on April 23, 2024 at 23:49 UT.  Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 5 East while those at local solar noon are near 175 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/Kermadec Islands, New Zealand to the Balleny Islands and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are moderate to high." (April 17-23, 2024)

 

This series has been building in the past two days but broke wide open today. This summary noted it in the previous issue as:

 

 

"As a prelude to the full moon of April 23, seismicity continued to heat up in Taiwan. NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Taiwan today was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien City. EMSC reported gentle to strong shaking in Taiwan at Jiaoxi Township, New Taipei City, and the Districts of Da'an, Tamsui. In the previous summary it was noted as:

 

 

"An M 5.1 also occurred as an aftershock to the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1  in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien City. EMSC reported strong shaking in Taiwan in the Qingshui and Nangang Districts and in Taipei City. This is the strongest aftershock in Taiwan of that event since an M 5.2 on April 6, 2024

and the second strongest since immediate aftershocks of M 5.5 and 5.2 on April 3, 2024. Today's activity occurred near local solar noon when tidal stresses are high. This suggests that tidal promotion with the upcoming full moon may be occurring at this time and that further moderate to strong earthquakes may follow in the next several days in Taiwan." (April 21, 22, 2024)

 

Forecasts 162126 and 162393 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area of Taiwan was likely around April 20-23.

 

Following is a listing of earthquakes with M>=5 in today's series. A more extensive listing of events today of M>=4 in Taiwan can be found in the "ASIA" section of this summary. This activity is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 6.7 in the Macquarie Island area of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 22APR2024 09:08:40  23.7N  121.6E Mw=5.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 10:46:22  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 10:50:32  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 11:25:14  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 11:45:36  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 13:13:41  23.7N  121.6E Mw=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 14:20:09  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 20:49:57  23.7N  121.6E Mw=5.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 21:04:22  23.7N  121.6E Mw=5.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 21:14:47  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 21:24:31  23.7N  121.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 09:12:11  23.8N  121.6E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 09:16:00  23.8N  121.5E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 11:13:11  23.8N  121.6E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 14:11:24  23.8N  121.5E Mw=5.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 18:26:54  23.8N  121.6E Mw=6.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 18:56:50  23.8N  121.6E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 19:00:16  23.8N  121.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 19:13:40  23.8N  121.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 19:19:54  23.8N  121.7E mb=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 20:03:07  23.8N  121.7E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 21:19:36  23.8N  121.6E Mw=5.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 21:31:39  23.8N  121.7E Mw=5.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 23APR2024 00:04:05  23.8N  121.7E Mw=5.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 23APR2024 02:21:01  23.8N  121.7E Mw=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 18:32:49  23.9N  121.6E Mw=6.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 23APR2024 00:11:02  23.9N  121.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

P: 20APR2024 162126    23.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

P: 23APR2024 162393    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

An earthquake of M 5.5 also occurred today in the State of Yap, Micronesia southwest of Guam. It was not reported felt in this area. An earthquake of M 6.0 hit near this epicenter in Yap on February 14, 2024. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in Micronesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Micronesia near Colonia. The last earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter in Yap, Micronesia occurred as event of M 6.5, 6.4 and 6.1 on December 8-9, 2017. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The largest earthquakes of the day occurred as an M 6.5 and 6.3 in the State of Yap, Micronesia. The first of these, an M 6.3 occurred within about half an hour of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize at this time. It is also located on or near the geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by the strong geomagnetic storm of the last several days. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=6.5 occurred on January 16, 2005 with M 6.6, the only other such event in the region in the past 25 years." (December 8, 2017, February 14, 2024)

 

Forecast 162107 had expected today's event was likely in mid-April. This epicenter is at the sixth node from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 22APR2024 11:40:14  11.0N  138.7E mb=5.2  EMSC   STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA

O: 22APR2024 12:22:51  11.0N  138.7E MW=5.5  EMSC   STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA     

P: 12APR2024 162107    12.0N  142.0E 4.0-5.5 CABAA  So. Marianas/Guam          

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.5-3.7 north of Juneau, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Juneau, Alaska. Forecast 162507 had expected activity within about 50 km of this epicenter was likely around April 22.

 

O: 22APR2024 13:37:27  58.8N  134.5W ML=3.5  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA          

O: 22APR2024 13:37:29  58.8N  134.5W MB=3.7  ECAN OF JUNEAU, AK   

P: 22APR2024 162507    58.3N  133.5W 3.0-4.9 AAAAA  British Colombia           

 

An unusual earthquake of M 1.5-2.5 occurred today in Watertown, New York.  This epicenter was on the path of total eclipse of the sun on April 8 where the eclipse was visible for more than 4 minutes. This event was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with that eclipse.

 

Forecast 162477 had expected this event in New York was likely around April 23.

 

O: 22APR2024 00:19:57  43.7N   75.2W MB=1.5  ECAN OF WATERTOWN, NY               

P: 23APR2024 162477    44.0N   74.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  New York State             

 

A series of minor earthquakes occurred in northern Mexico in  Tamaulipas today. This epicenter saw the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, 2024 when it was at its greatest. Today's activity was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses at that time. Forecast 162122 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area in mid-April.

 

O: 22APR2024 19:39:03  24.8N   98.5W ML=3.8  EMSC   TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO           

P: 12APR2024 162122    26.0N  102.0W 3.0-4.7 CBCAA  Northern Mexico            

 

 

An earthquake of M 4.3-4.6 also shook the region of North Island, New Zealand today. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  North Island, New Zealand in Bay View. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in  North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of   North Island, New Zealand in Napier. GEONET reported this earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the area of Taupo, North Island, New Zealand with moderate shaking felt by 1711 people in northern North Island. Nearly 1711 people reported feeling this earthquake with 944 with weak intensity, 686 light, 72 moderate, 6 strong, 0 severe and 1 extreme. This event was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with today's full moon. New Zealand is at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the full moon as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

 

"The full moon will arrive on April 23, 2024 at 23:49 UT.  Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 5 East while those at local solar noon are near 175 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/Kermadec Islands, New Zealand to the Balleny Islands and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are moderate to high." (April 18-23, 2024)

 

Forecast 162573 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely

around April 22.

 

O: 22APR2023 21:57:41  39.1S  176.4E MS=4.7  GEONET North Island, New Zealand

O: 22APR2024 21:57:40  39.1S  176.4E MB=4.3  ANSS   BAY VIEW NEW ZEALAND         

P: 22APR2024 162573    40.0S  176.0E 3.0-4.4 AAAAA  North Island, N.Z.         

 

 

A series of earthquake with Magnitude up to 2.2 occurred today near Bangor, Maine. The largest may have been lightly felt in Bangor. The last earthquake within about 100 km of these epicenters with M>=2.2 occurred on January 14, 2023 with M 3.3. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of light earthquakes were felt in southern Maine near Augusta today. The largest of these was an M 3.3 which NEIC reported was felt with maximum intensity IV in Holden, Orland, Orrington and II-III in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Eddington, Brewer, Penobscot, Orono and Winterport and as far as Bethel and Portland, Maine. This activity began with an M 2.2 at 12:17 UT on January 13 but a series of aftershocks were widely felt near local solar midnight on January 14, 2023. Solar flare 9950  occurred simultaneously with these events  on January 14 and SFE from this flare may have helped trigger these events. The M 3.3 is the strongest earthquake in Maine within about 100 km of these epicenters since an M 3.8 on October 3, 2006 – the strongest event in this area in at least 30 years (a similar M 3.8 hit the area on February 26, 1999 about 125 km to the southwest of today's epicenter)." (January 14, 2023)

 

This epicenter is on the edge of the path of total eclipse of the sun of April 8 at 19:32 UT and may have been promoted by tidal stresses with that event.

 

Forecast 162467 had expected this activity was likely within about 25 km of this epicenter in late April, 2024.

 

O: 21APR2024 09:06:27  44.8N   68.3W MB=1.2  ECAN OF BANGOR, ME   

O: 21APR2024 14:42:40  44.9N   68.3W MB=1.2  ECAN OF BANGOR, ME   

O: 21APR2024 02:35:02  44.9N   68.3W MB=2.2  ECAN OF BANGOR, ME                  

P: 29APR2024 162467    45.0N   68.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA  Maine                       

 

An earthquake of M 2.1 also occurred in Illinois today. It may have been lightly felt in the epicentral area but this has not been reported. This epicenter was directly at the path of total eclipse on April 8, 2024 at 19:00 UT and was probably promoted by energy from strong tides associated with that event.

 

Forecast 162422 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely around April 21-25.

 

O: 22APR2024 08:52:33  37.3N   89.3W MD=2.1  EMSC   ILLINOIS                     

P: 21APR2024 162422    36.5N   89.6W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

P: 25APR2024 162422    37.0N   90.0W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE HITS WESTERN MEXICO WITH RENEWED ECLIPSE PROMOTION

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 21, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Jalisco/Michoacan area of Mexico. This is the largest earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 and M 5.6 on  September 8, 2023. Other recent earthquakes of M>=5.5 have occurred on July 18, 2023 (M 5.6) and December 22, 2021 with M 6.0. An earthquake north of this in the Gulf of California with M 5.6-5.9 on April 19, 2024. Both of these events occurred near the greatest total eclipse of the sun of April 8 which occurred near 18:00 UT. The area has experienced a series of moderate earthquakes since that eclipse but this is the strongest of this series. It is likely that today's event was promoted by strong tidal stresses with that eclipse as well as those with the full moon alignment of April 23.

 

Forecasts 162091 and 162357 had expected today's activity was likely between

April 17 and 23 within about 100 km of these events in Jalisco. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) fro the M 7.0 on January 22, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the M 6.5 in New Britain of April 14, 2024 and 102 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Islands of April 5, 2024 and was likely promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 21APR2024 16:34:01  18.1N  105.8W mb=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 21APR2024 16:41:06  18.2N  105.7W mb=4.6  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 22APR2024 05:31:06  18.2N  105.9W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 22APR2024 06:01:49  18.2N  105.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 21APR2024 19:26:40  18.3N  105.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 21APR2024 19:05:14  18.2N  105.6W mw=5.4  ANSS   Emiliano Zapata Mexico

O: 21APR2024 19:05:15  18.4N  105.7W MW=5.4  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 17APR2024 162092    19.0N  106.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

P: 23APR2024 162357    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 AABAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

In addition to the M 5.4 in Michoacan, Mexico today light earthquakes along the path of the total eclipse of the sun of April 8 also occurred in  Southern Texas (M 2.5, 1.6, 1.6); Southeastern Missouri (M 2.4) and Ohio (M 2.3).

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 2.5 and 1.6 in Texas were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Christine, Texas. The total eclipse of the sun was visible for four minutes, 11 seconds at this epicenter on April 8 at 18:58 UT. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by tidal stresses with this eclipse and the coming full moon of April 23. A series of minor earthquake has been occurring near this site including an M 3.2 yesterday in the past several days.

 

Forecast 162387 had expected this activity in southern Texas was likely around April 24, 2024.

 

O: 21APR2024 17:33:53  28.7N   99.0W ML=2.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

O: 22APR2024 04:44:41  28.8N   98.2W ml=1.6  ANSS   E of Christine Texas

O: 22APR2024 03:35:17  29.1N   97.9W ml=1.6  ANSS   SSE of Stockdale Texas

O: 21APR2024 17:33:53  28.7N   99.0W ml=2.4  ANSS   SSE of Pearsall Texas

P: 24APR2024 162387    28.0N   99.0W 3.0-4.5 AAAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 2.4 in Missouri was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of Matthews, Missouri.  The total eclipse of the sun was visible for four minutes, 11 seconds at this epicenter on April 8 at 18:58 UT. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by tidal stresses with this eclipse and the coming full moon of April 23.

 

Forecast 162422 had expected today's M 2.4 in Missouri was likely within about 25 km of this epicenter around April 21. This epicenter is located at 102 degrees of the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 21APR2024 15:33:58  36.8N   89.5W MD=2.4  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI        

O: 21APR2024 15:33:58  36.8N   89.5W MD=2.4  ANSS   ESE OF MATTHEWS MISSOURI     

P: 21APR2024 162422    36.5N   89.6W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 2.3 in Ohio was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Ohio at Walbridge. The total eclipse of the sun was visible for four minutes at this epicenter on April 8 at 19:10 UT. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by tidal stresses with this eclipse and the coming full moon of April 23.

 

Forecast 162485 had expected today's event in Ohio was likely around April 24.

This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.5 in New Britain

of April 14, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 22APR2024 00:12:15  41.6N   83.5W ML=2.3  EMSC   OHIO                         

O: 22APR2024 00:12:15  41.6N   83.5W mb=2.3  ANSS   SSE of Walbridge Ohio

P: 24APR2024 162485    41.8N   81.4W 2.0-4.2 AABAA  Ohio/Lake Erie             

 

As a prelude to the full moon of April 23, seismicity continued to heat up in Taiwan. NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Taiwan today was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien City.  EMSC reported gentle to strong shaking in tTaiwan at Jiaoxi Township, New Taipei City, and the Districts of Da'an, Tamsui. In the previous summary it was noted as:

 

 

"An M 5.1 also occurred as an aftershock to the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1  in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien City. EMSC reported strong shaking in Taiwan in the Qingshui and Nangang Districts and in Taipei City. This is the strongest aftershock in Taiwan of that event since an M 5.2 on April 6, 2024

and the second strongest since immediate aftershocks of M 5.5 and 5.2 on April 3, 2024. Today's activity occurred near local solar noon when tidal stresses are high. This suggests that tidal promotion with the upcoming full moon may be occurring at this time and that further moderate to strong earthquakes may follow in the next several days in Taiwan." (April 21, 2024)

 

 

Forecast 162126 had expected enhanced seismicity in Taiwan was likely within about 100 km around April 20, 2024.

 

O: 21APR2024 18:53:22  23.9N  121.7E Mw=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 21APR2024 09:54:19  24.0N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 21APR2024 16:35:52  24.2N  121.7E Mw=4.7  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 00:01:34  24.3N  121.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 22APR2024 00:03:34  24.3N  121.8E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P: 23APR2024 162393    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

A series of earthquake also occurred today in Switzerland.  EMSC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Switzerland was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Switzerland in Concise, Corcelles-pres-Concise, Champagne, Cortaillod,  Estavayer,  without damage. This is the strongest earthquake in Switzerland since an M 3.8 on May 29, 2023 on May 29, 2023 and an M 4.4 on March 22, 2023. When an M 4.1 hit Switzerland on December 24, 2021 this summary noted:

 

"An unusual earthquake of M 4.1 shook areas of France, Switzerland and Germany several minutes after midnight on Christmas Day (today). NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity IV in Switzerland at Le Locle, Neuenburg and III in Bern; in France with II-III in Herimoncourt, Montbouton, Courcelles-les-Montbellard, Allenjole and Chatenois-les-Forges, Franche-Comte and in Heimbach Westfalen, Germany. Many citizens in the area were at midnight Christmas Eve services when the quake shook the area. Switzerland has numerous light earthquake but the last moderate sized earthquake of M>=4.1 within about 100 km of today's epicenter was recorded on October 24, 2016 with M 4.4 about 100 km southeast of today's epicenter and prior to that as an M 4.4 on November 12, 2004. These were aftershocks of an M 5.5 on February 23, 2004, the strongest regional event in the past 30 years." (December 24, 2021)

 

This may be related to the coming full moon for which maximum tidal stresses occur near Switzerland as noted in previous issues of this summary:

 

"The full moon will arrive on April 23, 2024 at 23:49 UT.  Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 5 East while those at local solar noon are near 175 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/Kermadec Islands, New Zealand to the Balleny Islands and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are moderate to high." (April 18-22, 2024)

 

Forecast 162457 had expected regional seismic activation in this region was  likely around April 25. This epicenter is at 104 degrees from the Mariana Islands where an M 6.9 occurred on April 5, 2024 and may the M 7.6 in Mindanao of December 2, 2023 and have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 22APR2024 01:35:55  46.9N    6.7E ML=3.8  EMSC   SWITZERLAND

O: 22APR2024 01:35:55  46.8N    6.7E ML=3.8  EMSC   SWITZERLAND                  

P: 25APR2024 162457    45.0N    8.0E 3.0-5.3 BBAAA  Austria                    

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 in the Unimak  Island region of Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area.  The last earthquakes in the Unimak Island area of equal or larger magnitude than M 4.0 occurred on April 10, 2024 with M 4.9 and as an M 4.1 on March 22, 2024.

 

Forecast 162520 had expected today's event within about 100 km of today's epicenter was likely around April 24.

 

O: 21APR2024 07:23:48  55.3N  164.9W ML=4.0  EMSC   UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P: 24APR2024 162520    54.2N  165.0W 3.5-5.1 BBAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

Enhanced seismicity also continued near the International Date Line (IDL) today.

The seismic forecast with the full moon of April 23 had expected this longitude zone to be active (see above tidal forecast). The strongest earthquake in this zone today was an M 5.1 in the Kermadec Islands where enhanced seismicity is expected with the full moon with the possibility of a moderate to strong earthquake at this time.

 

Forecast 162570 had expected today's Kermadec Islands quake was likely around April 26. Like the M 5.4 in Jalisco, Mexico today, this event is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 7.2 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the M 6.5 in New Britain of April 14, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 21APR2024 11:59:11  31.9S  178.0W MB=5.1  EMSC   KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION      

P: 26APR2024 162570    31.0S  177.0W 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  So. Kermadec Islands       

 

MODERATE QUAKE IN ICELAND

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 20, 2024

 

It was a relatively quiet day in global seismicity - even scattered minor

quakes related to the solar eclipse of April 8 ceased for the most part.

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today were an M 4.9 in Northern Algeria and an M 5.3 in the area of Iceland. The event in Iceland  was not associated with the current eruption near Reykjavik and was not reported felt in this remote area. These two events occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the upcoming full moon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses. The seismic forecast associated with this full moon as noted in this summary also emphasizes the regions of the Aleutians and the Tonga-Fiji-New Zealand arc as areas where enhanced seismicity is likely a this time as:

 

"The full moon will arrive on April 23, 2024 at 23:49 UT.  Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 5 East while those at local solar noon are near 175 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/Kermadec Islands, New Zealand to the Balleny Islands and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are moderate to high." (April 18-20, 2024)

 

The earthquake of M 5.3 in northeastern Iceland is the largest in that area within about 150 km since a series of moderately large events occurred near this epicenter in August and September, 2014 - a volcanic series which included events of M 5.6 and 5.7 on August 26 and 27, 2014. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The earthquake of M 5.7 in Iceland is the strongest recorded in that area  since an M 5.8 on September 16, 2002, the only other event of this size in  Iceland in the past 25 years. It is part of the sub-glacial Bardarbunga volcanic eruption in the central portion of that island. ...

 

 

The new moon arrived today at 1413 UT. ...  Half a day later within about 15 minutes of local solar midnight, the second strongest earthquake of the day occurred - an M 5.4-5.7 in the volcanic eruption in Iceland. These two events appear to have a strong element of tidal triggering in their timing. The other factor most apparent in today's seismicity was triggering by solar flares." (August 26, 2014)

 

Forecast 162259 had expected this epicenter would be active within about 25 km in mid-April. This earthquake is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.5 in New Britain of April 14, 2024 and at 102 degrees from the M 7.4 in Mindanao, Philippines of December 2, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 21APR2024 06:37:22  64.8N   17.1W MB=5.3  EMSC   ICELAND                      

P: 14APR2024 162259    65.0N   17.0W 3.0-4.6 AAAAA  Iceland area               

 

The M 4.9 in Northern Algeria was felt with moderate intensity in the epicentral area of Algeria. EMSC reported this earthquake of M 4.9 in Algeria was felt with intensity up to VI in the area(s) of  Algeria at Ighram, Aghbalou, Chorfa, Ain el Hammam, Saharidj, Ait Toudert, Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Magra, Alger Centre, Ramdane Djamel.  It is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.9 on November 12, 2022. A strong earthquake about 250 km northeast of today's epicenter Algeria occurred on March 18, 2021. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The Algerian authorities indicated that some people panicked and fled into the streets during the quake but there was no major damages or deaths reported. It was felt as far as Algiers." (March 18, 2021)

 

Today's event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses.

 

Forecasts 162185 and 162453 had expected today's event in Algeria was likely in mid-April within about 50 km of today's epicenter.

 

O: 20APR2024 12:44:15  35.4N    4.5E MB=4.9  EMSC   NORTHERN ALGERIA             

P: 11APR2024 162185    37.0N    5.0E 3.0-5.1 CBAAA  Western Mediterranean      

P: 22APR2024 162453    35.0N    4.0E 3.0-5.1 AAAAA  Western Mediterranean      

 

An M 5.1 also occurred as an aftershock to the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024.

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.1  in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien City. EMSC reported strong shaking in Taiwan in the Qingshui and Nangang Districts and in Taipei City. This is the strongest aftershock in Taiwan of that event since an M 5.2 on April 6, 2024

and the second strongest since immediate aftershocks of M 5.5 and 5.2 on April 3, 2024. Today's activity occurred near local solar noon when tidal stresses are high. This suggests that tidal promotion with the upcoming full moon may be occurring at this time and that further moderate to strong earthquakes may follow in the next several days in Taiwan.

 

Forecast 162126 had expected enhanced seismicity in Taiwan was likely

within about 100 km around April 20, 2024.

 

 

O: 21APR2024 03:07:15  24.1N  121.8E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 21APR2024 02:40:53  23.5N  121.6E MW=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P: 20APR2024 162126    23.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

In some ways this lull in seismicity recalls (loosely) the words of an ancient character:

 

"At last, I am restored to my former self - bloated and diabetic"

 

The current seismic conditions, however, are unlikely to last long as the upcoming full moon of April 23 finishes up the tidal stress triggering job begun on April 8. Together with effects related to the current geomagnetic storms this could bring interesting seismicity in the next 3-4 days.

 

The only event of interest along the solar eclipse path of April 8 today occurred at the epicenter of greatest eclipse in the world as an M 4.0 in Northern Mexico. The greatest eclipse occurred northwest of this at 18:19 UT on April 8, 2024. Today's event of M 4.0 is the strongest recorded within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.2 on June 5, 2023 and an M 5.0 on May 16, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"It was a quiet day in global seismicity. The strongest earthquakes of the day was an M 5.0 and aftershocks in Central Mexico ...

 

The M 5.0 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been triggered by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in more than 35 years." (May 16, 2023)

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.0 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of Mexico in Tlalnepantla.

 

Forecast 162099 had expected regional seismic enhancement in this area was likely around April 16, 2024. This event is at 101 degrees from the M 7.5 in western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 20APR2024 13:30:58  22.0N   99.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   SAN LUIS POTOSI, MEXICO      

P: 16APR2024 162099    19.0N  101.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

 

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE IN LOYALTY ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 19, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Loyalty Islands.

It was not reported felt in this remote area.  This event occurred near local solar midnight near the time of the full moon at a longitude which was expected to see maximum tidal stresses at this time. It was probably promoted by enhanced tidal stresses. The last earthquake with M>=5.5 in the Loyalty Islands was an M 5.8 on December 24, 2023. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the region of the Loyalty Islands and New Caledonia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the epicentral zone. This is probably an aftershock of the M 7.1 in southern Vanuatu of December 8, the strongest to date." (December 17, 2023)

 

Forecast 162552 had expected today’s event within about 100 km was likely

Around April 23.

 

O: 19APR2024 09:18:04  21.9S  170.8E MW=5.7  EMSC   SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS 

O: 19APR2024 09:18:01  21.9S  170.8E mw=5.7  ANSS   Loyalty Islands

P: 23APR2024 162552    23.0S  170.0E 4.0-5.4 BBAAA  Loyalty Islands            

 

Unusual earthquakes occurred in two oceanic areas today. The strongest of these was an M 5.2 in the Central mid-Atlantic but an M 4.5 also occurred in the Arctic Ocean north of Greenland. This event occurred near local solar noon. The last earthquake of M>=4.5 within about 250 km of this epicenter north of Greenland occurred two years ago on April 21, 2022 with M 5.1, the largest in this area since an M 5.6 on August 10, 1993.

 

O: 19APR2024 14:01:37  82.9N   23.0W MB=4.5  EMSC   NEAR NORTH COAST OF GREENLAND

 

The earthquake in the Central mid-Atlantic of M 5.2 is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.5 on November 6, 2023.

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not felt in this remote area. This event occurred near local solar noon - a time when geomagnetic and tidal stresses maximize.  It coincided with a major geomagnetic storm ..." (November 6, 2023)

 

Today's event - near the geomagnetic equator - also occurred with a major geomagnetic storm as noted in this summary:

 

"The planetary geomagnetic field today saw stormy conditions with AP 41. High latitudes saw stormy  conditions with AP 46. Medium latitudes saw stormy conditions with AP 21. This is the strongest geomagnetic storm since global AP reached 64 on March 24, 2024. It is likely this will enhance global seismicity in the next five days but not immediately until ring currents form in the ionosphere." (April 20, 2024)

 

Forecast 162064 had expected this event in the Mid-Atlantic within about 50 km was likely around April 19.  This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 19APR2024 11:00:41   1.2S   24.4W MB=5.2  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

O: 19APR2024 11:00:40   1.1S   24.4W mb=5.2  ANSS   central Mid-Atlantic Ridge"

P: 19APR2024 162064     1.0S   24.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Central Mid-Atlantic       

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Alaska Peninsula. It was not reported felt in the area. This is the strongest earthquake in the Alaska Peninsula within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 4.6 on June 16, 2023. The last of larger magnitude occurred a year ago

on April 24, 2023 with M 4.8.

 

Forecasts 162229 and 162500 had expected enhanced seismicity in the Alaska Peninsula area in mid-April. This epicenter (like the M 5.2 in the mid-Atlantic today) is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 19APR2024 07:27:34  55.4N  157.1W MW=4.6  EMSC   ALASKA PENINSULA             

P: 15APR2024 162229    54.8N  158.7W 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

P: 22APR2024 162500    54.7N  156.9W 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  Alaska Peninsula           

 

A series of light earthquake occurred today in the central Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. They were not reported felt. The largest of these was an M 3.7 which occurred near local solar midnight and may have been influenced by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

 

Forecast 162502 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area within about

100 km of today's epicenter was likely around April 22.

 

O: 20APR2024 06:33:47  51.7N  177.5W ML=3.4  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

O: 19APR2024 16:05:27  51.8N  177.5W ML=3.6  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

O: 19APR2024 18:17:38  51.8N  177.5W ML=3.5  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

O: 19APR2024 12:53:55  51.7N  177.5W ML=3.7  EMSC   ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS

P: 22APR2024 162502    51.0N  177.1W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

A light earthquake of M 3.4 occurred today in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with  M>=3.4 occurred on November 19, 2022 with M 4.1. Today's event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by high tidal stresses.

 

Forecast 162264 expected this earthquake was likely within about 50 km around

April 13, 2024.

 

O: 18APR2024 10:41:24  70.7N  136.4W MB=3.4  ECAN OF TUKTOYAKTUK, NT              

P: 13APR2024 162264    71.0N  134.0W 2.5-4.2 BAAAA  Yukon Territory, Canada    

 

Light earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada along the path of total eclipse of the sun of April 8 continued today. In addition to strong continuing  activity in the Gulf of California and Jalisco and Michoacan, Mexico, minor earthquakes along this path occurred today in Ontario (M 2.2); Missouri (M 1.4, 2.0); Southern Texas (M 2.8, 2.5) and New Brunswick (M 1.8).

 

 

O: 19APR2024 21:24:25  29.0N   97.8W ML=2.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 19APR2024 15:15:18  29.0N   97.8W ML=2.8  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

P: 14APR2024 162122    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.4 BAAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.5 in Southern Texas was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Southern Texas in Karnes City.

 

O: 19APR2024 03:35:54  45.5N   74.9W MB=2.2  ECAN OF ALFRED, ON                  

P: 22APR2024 162477    45.7N   75.2W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  New York State             

 

O: 18APR2024 09:29:06  45.1N   67.9W MB=1.8  ECAN OF ST. STEPHEN, NB             

P: 18APR2024 162199    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 ABAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 19APR2024 13:32:55  36.6N   89.7W md=1.4  ANSS   WSW of Howardville Missouri

O: 20APR2024 06:54:53  36.5N   89.5W MD=2.0  ANSS   ESE OF MARSTON MISSOURI      

P: 21APR2024 162422    36.5N   89.6W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

O: 19APR2024 11:03:47  26.1N  110.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 08:16:24  26.2N  110.7W ML=4.3  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 09:20:28  26.2N  110.7W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 09:27:56  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 14:16:13  26.2N  110.7W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 15:52:17  26.2N  110.7W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 18:17:57  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 20APR2024 05:06:14  26.2N  110.7W mb=4.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 08:03:31  26.3N  110.6W ML=4.3  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 09:39:39  26.3N  110.9W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 10:03:20  26.3N  110.7W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 10:49:52  26.3N  110.6W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 16:18:55  26.3N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 20:04:48  26.3N  110.5W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 07:53:23  26.4N  110.4W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 24APR2024 162381    26.0N  110.0W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Gulf of California          

 

NEIC reported these aftershocks of M 4.4 in the Gulf of California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  the Gulf of California in Loreto, Mexico.

 

 

MODERATELY LARGE EARTHQUAKES IN GULF OF CALIFORNIA AND TURKEY

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 18, 2024

 

The strongest earthquakes in the world today occurred within one minute of each

other. They were reported by NEIC with magnitude M 5.6 in the Gulf of California

and M 5.6 in Western Turkey. The event in Turkey was reported with intensity VII

to have been felt with intensity up to VII in Sulusaray, Turkey. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in western Turkey with M>=5.6 occurred on August 14, 1996 with M 5.7-5.8. A major earthquake occurred about 300 km southeast of this epicenter on February 6, 2023  with M 7.8 and did much damage in the area of central Turkey. EMSC reported strong shaking in Turkey at Balikhisar, Korucuk, Bedirkale, Turhal, Ahishavi, Istanbulluoglu, Kizilkoy, Yunus Emre, Yeniyol, Karsiyaka, Buyukbeybagi, Kaleardi, Esentepe, and up to 350 km from the epicenter in Toros, Turkey.

 

Forecast 162479 had expected today's earthquake in Central Turkey was likely within about 100 km around April 23, 2024.

 

O: 18APR2024 18:43:29  40.1N   36.0E Mw=4.0  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 18APR2024 19:31:45  40.1N   36.0E Mw=4.4  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 18APR2024 21:09:55  40.1N   36.0E Mw=4.1  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY

O: 18APR2024 15:11:25  40.0N   36.0E Mw=5.6  EMSC   CENTRAL TURKEY               

O: 18APR2024 15:11:25  40.0N   36.0E mw=5.6  ANSS   W of Sulusaray Turkey

P: 23APR2024 162479    41.0N   36.0E 3.5-5.3 BAAAA  No. Turkey/Black Sea       

 

The earthquake of M 5.6 in the Gulf of California was the largest event to date in a swarm which began after the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 which was visible in this epicentral area around 18:20 UT. While not total at this epicenter the maximum of this eclipse occurred about 400 km south of this epicenter over Jalisco, Mexico. It is likely that strong tidal stresses from that alignment helped promote today's moderate earthquake in the area. A foreshock of M 5.2 occurred in the region earlier in the day and was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to IV in Loreto, Mexico. That event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was likely promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake of M>=5.6 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the Gulf of California was an M 6.3 on January 19, 2018. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The M 6.3 is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.5 on October 19, 2013. The largest event in the areas in the past 25 years was an M 6.6 on January 4, 2006 and a similar M 6.6 on August 28, 1995. Occasionally large earthquakes in the Gulf of California can increase seismicity along strike-slip faults to the north including along the southern San Andreas in California." (January 19, 2018)

 

Forecast 162114 and 162115 had expected this activity in the Gulf of California was likely in mid-April. This activity is at 108 degrees from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2 and at 105 degrees from the New Guinea quake of March 23 (M 6.9) and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. These events are also located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and the Loyalty Islands of M 7.1 of December 7, 2023 and at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 18APR2024 22:15:41  26.0N  110.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 09:58:55  26.1N  110.6W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 16:13:42  26.1N  110.9W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 07:39:39  26.3N  110.6W mw=5.2  ANSS   ENE of Loreto Mexico

O: 18APR2024 22:27:53  26.1N  110.8W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 09:53:24  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 10:05:34  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 10:09:08  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 11:14:09  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 11:47:31  26.2N  110.7W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 12:38:51  26.2N  110.7W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 13:33:41  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 22:29:09  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 01:26:37  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.3  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 04:30:24  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.3  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 09:19:26  26.3N  110.3W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 10:16:03  26.3N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 15:12:40  26.3N  110.4W Mw=5.6  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 01:54:54  26.3N  110.5W ML=4.3  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 07:39:41  26.4N  110.5W Mw=5.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 10:49:55  26.4N  110.5W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 09:49:23  26.5N  110.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 16:04:00  25.8N  110.6W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

O: 18APR2024 15:12:38  26.2N  110.5W mw=5.6  ANSS   ENE of Loreto Mexico

P: 15APR2024 162115    25.0N  113.0W 3.5-5.1 BABAA  Gulf of California         

P: 24APR2024 162381    26.0N  110.0W 3.5-5.1 CAAAA  Gulf of California         

 

 

 

Other unusual earthquakes along the path of the total eclipse of the sun of April 8 continued today with an M 2.2 in Illinois and a smaller event south of this in Missouri. An M 3.0 hit this region of Illinois on March 28, 2024 following an M 3.1 on December 18, 2023 and this may be an aftershock of that event. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"An unusually large M 3.1 earthquake shook areas of Illinois (US) today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Waltonville, Illinois. NEIC also reported light shaking in Wayne County, Illinois near Mount Vernon. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Du Quoin, Illinois. An earthquake of M 3.6 hit about 300 km north of this epicenter on November 15, 2023 but the last event of M>=3.1 in Illinois within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on September 19, 2017 and September 9, 2017 with M 3.8 and 3.1." (December 18, 2023)

 

This epicenter lies directly on the path of total eclipse of April 8 and  may have been influenced by energy related to tidal effects with that eclipse. The eclipse was visible at this epicenter at 19:19:02 UT for four minutes.

 

Forecasts 161880 and 162153 had expected this activity was likely with the eclipse between April 7 and 15, 2024. These events in Missouri and Illinois are located at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Islands of April 5, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources

 

O: 19APR2024 01:05:52  38.4N   89.1W ML=2.2  EMSC   ILLINOIS                     

O: 19APR2024 01:05:52  38.4N   89.1W mb=2.2  ANSS   E of Richview Illinois

P:  7APR2024 161880    38.0N   89.0W 2.0-4.3 DAAAA  New Madrid area            

P: 15APR2024 162153    38.0N   91.0W 2.0-4.3 BABAA  New Madrid area            

 

 

This epicenter in Missouri falls on the path of total eclipse of the sun on April 8. The eclipse was visible at this epicenter around 18:58-19:00 UT for

4 minutes 11 seconds. It is likely that stresses associated with the eclipse have helped promote this, and a number of other minor earthquakes along the eclipse path in the past two weeks.

 

Forecasts 162422 had expected this activity was likely within about 10 km around April 21, 2024.

 

O: 18APR2024 08:15:08  36.5N   89.5W MD=1.6  ANSS   ESE OF MARSTON MISSOURI      

P: 21APR2024 162422    36.5N   89.6W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

 

A major eruption of Mount Ruang on Sanguine Islands, Indonesis occurred today. It was accompanied by tsunami warnings and falling volcanic ash and projectile bombs. Ruang is located in the area of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia and erupted at least five times in the past 24 hours. The local airport at Manado has been shut down temporarily and access to the area is being restricted while residents are evacuated.

 

The volcanic eruption in Iceland which has been ongoing for the past month also made a resurgence today with a major eruption today.

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or California today was an M 4.3 in Central California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.3 in Central California was felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of  Central California in Bodfish.

An aftershock of M 3.2 was felt with intensity V in Bodfish, California. A number of other aftershocks were also felt lightly.  EMSC reported the mainshock was strongly felt in California at Bodfish, Lake Isabella, Wofford Heights, Caliente, Weldon, where buildings shook, Kernville, Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Arvin, Springville, Delano, Porterville, Ridgecrest, Tulare among others. Today's mainshock occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was  probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake with M>=4.3 in this area of California was an M 4.2 on April 19, 2014 exactly 10 years ago. The last of larger magnitude was an M 5.1 on September 29, 2004. At the time of the event of April 19, 2014 this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. outside Alaska was an M 4.3 in Central

California. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Wofford Heights and II-III in East Tulare County, Bodfish, Lake Isabella, Wasco, Weldon, Bakersfield, California City, Caliente and Tehachapi, California. This is the largest earthquake within 50 km of this epicenter since an M 5.1 on September 29, 2004. An M 4.2-4.3 hit the area on July 24, 2013." (April 19, 2014)

 

Forecast 162173 had expected today's activity in this region was likely within about 15 km  around April 19, 2024. This activity is located at 103-104 degrees from recent strong and major earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and at 102 degrees from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 18APR2024 19:19:18  35.5N  118.5W Mw=4.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

O: 18APR2024 20:15:09  35.5N  118.5W ML=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 20:34:26  35.5N  118.5W ML=2.4  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 21:20:33  35.5N  118.5W ML=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 19APR2024 04:51:41  35.5N  118.5W ML=3.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 19:19:18  35.5N  118.5W mw=4.3  ANSS   km S of Bodfish

P: 19APR2024 162173    35.6N  118.4W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  So. California             

 

The strong swarm of earthquakes in the Vancouver, British Columbia area which began yesterday with M 4.9 events continued today. The strongest of today's events were of M 4.4 and an M 4.1 which occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. In the previous issue of this summary  it was reported in part:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Port McNeill, Canada. This activity began with an M 4.9 near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Vancouver Island area with M>=4.9 occurred on October 16, 2023. That event was probably an aftershock  of an M 5.6 on September 17, 2023." (April 18, 2024)

 

Forecast 162233 had expected today's activity was likely within about 50 km  of today's events in mid-April.

 

O: 18APR2024 09:18:23  50.0N  130.2W MB=3.8  ECAN OF HOLBERG, BC   

O: 18APR2024 07:36:37  50.0N  130.2W MB=3.5  ECAN OF HOLBERG, BC   

O: 18APR2024 08:40:12  50.3N  129.9W mb=4.1  ANSS   Port McNeill Canada

O: 18APR2024 06:41:42  49.9N  130.2W MB=4.4  ECAN OF HOLBERG, BC                 

P: 14APR2024 162233    50.6N  130.5W 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  British Colombia           

 

Other moderate to large earthquakes in the world today occurred as an M 5.4 in the Volcano Islands of southern Japan. This is the strongest earthquake in the Volcano Islands since an M 6.0 on February 12, 2024 and may be an aftershock of that mainshock.

 

Forecast 162127 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around April 18.

 

O: 18APR2024 09:29:16  22.8N  143.2E Mw=5.4  EMSC   VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION

O: 18APR2024 09:29:16  22.8N  143.3E mw=5.4  ANSS   Volcano Islands Japan region"

P: 18APR2024 162127    23.0N  144.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Volcano Islands     

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES SHIKOKU, JAPAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 17, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today damaged areas of Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 6.3 in Shikoku, Japan was felt with intensity up to IX in the area(s) of  Shikoku, Japan in Uwajima.  EMSC reported to strong to damaging shaking in Shikoku at Beppu, Kumamoto, Hakata, Chuo, Kita, Minami, Japan. Minor damage throughout the area was reported by world press but no major damage or casualties were reported. The last earthquake in Shikoku, Japan within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=6.3 occurred on January 21, 2022 and prior to that as an M 7.0 on April 15, 2016. On January 21, 2022 this

summary noted:

  

"The strongest of today's earthquakes - of M 6.3-6.6 shook the area of Shikoku, Japan today. NEIC reported maximum intensity VI in Miyazaki and Oita; V in Ehime, and Kumamoto Prefectures, Japan. Reuters reported this event injured more than 13 people and did considerable damage to buildings, water pipes and roads.

Shaking with moderate intensity was reported in Oita and Miyazaki Prefectures with 5+ on the Japanese intensity scale (about VIII MMI). There was no reported damage to nuclear power plants in the area and no tsunami was reported. The last earthquake of M>=6.3 in Shikoku within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 7.0 on April 15, 2016 and prior to that an M 6.6 on March 20, 2005. In the past 30 years the only similar activity in the area occurred in late 1996 with a series of events of M 6.6, 7.0 and 6.9. Aftershocks of M 4.6 and 4.9 were reported felt with intensity II-III in Yamguchi and Nagasaki (VI) Prefectures, Japan. Today's event occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by SFE as well as by high tidal stresses associated with the Full Moon of January 17 which maximize near this hour." (January 21, 2022)

 

NEIC reported today’s earthquake of M 6.3 in Shikoku, Japan was felt with intensity up to IX in the area(s) of  Shikoku, Japan in Uwajima.

 

Forecast 162147 had expected today's event in this region was likely  around April 14, 2024. This epicenter is located at 145 degrees from the M 6.7 in

Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 17APR2024 14:14:45  33.2N  132.4E Mw=6.2  EMSC   SHIKOKU, JAPAN

O: 17APR2024 14:27:30  33.2N  132.3E ML=4.3  EMSC   SHIKOKU, JAPAN               

O: 17APR2024 14:14:45  33.2N  132.4E mw=6.3  ANSS   WSW of Uwajima Japan

P: 14APR2024 162147    34.0N  132.0E 3.5-5.0 BAAAA  Kyushu, Japan area         

 

Moderately strong earthquakes of M 5.4-5.5 each also occurred today in Tonga and in Nicaragua. The earthquake in Tonga may set off a new round of stronger events on this arc with the coming full moon of April 23 after a period of relative quiet in the region  which began in late January 2024. This event occurred 10 minutes after an M 5.5 in Nicaragua. These two epicenters  are separated by  94 degrees. The P-wave from Nicaragua was located in Tonga at the event there and may have helped to promote that subsequent event. Forecast 162290 had expected today's event in Tonga was likely within about 25 km around April 16. This epicenter is located at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 7.4 from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 17APR2024 21:31:48  21.3S  177.9W mw=5.4  ANSS   W of Houma Tonga

O: 17APR2024 21:31:50  21.2S  177.9W MW=5.4  EMSC   FIJI REGION                  

P: 16APR2024 162290    21.0S  178.0W 4.0-5.9 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

 

The earthquake in Nicaragua was the strongest within about 200 km of that epicenter since an M 6.7 on April 21, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in Nicaragua. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in El Crucero, Managua, Diriamba, La Paz Centro Leon, and Ciudad Sandino with IV in El Jicaro, San Rafael del Sur, Villa El Carmen, Nagarote, Jinotepa Carazo.

 

...

 

The last earthquake in Nicaragua within about 250 km of today's epicenter with equal or larger magnitude occurred on September 5, 2012 with M 7.6 and prior to that an M 7.0 on October 9, 2004.  Forecast 142703 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 19." (April 21, 2022)

 

NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.5 in Nicaragua was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Nicaragua in Cardenas. EMSC reported strong shaking in Nicaragua at Cidad Sandino, Nagarote, and in Costa Rica at La Asuncion, San Antonio, Curridabat, Aserri, Dulce Nombre, Puerto Cortes.

 

Forecast 162101 had expected today's event in Nicaragua was likely within about

50 km around April 17, 2024. This epicenter is located at 145 degrees from the M 6.8 in the Talaud Islands of January 8, 2024 and Mindanao of December 2, 2023 and at 104 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Loyalty Islands of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 17APR2024 21:21:54  11.2N   85.4W MW=5.5  EMSC   NICARAGUA                     

O: 17APR2024 21:21:54  11.1N   85.3W mw=5.5  ANSS   ESE of Cardenas Nicaragua

P: 17APR2024 162101    11.0N   86.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Nicaragua                  

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Port McNeill, Canada. This activity began with an M 4.9 near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Vancouver Island area with M>=4.9 occurred on October 16, 2023. That event was probably an aftershock  of an M 5.6 on September 17, 2023. At this time this summary had noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Vancouver Island area of British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in British Columbia at Port Hardy, Prince Rupert and IV in Gresham, Oregon. Lesser shaking was reported in British Columbia in Vancouver, Victoria,; in Washington at Freeland, Seattle and in Portland, Oregon. It is likely that this event was promoted by the new moon and solar eclipse of October 14, 2023 which was visible at this epicenter at 16:14 UT - the beginning of the eclipse ...

 

...

 

A similar earthquake of M 5.6 hit Vancouver Island with the last new moon on

September 17, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-5.9 west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported it was felt with light shaking I-III in British Columbia at Parksville, Gibsons, Vancouver and perhaps as far as Oregon and Northern California. Foreshocks of M 4.5 and 4.3 preceded the mainshock and may have been felt lightly in the epicentral area." (October 16, 2023)

 

A lunar eclipse occurred with the last full moon of March 25, 2024 and was followed the next day by an M 5.8 in this area off the coast of Oregon. This may be repeated with the next full moon of April 23, 2024. The expected seismicity with this coming full moon has been detailed in this and previous issues of this  summary as:

 

 

"The full moon will arrive on April 23, 2024 at 23:49 UT.  Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this time are located at about 5 East while those at local solar noon are near 175 West. In the east these include most of western Europe and Iceland while in the west areas of the western Aleutians, Alaska, Hawaii, Tonga/Fiji/Kermadec Islands, New Zealand to the Balleny Islands and portions of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge are included. These are the most likely areas to see significant tidal triggering with this full moon. Other areas may also see tidal promotion in the next week especially at times of large solar flares and near local solar midnight and solar noon. The likelihood of a strong associated earthquake with this full moon are moderate to high." (April 16-18, 2024)

 

Forecast 162233 had expected these events were likely within about 50 km

in the Vancouver Island area was likely around April 14.

 

O: 18APR2024 06:06:05  50.3N  129.8W Mw=4.9  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGION

O: 18APR2024 06:41:40  50.4N  130.8W mb=4.6  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGION

O: 18APR2024 06:06:05  50.3N  129.9W mr=4.9  ANSS   Port McNeill Canada

O: 17APR2024 21:46:15  50.2N  129.9W mw=4.9  ANSS   Port McNeill Canada

O: 18APR2024 06:06:08  50.1N  130.1W MB=4.3  ECAN W OF PORT ALICE, BC 

O: 17APR2024 21:46:13  50.0N  130.1W MB=4.3  ECAN OF HOLBERG, BC   

O: 17APR2024 20:25:01  50.0N  130.2W MB=3.0  ECAN OF HOLBERG, BC   

O: 17APR2024 21:46:15  50.2N  130.0W MW=4.9  EMSC   VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO

P: 14APR2024 162233    50.6N  130.5W 3.0-5.0 BAAAA  British Colombia           

 

An M 5.2-5.3 also occurred today in the Gulf of California, Mexico. This follows a strong regional foreshock sequence. Earthquakes in this area of M 5.3,  M 4.9 and M 4.7 in the Gulf of California were felt with intensity up to VIII in the area(s) of  the Gulf of California in Loreto and Pozo Dulce. In the previous issue of this summary this swarm was reported as:

 

"A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today in the Gulf of California, Mexico today. The largest of these was an M 4.9. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Loreto, Mexico. EMSC reported light shaking in the epicentral area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.9 occurred on February 15, 2024 (M 5.1) with events of 4.9 on May 10, 2023 and M 5.4 on September 28, 2022. The current activity in the Gulf of California began with a series of light to moderate earthquakes on April 7 and April 8 with the solar eclipse of April 8. This epicenter is near the epicenter of greatest solar eclipse with this event and was expected to see enhanced seismicity at this time.  A stronger – perhaps a moderately strong event - is possible as this swarm continues in the next several days." (April 17, 2024)

 

 

NEIC reported today's earthquakes of M 4.9 and M 4.7 in the Gulf of California were felt with intensity up to VIII in the area(s) of  the Gulf of California in Loreto.

 

Forecast 162114 and 162115 had expected this activity in the Gulf of California was likely in mid-April. This activity is at 108 degrees from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2 and at 105 degrees from the New Guinea quake of March 23 (M 6.9) and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. These events are also located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and the Loyalty Islands of M 7.1 of December 7, 2023 and at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 17APR2024 16:12:01  26.0N  110.9W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 09:43:33  26.1N  110.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 07:07:40  26.2N  110.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 08:10:20  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 08:32:13  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 08:42:05  26.2N  110.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 13:52:46  26.3N  110.6W mw=4.7  ANSS   ENE of Loreto Mexico

O: 17APR2024 11:58:07  26.2N  110.6W mw=4.9  ANSS   ENE of Loreto Mexico

O: 17APR2024 11:58:08  26.2N  110.7W Mw=4.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 20:03:35  26.2N  110.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 20:40:39  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 21:35:44  26.2N  110.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 22:01:02  26.2N  110.7W ML=4.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 00:22:45  26.2N  110.6W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 04:22:47  26.2N  110.5W Mw=4.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 07:39:39  26.3N  110.6W Mw=5.2  ANSS   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 08:43:26  26.3N  110.7W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 13:52:46  26.3N  110.7W Mw=4.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 21:10:27  26.3N  110.5W ML=3.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 22:19:13  26.3N  110.5W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 22:25:39  26.3N  110.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 01:34:56  26.3N  110.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 18APR2024 00:27:04  26.4N  110.3W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 15APR2024 162115    28.0N  112.0W 3.5-5.1 BBBAA  Gulf of California         

 

 

A rare earthquake of M 3.0 occurred on April 13, 2024 in Nova Scotia, Canada.  The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter on April 8, 2024 at 19:40 UT. No earthquakes of M>=3 have been located within about 200 km of this epicenter in Nova Scotia by NEIC in the past 35 years. An M 3.9 was located about 250 km southeast of today's epicenter on August 6, 2018 – the only such regional earthquake recorded in the past three decades. It appears likely that this event was promoted by strong tidal stresses with the eclipse.

 

O: 13APR2024 23:13:16  45.7N   59.4W MB=3.0  ECAN OF LOUISBOURG, NS              

 

The swarm of earthquakes in southern Texas near Stockdale, Falls City and Nixon continued today with events of M 2.6 and 2.7 among others. This swarm began yesterday and was reported in this summary in part as:

 

"A strong series of light earthquakes occurred today in Southern Texas near Nixon and Stockdale. The largest of today's events in this region was an  M 3.2. The last earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude in this region of Southern Texas was an M 4.7 on February 17, 2024 with aftershocks of M 4.0 on February 22 and M 3.4 on February 23, 2024.

 

...

 

Today's event of M 3.2 lies under the path of the total solar eclipse of April 8 and was probably promoted by energy from that tidal alignment." (April 17, 2024)

 

Forecast 162122 had expected this event was likely around April 14 within about 100 km of today's epicenter. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 on March 3, 2024 and at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mariana Islands and the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of April 4, 2004 and December 7, 2003 and may have been promoted by energy from  that source.

 

O: 18APR2024 02:02:41  29.1N   97.8W ML=2.7  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 18APR2024 02:31:00  29.1N   97.8W ml=2.1  ANSS   SE of Stockdale Texas

O: 18APR2024 02:02:41  29.1N   97.8W ml=2.6  ANSS   Falls City Texas

O: 18APR2024 00:02:48  29.1N   97.8W ml=1.8  ANSS   SSW of Nixon Texas

O: 18APR2024 02:31:00  29.1N   97.8W ML=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

P: 14APR2024 162122    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.4 BBAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

SERIES OF MODERATE QUAKES IN CALIFORNIA; GULF OF CALIFORNIA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 16, 2024

 

A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today in the Gulf of California, Mexico today. The largest of these was an M 4.9. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Loreto, Mexico. EMSC reported light shaking in the epicentral area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.9 occurred on February 15, 2024 (M 5.1) with events of 4.9 on May 10, 2023 and M 5.4 on September 28, 2022. The current activity in the Gulf of California began with a series of light to moderate earthquakes on April 7 and April 8 with the solar eclipse of April 8. This epicenter is near the epicenter of greatest solar eclipse with this event and was expected to see enhanced seismicity at this time.  A stronger – perhaps a moderately strong event - is possible as this swarm continues in the next several days.

 

Forecast 162114 and 162115 had expected this activity in the Gulf of California was likely in mid-April. This activity is at 108 degrees from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2 and at 105 degrees from the New Guinea quake of March 23 (M 6.9) and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. These events are also located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and the Loyalty Islands of M 7.1 of December 7, 2023 and at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 17APR2024 05:12:48  26.0N  110.7W mb=4.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 22:57:41  26.1N  110.6W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 01:45:14  26.1N  110.6W Mw=4.9  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 05:35:35  26.2N  110.5W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 07:07:40  26.2N  110.8W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 21:13:15  26.3N  110.6W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 21:09:45  26.4N  110.4W ML=4.2  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 21:32:14  26.4N  110.6W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 01:40:58  26.4N  111.1W ML=4.0  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 23:50:15  25.7N  110.5W ML=4.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 11APR2024 162114    24.0N  109.0W 3.5-4.9 BBBAA  Gulf of California         

P: 15APR2024 162115    25.0N  113.0W 3.5-5.1 AACAA  Gulf of California         

 

A series of light to moderate earthquakes occurred today in the area of Coso Junction, California. NEIC reported these events including an M 3.4, 3.4, 3.4 and 3.9 were felt with intensity up to III in Coso Junction, CA. This is the strongest earthquake (M 3.9) in the Coso Junction area of Central California since an M 4.6 on July 15, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Ridgecrest area of Central California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.6 in the California-Nevada border region was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of the California-Nevada border region with IV in Ridgecrest and Trona and lesser shaking in Inyokern, Weldon, Lake Isabella, Bodfish, Caliente, East Tulare County, Mojave and Wofford Heights. This is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.8  on August 19, 2020 - an aftershock of an M 5.8 on June 24, 2020.  A series of moderate to strong earthquake began in this area of Ridgecrest in July 4 and 6, 2019 with M 6.4 and M 7.1 among many other moderate associated shocks. Today's event was likely triggered by high tidal stresses with the full moon of July 13 ..." (July 15, 2022)

 

Forecast 162174 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around

April 17, 2024. This epicenter is at 103-107 degrees from recent strong to major earthquakes in Talaud and Mindanao, Philippines and at 102 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 16APR2024 15:24:15  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.5  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 15:25:39  36.1N  117.9W ML=3.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 15:29:08  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 16:08:14  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.0  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 17:43:11  36.1N  117.9W ML=3.3  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 18:54:41  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 21:20:23  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.1  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 17APR2024 01:21:41  36.1N  117.9W ML=2.2  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 15:23:26  36.1N  117.9W mw=3.9  ANSS   NNE of Coso Junction

O: 16APR2024 15:23:25  36.1N  117.9W MW=3.9  EMSC   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA           

P: 17APR2024 162174    35.9N  117.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

A series of earthquakes also occurred in the northern Gulf of California today following a brief period of relative quiet in the area. The largest of these was an M 4.1. The last swarm in this area with M>=4.1 as maximum size occurred on July 16, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

“A strong swarm of earthquakes also occurred today in Baja and the Gulf of  California, Mexico. The strongest earthquakes in this series occurred within  minutes of local solar noon with M 4.6 and 4.3 but the series began with smaller event including an M 4.0 shortly after the M 7.2 in the Alaska Peninsula.  NEIC reported the earthquake of M 4.6 in the Gulf of California, Mexico was felt with intensity II-III in the area(s) of  Sonora, Mexico in Puerto Penasco (VI) and Sonoita; in San Felipe, Baja California and in Arizona at Somerton (IV), Wellton, and Sells. Several moderate earthquakes including an M 4.2 were also felt in Baja California today. These were felt lightly in Baja California at Tijuana. This activity was probably triggered by strong tidal stresses with the new moon of July 17." (July 16, 2023)

 

Today's events were most prominent in the area around local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.

 

Forecast 162164 had expected this activity in the northern Gulf of California was likely around April 16. This epicenter is located at 106 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China and at 103 degrees from Taiwan of M 7.4 on April 2, 2024 and the M 6.9 in New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 16APR2024 08:11:00  30.7N  114.4W ML=3.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 08:21:18  31.4N  114.5W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 08:32:32  31.4N  114.5W ML=3.5  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 09:23:52  31.4N  114.5W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 09:27:55  31.4N  114.6W ML=4.1  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 10:15:39  31.4N  114.5W ML=3.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 10:25:45  31.4N  114.4W ML=3.8  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 21:27:22  31.4N  114.4W ML=3.7  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA

O: 16APR2024 09:06:26  30.6N  114.5W ML=3.4  EMSC   GULF OF CALIFORNIA           

P: 16APR2024 162164    30.2N  114.1W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

 

A rare earthquake of M 3.0 occurred today in Nova Scotia, Canada.  The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter on April 8, 2024 at 19:40 UT. No earthquakes of M>=3 have been located within about 200 km of this epicenter in Nova Scotia by NEIC in the past 35 years. An M 3.9 was located about 250 km southeast of today's epicenter on August 6, 2018 – the only such regional earthquake recorded in the past three decades. It appears likely that this event was promoted by strong tidal stresses with the eclipse.

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.3 in the western

Fox Islands, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 150 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.3 occurred as an M 4.7 on April 10, 2024 and M 4.8 on February 12, 2024. At the time of the April 10 event this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today were an M 4.7 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Alaska and an M 4.8 in the Unimak Islands. The event in the western Andreanof Islands was reported felt with intensity II (by NEIC) in Atka, Alaska. The last earthquake of M>=4.7 in the area of today's Andreanof Island event occurred as an M 4.8 on February 12, 2024 and December 4, 2023. The last event of significantly larger magnitude in that area was an M 5.6 on October 12, 2023." (April 10, 2024)

 

Forecast 162232 had expected this event in this region was likely around April 12, 2024.

 

O: 17APR2024 01:48:27  52.4N  170.4W mb=4.3  ANSS   WSW of Nikolski Alaska

O: 17APR2024 01:48:28  52.4N  170.5W MB=4.3  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 12APR2024 162232    52.1N  171.8W 3.5-5.1 BAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

A strong series of light earthquakes occurred today in Southern Texas near Nixon and Stockdale. The largest of today's events in this region was an M 3.2. The last earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude in this region of Southern Texas was an M 4.7 on February 17, 2024 with aftershocks of M 4.0 on February 22 and M 3.4 on February 23, 2024. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in southern Texas. This event was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity up to VI in Falls City, Texas. Aftershocks of M 3.7 and 3.3 followed and were felt in the same area. EMSC reported the mainshocks were felt as far as San Antonio where beds shook and people were awakened. It followed a series of foreshocks including an M 4.4 twelve minutes earlier which was felt with intensity up to V in Falls City, Texas. An M 3.9 foreshock  was also felt with intensity up to V in the Falls City area of Texas. Today's activity occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. An X2.3 solar flare occurred on February 16, 2024 when this epicenter was at local solar midnight. This flare may have helped trigger this unusually large earthquake." (February 17, 2024)

 

Today's event of M 3.2 lies under the path of the total solar eclipse of April 8 and was probably promoted by energy from that tidal alignment.

 

Forecast 162122 had expected this event was likely around April 14 within about 100 km of today's epicenter. This activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 on March 3, 2024 and at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mariana Islands and the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of April 4, 2004 and December 7, 2003 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 16APR2024 21:30:17  29.0N   97.8W ML=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 17APR2024 00:11:00  29.1N   97.8W ML=3.2  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 17APR2024 00:38:38  29.1N   97.8W ML=2.1  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS

O: 17APR2024 01:40:18  29.1N   97.8W ML=2.4  EMSC   SOUTHERN TEXAS               

O: 17APR2024 01:40:18  29.1N   97.8W ml=2.4  ANSS   SE of Stockdale Texas

O: 17APR2024 01:10:40  29.1N   97.8W ml=1.6  ANSS   SSW of Nixon Texas

O: 17APR2024 01:02:13  29.1N   97.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Falls City Texas

O: 17APR2024 00:38:38  29.1N   97.8W ml=2.1  ANSS   SSW of Nixon Texas

O: 17APR2024 00:11:00  29.1N   97.8W ml=3.2  ANSS   SE of Stockdale Texas

O: 16APR2024 21:30:17  29.0N   97.8W ml=2.1  ANSS   NNW of Runge Texas

O: 16APR2024 19:00:54  29.1N   97.8W ml=1.7  ANSS   Falls City Texas

P: 14APR2024 162122    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.4 BBAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 near Guam. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Inarajan, Guam. The last earthquake of equal or larger magnitude within the area of Guam within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred on October 20, 2023 with M 5.8.

 

Forecast 162107 had expected this activity in Guam was likely within about

100 km around April 16, 2024. This epicenter is at 143 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 16APR2024 14:58:56  13.0N  145.4E MB=5.5  EMSC   GUAM REGION                  

O: 16APR2024 14:58:55  12.9N  145.4E mb=5.5  ANSS   Inarajan Village Guam

P: 16APR2024 162107    14.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  So. Marianas/Guam          

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 15, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Koshima, Japan. It is the strongest in the northern Ryukyu Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.1 on December 9, 2021. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the northern Ryukyu Islands, Japan. NEIC reported maximum shaking with this event of VI in Nago, Okinawa with IV in Naha, Okinawa and in Kagoshima at Naze, Nishinoomote and lesser shaking in Ibusuki and Kanoya, Kagoshima and in Hirara, Okinawa, Japan. The last earthquake of M>=6 within about 150 km of this epicenter in the Ryukyu Islands was an M 6.7 on November 13, 2015. An M 6.6 and an M 6.1 about 150 km to the west of this occurred at intermediate depths on June 13, 2020 and July 13, 2019 but because of their depths are not considered possible foreshocks." (December 9, 2021)

 

It is likely this event was related to the M 7.4 on April 2, 2024 in Taiwan at the southern end of the Ryukyu  chain. It seems likely that this series will continue in the next several days and may contain a further strong quake near Kyushu or Shikoku, Japan.

 

Forecast 162118 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 13, 2024.

 

O: 15APR2024 22:38:57  29.5N  131.7E MW=5.9  ANSS   SE OF KOSHIMA JAPAN          

P: 13APR2024 162118    29.0N  131.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Kyushu Japan               

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.6 in the Near Islands, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Attu Station, Alaska. The last earthquake of M>=4.6 in the Near Islands occurred about 150 km northwest of today's epicenter on December 25, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"Among the strongest earthquakes in the world today were a pair in the Aleutians of Alaska of M 4.6 and M 4.7. The strongest earthquake recorded in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in the far western Near Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in this westernmost area of the U.S. Aleutian Islands. The last earthquake of larger size in the Near Islands occurred  as an M 4.8 exactly one year ago on December 25, 2022 and again as an M 4.8 on May 20, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest unfelt earthquake in the U.S. today was an M 4.8 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. This is the largest earthquake in the Near Islands since an M 4.8 on December 25, 2022. The last earthquake of larger magnitude in this area was an M 5.2 more than a year ago on March 1, 2022. The strongest earthquake within about 300 km of today's event in the Near Islands in the past three years was an M 5.7 on December 29, 2021. 2022. Forecast 153273 had expected this earthquake in the Near Islands was likely around May 17, 2023." (May 20, 2023, December 25, 2023)

 

Forecast 162239 had expected today's event in this area in the Near Islands was likely around April 16.

 

O: 15APR2024 18:17:02  52.6N  172.8E MB=4.6  ANSS   ATTU STATION ALASKA          

P: 16APR2024 162239    53.0N  171.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Near Islands               

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES NEW BRITAIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 14, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.5 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Kimbe, New Guinea. The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in New Guinea with M>=6.5 occurred on May 14, 2019. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.5-7.7 in the New Britain

region of Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VII

in Rabaul, New Britain and VI in Kokopo; V in Namatanai, New Ireland; IV in Arawa, Solomon Islands and II-III in Kavleng, New Ireland and within about 500 km of the epicenter. It was also reported felt with moderate to strong intensity in Port Vila, Lihir Island, Bougainville, Port Moresby with power blackouts in the Kokopo area. PTWC issued a tsunami warning but this was later withdrawn. Villagers near the epicenter on the west coast of New Ireland reported seeing the ocean recede but no damaging waves were recorded. Damage did occur in New Britain but immediate reports are unclear as to how great it was. … this earthquake was simultaneous with the strongest geomagnetic storm since August 26, 2018 when AP reached 76." (May 14, 2019)

 

The last earthquake in New Britain with M>=6.5 within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred on October 10, 2018 with M 7.0.

 

Forecast 162070 had expected today's event within this area was likely around

April 15, 2024.

 

O: 14APR2024 20:56:28   5.8S  151.0E MW=6.5  EMSC   NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.   

O: 14APR2024 20:56:28   5.8S  151.1E MW=6.5  ANSS   KIMBE PAPUA NEW GUINEA       

P: 15APR2024 162070     5.0S  152.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  New Britain                

 

Light earthquakes continued along the path of total eclipse of the sun of April 8 today. These occurred in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Maine and New Brunswick as well as in Tennessee and Missouri. Following is a listing of these minor earthquakes along the total eclipse path today. This continues the extensive series of such earthquakes which have occurred since the eclipse and has been documented in previous issues of this summary.

 

O: 14APR2024 05:02:29  45.7N   67.6W MB=1.7  ECAN OF MCADAM, NB                  

P: 18APR2024 162199    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 BBAAA  Maine                      

 

O: 13APR2024 23:13:16  45.7N   59.4W MB=3.0  ECAN OF LOUISBOURG, NS              

 

O: 13APR2024 10:13:56  46.6N   76.1W MB=1.5  ECAN OF GRAND-REMOUS, QC            

P: 13APR2024 162207    46.0N   74.0W 2.0-4.1 AABAA  New York State             

 

O: 12APR2024 16:56:03  47.1N   71.1W MB=1.9  ECAN OF SAINTE-BRIGITTE-DE-LAVAL, QC

P: 14APR2024 162206    47.3N   70.5W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New England                

 

O: 15APR2024 02:57:33  36.1N   89.4W md=1.6  ANSS   NNW of Dyersburg Tennessee

O: 14APR2024 22:28:46  36.6N   89.6W MD=1.3  ANSS   NORTH LILBOURN MISSOURI      

P: 15APR2024 162152    36.3N   89.5W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 3.9 in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake in the Near Islands of larger magnitude than M  3.9 occurred as an M 4.7 on December 25, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"Among the strongest earthquakes in the world today were a pair in the Aleutians of Alaska of M 4.6 and M 4.7. The strongest earthquake recorded in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.7 in the far western Near Islands, Aleutians. It was not reported felt in this westernmost area of the U.S. Aleutian Islands. The last earthquake of larger size in the Near Islands occurred  as an M 4.8 exactly one year ago on December 25, 2022 and again as an M 4.8 on May 20, 2023." (December 25, 2023)

 

Forecast 162239 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around

April 16.

 

O: 14APR2024 08:41:14  52.8N  171.3E MB=3.9  EMSC   NEAR ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 16APR2024 162239    53.0N  171.0E 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Near Islands               

 

MINOR QUAKES IN LOUISIANA; MISSOURI; MAINE UNDER TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE PATH

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 13, 2024

 

ECLIPSE-RELATED SEISMICITY

 

Several earthquakes occurred today along the path of total eclipse of the sun. The most unusual of these was an M 2.6 in Louisiana near the border with Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity II in Edgefield, Louisiana. An M 3.5 hit near this epicenter on January 27, 2024 and this may be an aftershock of that event. At the time this summary noted:

 

"An unusual earthquake of M 3.5 occurred today in Louisiana. NEIC reported it was widely felt with intensity up to V in Louisiana at Hall Summit. An M 2.5 foreshock was felt in the same area today. Light earthquakes occurred in this area of Louisiana in April an December, 2021 and in November, 2022 but none of these were larger than M 3.0. The last event in Louisiana within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred more that 35 years ago. An M 4.3 about 150 km to the southwest of this epicenter occurred on September 2, 2013." (January 27, 2024)

 

The total eclipse was observed near this epicenter at 18:47 UT on April 8. 

 

Forecast 162179 had expected this activity in Louisiana was likely within  about 100 km around April 17. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Is of April 5, 2024 and the M 6.7 in the Loyalty Islands of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

 

O: 13APR2024 20:50:48  32.1N   93.4W ML=2.6  EMSC   LOUISIANA                    

O: 13APR2024 20:50:48  32.1N   93.4W mb=2.6  ANSS   NW of Edgefield Louisiana

P: 17APR2024 162179    34.0N   94.0W 2.0-3.9 BBAAA  Southeast U.S.             

 

Another minor earthquake on the path of total eclipse of April 8 occurred today in southeastern Missouri. It was reported by NEIC to have been lightly felt in Missouri at Williamsville. The total solar eclipse was visible at this epicenter at 18:59 for 4 minutes 11 seconds. This is the strongest earthquake within about 50 km of this epicenter since an M 2.7 on February 20, 2024 and an M 2.4 on July 28, 2023.

 

Forecasts 162152 and 161880 had expected enhanced seismicity in this region was likely with the eclipse around April 9-15.

 

O: 13APR2024 19:31:44  36.9N   90.4W MD=2.2  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI         

O: 13APR2024 19:31:44  36.9N   90.4W md=2.3  ANSS   ESE of Williamsville Missouri

P:  9APR2024 161880    36.7N   89.7W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA  New Madrid area            

P: 13APR2024 162152    37.0N   89.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

P: 15APR2024 162152    36.3N   89.5W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

An earthquake of M 1.5 was also reported today in Vanceboro, Maine. This epicenter at 46N 67W saw the total eclipse at 19:34 UT. Today's event occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with the eclipse.  This is the first earthquake recorded within Maine by NEIC since an M 2.5 about 250 km southwest of this on August 8, 2023. The strongest earthquake in Maine in the past 3.5 years occurred with M 3.3 in southern Maine on January 14, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

"A series of light earthquakes were felt in southern Maine near Augusta today. The largest of these was an M 3.3 which NEIC reported was felt with maximum intensity IV in Holden, Orland, Orrington and II-III in Bucksport, Ellsworth, Eddington, Brewer, Penobscot, Orono and Winterport and as far as Bethel and Portland, Maine.  This activity began with an M 2.2 at 12:17 UT on January 13 but a series of aftershocks were widely felt near local solar midnight on January 14, 2023. Solar flare 9950  occurred simultaneously with these events  on January 14 and SFE from this flare may have helped trigger these events. The M 3.3 is the strongest earthquake in Maine within about 100 km of these epicenters since an M 3.8 on October 3, 2006 – the strongest event in this area in at least 30 years (a similar M 3.8 hit the area on February 26, 1999 about 125 km to the southwest of today's epicenter)." (January 14, 2023)

 

Forecast 161927 and 162199 had expected enhanced seismicity in this area of Maine was likely with the eclipse.

 

O: 14APR2024 05:02:29  45.6N   67.6W MB=1.5  ANSS   NW OF VANCEBORO, MAINE       

P:  8APR2024 161927    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 CBAAA  Maine                      

P: 18APR2024 162199    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 BBAAA  Maine                      

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 WNW of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. It may have been felt lightly in the epicentral area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with equal or greater magnitude to M 4.4 occurred on August 17, 2015. Other events in the past 35 years in this area occurred as an M 5.3 about 200 km to the east on April 14, 2001 and as an M 5.0 on December 26, 1992 about 100 km to the southeast of today's epicenter.

 

Forecast 161962 had expected today's earthquake was likely in this area in  early April, 2024.

 

O: 13APR2024 11:21:47  56.8N  121.8W MB=4.4  ECAN WNW OF FORT ST. JOHN, BC

O: 13APR2024 11:21:48  56.8N  121.6W mb=4.1  ANSS   Fort St. John Canada

O: 13APR2024 11:21:48  56.8N  121.6W ML=4.4  EMSC   BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA     

P:  5APR2024 161962    56.0N  120.0W 2.0-4.1 CABAA  Alberta                    

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today under the world's oceans. Among these were an  5.3 in the Central Mid-Atlantic; an M 5.0 in the Southeast Indian Ridge; an M 5.1 in the Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge and an M 4.7 as unusual earthquake also occurred today in the central North Pacific Ocean basin. This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is the strongest earthquake within about 500 km of this epicenter in the North Pacific region in at least 35 years.  It was not forecast in this summary.

 

O: 13APR2024 10:37:54  34.0N  177.0W MB=4.7  EMSC   NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN          

O: 13APR2024 10:37:54  34.0N  177.0W mb=4.7  ANSS   North Pacific Ocean

 

The M 5.0 in the Southeast Indian Ridge was nearly antipodal to Missouri and Illinois, and was antipodal to the path of the solar eclipse of April 8.  It was probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with that eclipse. Today's earthquake occurred near local solar noon when tidal stresses maximize. The last earthquake with equal or greater magnitude within about 300 km of today's epicenter was an M 5.9 on October 14, 2018.

 

Forecast 162306 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 12.

 

O: 13APR2024 06:53:45  42.1S   88.9E MB=5.0  EMSC   SOUTHEAST INDIAN RIDGE       

P: 12APR2024 162306    42.0S   88.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  So. Indian Ocean           

 

Another moderate oceanic earthquake which was antipodal to the path of totality of the eclipse occurred today south of Australia in the western Indian-Antarctic Ridge with M 5.1. Today's event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. This is antipodal to Nova Scotia where the eclipse at 49N 58W was visible at 19:42 UT. It too, was probably promoted by stresses associated with the eclipse. A rare earthquake also occurred on April 16, 2024 near the antipode in Nova Scotia of this event south of Australia. Recent earthquakes within about 300 km of this event south of Australia of M 5.1 occurred in April, 2022, February 2021; December, 2019 and September , 2018 but the last of larger magnitude in this region occurred on April 21, 2018 (M 5.8) and June 3, 2009 (M 5.7).

 

Forecast 162044 had expected this event within about 50 km was likely around April 7 with the solar eclipse.

 

O: 13APR2024 15:17:18  49.1S  121.4E MB=5.1  EMSC   WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE

P:  7APR2024 162044    49.0S  122.0E 4.0-5.8 CAAAA  So. of Australia           

 

The last earthquake in the Central Mid-Atlantic with M>=5.3 within about 250 km of this epicenter occurred on October 14, 2023 (half a year ago) with M 5.3-5.4 but the last earthquake of larger magnitude in the area was an M 5.7 aftershock on September 17, 2020 of an M 6.7 on September 6, 2020.

 

Forecast 162050 had expected today's event within about 50 km was likely around April 12, 2024. This epicenter is antipodal to an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 14APR2024 05:28:47   7.6N   37.2W MW=5.3  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P: 12APR2024 162050     8.0N   37.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg  

 

An earthquake of M 3.4-3.8 occurred in Southern California today and was widely

felt at a festival near Borrego Springs, California. NEIC reported this earthquake of M 3.8 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of  Southern California  at Borrego Springs. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Southern California at Thermal, La Quinta (with earthquake noise), Mountain Center, Indio, Indian Wells, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Lakeside, San Diego, Oceanside.  The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with larger magnitude was an M 4.0 about 100 km southeast of this on February 14, 2024 but the last within about 100 km of today's epicenter with larger magnitude was an  M 4.2 on December 31, 2022. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The quake of M 4.2-4.3 in the Borrego Springs area of Southern California today was also felt with maximum intensity IV in Borrego Springs and with II-III in Southern California at Ranchita, Mountain Center, Warner Springs, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Anza, Indian Wells, Indio and Coachella among others. This is the strongest earthquake in Southern California within about 75 km of this epicenter since an M 4.5 on May 10, 2020. An M 5.2 also hit the area on June 10, 2016.

 

... A strong earthquake of M 7.3-7.6 hit the region on June 28, 1992, the strongest in Southern California in decades. A repeat is unlikely but 24 years is enough time to accumulated sufficient regional stress to accommodate another strong regional earthquake." (June 3-4, 10, 2016, January 1, 2023)

 

 

Forecast 162169 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around April 12. This epicenter at 104 degrees from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 13APR2024 16:08:38  33.4N  116.3W ML=3.4  EMSC   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

O: 13APR2024 16:08:38  33.4N  116.3W ML=3.8  ANSS   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P: 12APR2024 162169    33.4N  116.7W 2.5-4.6 AAAAA  So. California             

 

 

SWARM IN JALISCO, MEXICO CONTINUES

STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 12, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Solomon Islands. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to V in Kirakira, Solomon Islands.

This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.1 on May 21, 2023 which followed an M 7.0 about 200 km northwest of this on November 22, 2022. At the time of the M 6.1 on May 21, 2023 this summary noted:

 

 

"A strong M 6.1 was also felt in the Solomon Islands today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in the Solomon Islands at Kirakira Makira and Ulawa and in Honiara, Guadalcanal. This is part of a regional enhancement of seismicity following the M 7.7 and 7.2 events in the Loyalty Islands of the past two day which occurred about 15 degrees south east of this epicenter in the Solomon Islands. Today's event of M 6.1 is the strongest in the Solomon Islands within about 200 km since an M 6.3 on January 27, 2020 and an M 6.5 on September 9, 2018." (May 21, 2023)

 

Forecasts 162268 had expected today's earthquake within about 10 km was likely around April 15, 2024. This activity is at 145 degrees from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and  at 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in the Loyalty Islands of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 12APR2024 15:59:17  10.1S  161.0E Mw=5.8  EMSC   SOLOMON ISLANDS              

P: 15APR2024 162268    10.0S  161.0E 4.0-5.6 BAAAA  No. of Santa Cruz Islands  

 

An M 5.6 also occurred today in western Xizang, China today. This followed a smaller event about 300 km to the south earlier in the day on the Xizang-India border. The only event within about 200 km of today's M 5.6 in Xizang in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-6.1 on May 5, 2007. Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was probably promoted by the new moon of April 8 as it occurred near the longitude of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"The new moon  arrived on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involved a total eclipse of the sun which  began in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse.  Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-12, 2024)

 

Forecast 162186 had expected this region of Xizang would be active around April 13-15 within about 100 km of the M 4.0.

 

O: 12APR2024 10:25:33  30.3N   80.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG-INDIA BORDER RE

P: 13APR2024 162186    30.0N   80.0E 3.8-5.4 AAAAA  Xizang                      

 

O: 13APR2024 05:44:41  33.6N   81.9E Mw=5.6  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG               

O: 12APR2024 08:47:59  33.4N   81.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   WESTERN XIZANG

P: 15APR2024 162186    30.0N   82.0E 3.8-5.4 ACAAA  Xizang                     

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.0 off the coast of Northern California.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.0 off the coast of Northern California  was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Northern California in Petrolia.  This is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4.1 on February 10, 2023. The only earthquake with significantly larger magnitude in this region in the past half year was an M 4.9 on February 2, 2024.

 

Forecast 162212 had expected today's event within about 50 km of today's epicenter around April 14. This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from  the M 7.5 in Western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 12APR2024 17:41:11  40.4N  125.1W MD=2.4  EMSC   OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 12APR2024 17:07:30  40.4N  125.3W Mw=4.0  EMSC   OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

P: 14APR2024 162212    40.5N  125.8W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  Off Coast of No. Calif     

 

An unusually large earthquake of M 3.8 occurred in northern Mexico near Nuevo Leon. This epicenter saw the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, 2024 at 18:24 UT. It is likely that tidal stresses with that alignment helped promote the earthquake in Nuevo Leon today. The last earthquake within about 150 km  of this epicenter in Nuevo Leon, Mexico with M>=3.8 occurred on March 18, 2014 with M 4.0 about 100 km south of today's epicenter. The strongest earthquake in this region in the past 35 years was an M 4.5 on April 6, 2004.  Forecast 162122 had expected today's event in this region was likely around April 12.

 

O: 12APR2024 20:51:09  26.2N   99.8W ML=3.8  EMSC   NUEVO LEON, MEXICO           

P: 12APR2024 162122    26.0N  102.0W 3.0-4.7 AABAA  Northern Mexico            

 

An M 2.8 was also recorded on April 12, 2024 in the New Madrid region of Missouri.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 2.8 in Missouri was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Missouri in Risco.  The total eclipse was seen at this epicenter at 19:00 UT on April 8 lasting 4 minutes and 11 seconds. This is a seismic area but the last earthquake of M>=2.8 in this area south of Saint Louis, Missouri within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 3.3  half a year ago on December 21, 2023. More such activity is likely in the New Madrid, Missouri, area in the next week.

 

Forecast 161880 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely around April 9.

 

O: 12APR2024 08:36:15  36.6N   89.8W MD=2.7  EMSC   SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI        

O: 12APR2024 08:36:15  36.6N   89.8W MD=2.8  ANSS   NW OF RISCO MISSOURI         

P: 13APR2024 162152    37.0N   89.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New Madrid area            

P: 15APR2024 162152    36.3N   89.5W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

An M 5.0 quake hit near the antipode of Missouri today. Forecast 162306 had expected this event within about 100 km was likely around April 12. This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.5 in western Honshu of January 1, 2024 and the fifth node (72 degrees) from Taiwan event of M 7.4 on April 2 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 13APR2024 06:53:45  42.1S   88.9E mb=5.0  EMSC   SOUTHEAST INDIAN RIDGE        

P: 12APR2024 162306    42.0S   88.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  So. Indian Ocean           

 

A new series of light earthquakes also occurred today in the region near Falls City and Stockdale, Texas with M 1.9 and 1.6. This epicenter saw the total eclipse of the sun on April 8 at 18:32 UT. This new round of seismicity  in this area was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the eclipse. The last earthquake of M>=1.9 in this area was reported by NEIC on March 10, 2024 and as an M 3.9 on February 22, 2024, followed by an M 2.3 on February 24, 2024.

 

Forecast 162122 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 14.

 

O: 12APR2024 12:31:47  29.1N   97.9W ML=1.9  ANSS   FALLS CITY TEXAS             

O: 12APR2024 08:36:09  29.1N   98.0W ML=1.6  ANSS   S OF STOCKDALE TEXAS         

P: 14APR2024 162122    28.0N   98.0W 3.0-4.4 ABAAA  Northern Mexico            

 

 

 

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 11, 2024

 

It was a relatively quiet day in global seismicity. No significant earthquakes

of M>5.0 were recorded in the world today. An interesting series continued in the region of Jalisco, and Michoacan Mexico and reached the highest magnitude of the current swarm with an M 4.5 off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico. This event occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The current instability in seismicity in Jalisco began shortly after the total eclipse of the sun maximized over these epicenters on April 8 and was reported in previous issues of this summary as:

 

 

"A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,

Mexico.  NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8.  The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.

 

Forecast 162092 had expected these events were likely around April 12 and 17, 2024 within about 50 km." (April 10-11, 2024)

 

These epicenters are also at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in the Mariana Islands

of April 5, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

 

O: 11APR2024 08:57:49  18.4N  106.1W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

O: 11APR2024 07:29:08  18.5N  106.1W MB=4.5  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 12APR2024 162092    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

O: 11APR2024 14:55:29  18.7N  103.1W ML=4.3  EMSC   MICHOACAN, MEXICO            

P: 13APR2024 162099    18.0N  103.0W 3.5-5.3 AAAAA  Michoacan, Mexico          

 

O: 11APR2024 09:59:20  19.0N  107.3W ML=3.9  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

O: 11APR2024 08:56:28  18.6N  106.0W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 12APR2024 03:21:19  18.8N  107.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 11APR2024 07:49:47  18.9N  107.3W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

P: 12APR2024 162092    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S., Canada or vicinity today was an M 4.0 in the Greenland Sea. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquakes of equal or larger magnitude in this region of the Greenland Sea occurred as an M 4.7 and associated shocks on October 11, 2023. Forecast 162263  had expected enhanced seismicity in this area was likely in mid-April.

 

O: 11APR2024 08:44:48  73.2N    6.6E MW=4.0  EMSC   GREENLAND SEA                

P: 15APR2024 162263    72.0N    0.0E 3.0-4.8 BBAAA  Norway                     

 

EMSC reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. Earthquakes Canada reported the M 2.9 was felt lightly in the Sept-ales area of Quebec. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is  active on a weekly basis. Forecasts 162206 and 161927 had expected these events within about 25 km were likely around April 12.

 

O: 11APR2024 09:00:35  49.9N   66.3W MB=2.9  ECAN OF SEPT-├ÄLES, QC, FELT  

O: 11APR2024 09:02:57  49.9N   66.3W MB=2.7  ECAN OF SEPT-├ÄLES, QC              

P: 12APR2024 162206    49.8N   66.5W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New England                

 

MODERATE QUAKES SHAKE XINJIANG, CHINA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 10, 2024

 

 

A series of moderate to moderately strong earthquakes in Southern Xinjiang, China today were the largest in the world.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.4 in China was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  China in Kuqa.

EMSC reported these earthquake with M 5.2 and M 5.4 were felt with moderate shaking in Kuqa Xian, China, in Kyrgyzstan, in Kaskelen,  in Koktobe, Belbulaq, Panfilov, Tuzdybastau, Besagash, Almaty, E'nergeticeskiy.   A foreshock of M 4.4 was also reported with moderate intensity in the same area as per EMSC. This area was at local solar midnight at the time of the new moon on April 8, and saw maximum tidal stresses at that time. This epicenter is located about 300 km east of the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may be a regional aftershock of that event. The only events of M>=5.4 in the past 35 years within about 200 km of today's epicenter occurred with M 5.4-5.6 on March 15, 1999; July 20, 2007 and November 1, 2011. Today's event is about 200 km north of an M 5.7 on January 29, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Southern Xinjiang, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Kuche and Aksu. The only earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-5.9 on March 8, 2012." (January 29, 2023)

 

 

Forecasts 161925 and 162198 had expected this activity within about 50 km was likely in early April, 2024. This epicenter is located at 101 degrees from the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and at the seventh node (51 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in the Talaud and Mindanao areas of the Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

 

O: 10APR2024 14:56:17  42.0N   82.6E mw=5.4  ANSS   NW of Kuqa China

O: 10APR2024 10:57:39  41.9N   82.4E mb=5.0  ANSS   WNW of Kuqa China

O: 10APR2024 14:56:17  42.0N   82.6E Mw=5.4  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 10APR2024 18:53:49  42.0N   82.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 10APR2024 10:57:39  41.9N   82.4E MB=5.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA     

P:  3APR2024 161925    42.0N   79.0E 4.0-5.5 CABAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang         

P: 12APR2024 162198    42.0N   82.0E 4.0-5.8 AAAAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang        

 

The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today were an M 4.7 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Alaska and an M 4.8 in the Unimak Islands. The event in the western Andreanof Islands was reported felt with intensity II (by NEIC) in Atka, Alaska. The last earthquake of M>=4.7 in the area of today's Andreanof Island event occurred as an M 4.8 on February 12, 2024 and December 4, 2023. The last event of significantly larger magnitude in that area was an M 5.6 on October 12, 2023. At that time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.6 in the western Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Atka, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with equal of larger magnitude occurred on September 27, 2020 and October 26, 2019 with M 5.6 and 5.9.

 

It is likely that this event was promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with upcoming new moon and eclipse which passes over this epicenter early on  October 14. Further enhanced seismicity in the Aleutians is likely with the new moon and eclipse in the next several days. This could include a strong earthquake." (October 12, 2023)

 

Today's event in the Fox Islands occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. Forecast 162232 had expected this event in the Fox Islands was likely around April 12 within about 25 km of today's event.

 

O: 10APR2024 23:41:13  52.1N  171.4W MB=4.7  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 12APR2024 162232    52.1N  171.8W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Andreanoff Isls, Aleutians 

 

The M 4.8 in the Unimak Island area is the strongest in that area since an M 4.8 on March 6, 2024. The last of significantly larger magnitude than M 4.8 was an M 5.0 on August 14, 2023. The largest earthquakes in the region in the past three years were events of M 5.1 on January 11, 2021 and September 9, 2021.

 

Forecast 162248 had expected today's event within about 100 km around April 12.

 

O: 10APR2024 08:28:52  53.6N  163.5W MB=4.8  EMSC   UNIMAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA 

P: 12APR2024 162248    54.1N  164.4W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,

Mexico.  NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8.  The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.

 

Forecast 162092 had expected these events were likely around April 12 and 17, 2024

within about 50 km.

 

O: 10APR2024 08:56:55  18.2N  105.9W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 09:03:36  18.2N  106.0W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 10:02:18  18.2N  106.1W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 10:04:30  18.2N  106.1W ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 10:12:22  18.2N  106.1W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 10:56:24  18.3N  106.1W ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 11APR2024 06:37:33  18.5N  106.2W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 11APR2024 04:52:12  18.9N  107.4W ML=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 11APR2024 05:24:49  18.9N  107.4W ML=3.9  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 09:01:27  18.1N  106.1W ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P: 12APR2024 162092    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 AAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

O: 10APR2024 08:18:14  19.7N  104.5W ML=4.2  EMSC   JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 09:12:13  19.7N  104.5W ML=3.4  EMSC   JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 22:58:19  19.8N  104.2W ML=3.4  EMSC   JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 10APR2024 10:37:18  19.4N  105.1W ML=3.6  EMSC   OFFSHORE JALISCO, MEXICO     

P: 17APR2024 162092    19.0N  106.0W 3.5-5.5 CAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 occurred in Western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Stanton, Texas. An aftershock of M 2.7 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Stanton. This earthquake of M 4.3  is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in more than a year. An M 4.7 hit about 100 km eawt of this on February 16, 2023. Larger earthquakes of M 5.4 on December 16 2022; and M 4.5 on December 27, 2021 have also hit the area in the past 10 years - since an M 4.3 on September 11, 2011.  The total eclipse of the sun passed over this epicenter on April 8 and was at maximum eclipse at 18:32 UT on April 8, 2024. Today's M 4.4 occurred at 18:46 UT within several minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses. It is also likely that today's event in Texas was promoted by the strong tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.

 

Forecast 162163 had expected this activity within about 25 km was likely around

April 11.

 

O: 11APR2024 00:13:52  32.3N  101.8W ml=2.3  ANSS   N of Stanton Texas

O: 10APR2024 21:40:03  32.3N  101.8W ML=2.7  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 11APR2024 00:13:52  32.3N  101.8W ML=2.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 10APR2024 21:40:03  32.3N  101.8W ml=2.7  ANSS   N of Stanton Texas

O: 10APR2024 20:49:37  32.3N  101.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   N of Stanton Texas

O: 10APR2024 19:30:16  32.3N  101.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   N of Stanton Texas

O: 10APR2024 18:46:45  32.3N  101.8W ml=4.4  ANSS   N of Stanton Texas

O: 10APR2024 18:46:44  32.3N  101.8W MW=4.3  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS                

O: 10APR2024 18:46:44  32.3N  101.8W MW=4.4  ANSS   WESTERN TEXAS                

P: 11APR2024 162163    32.2N  101.1W 2.0-3.9 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

EMSC reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is active on a weekly basis. Forecasts 162206 and 161927 had expected these events within about 25 km were likely around April 12.

 

O: 11APR2024 09:00:35  49.9N   66.3W MB=2.9  ECAN OF SEPT-├ÄLES, QC, FELT  

O: 11APR2024 09:02:57  49.9N   66.3W MB=2.7  ECAN OF SEPT-├ÄLES, QC              

P: 12APR2024 162206    49.8N   66.5W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New England                

 

O: 10APR2024 07:27:03  47.4N   70.4W MB=0.3  ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC   

O: 10APR2024 00:10:11  47.4N   70.4W MB=2.2  ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC         

P:  8APR2024 161927    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Maine                      

P: 14APR2024 162206    47.3N   70.5W 2.0-4.0 BAAAA  New England                

 

EFFECTS OF SOLAR ECLIPSE OF APRIL 8 ON SEISMICITY

 

The solar eclipse and new moon of April 8 was described with expected associated seismicity in earlier issues of this summary as:

 

"The new moon  arrived on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involved a total eclipse of the sun which  began in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse.  Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 4-10, 2024)

 

Now that several days have passed it is time to evaluate the effects of the tidal stresses associated with this alignment on seismicity in North America. This summary has noted some of these in previous issues but this is a more thorough review of earthquakes which occurred subsequent to and near the path of the total eclipse. There were eight areas where significant local earthquakes occurred following the eclipse. These included events in Southern Texas (M 2.8); western Texas (M 4.4, 2.8, 2.6); Arkansas and New Madrid, Missouri (M 2.5, 2.8);

Jalisco, Mexico (M 4-4.5 and a series of M 3.5-4.0); and in Canada in Ontario (M 3.9); Quebec in the Gaspe Peninsula (M 2.2, 2.5); and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Following is a brief summary of these events and their relation to the eclipse.

 

MEXICO

 

A series of moderate earthquakes also occurred today in the region of Jalisco,

Mexico.  NEIC reported these earthquake of M 4.3 and M 4.5 in Jalisco, Mexico were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata. EMSC reported moderate shaking at El Tuito, Mexico. This is the area where the maximum total eclipse in the world occurred on April 8.  The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. This area appears to be at a hair trigger and may see additional induced seismicity with the next full moon. An M 4.3 also hit further east in Michoacan, Mexico on April 11.

 

 

TEXAS

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 occurred in Western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Stanton, Texas. An aftershock of M 2.7 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Stanton. This earthquake of M 4.3  is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in more than a year. An M 4.7 hit about 100 km eawt of this on February 16, 2023. Larger earthquakes of M 5.4 on December 16 2022; and M 4.5 on December 27, 2021 have also hit the area in the past 10 years - since an M 4.3 on September 11, 2011. The total eclipse of the sun passed over this epicenter on April 8 and was at maximum eclipse at 18:32 UT on April 8, 2024. Today's M 4.3 occurred at 18:46 UT within several minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses. It is also likely that today's event in Texas was promoted by the strong tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.

 

An M 2.8 also occurred in Texas on April 15, 2024 in the Falls City area of Southern Texas. This area has been active in recent months but the last earthquake of M>2.8 in the area was an M 3.4 on February 23, 2024.  The total eclipse of the sun was visible near this epicenter in southern Texas on April 8, 2024 at about 18:32-18:33 UT for 4 minutes 27 seconds.

 

QUEBEC, MAINE

 

Another area which saw the total eclipse on April 8 was northern Maine and southern Quebec, Canada. Two minor earthquakes were located in the St. Lawrence

Seaway are of Quebec by Earthquakes Canada on April 10, 2024 along the path of the total eclipse which was observed in the area around 19:32 UT. These events of M 2.2 and 0.3 were probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.

 

An M 3.6-3.9 was also reported in the totality path in southern Quebec on April 7 at local solar midnight. At the time this summary noted:

 

"A light M 3.6-3.9 also lightly shook areas of Quebec, near Maniwaki, Canada today. The last earthquake in this area of Quebec with M>=3.9 reported by NEIC was an M 3.9 on May 9, 2020 and prior to that an M 4.1 on October 1, 2007." (April 7-8, 2024)

 

The total eclipse was viewable in this area around 19:30 UT April 8.

 

 

EMSC also reported earthquakes of M 2.9 and 2.7 on April 11, 2024 in the Gaspe Peninsula, near Sept-Iles, Quebec. The total eclipse of the sun was viewable in this area around 19:36 UT on April 8. The last earthquake according to NEIC in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=3 was an M 3.4 on November 17, 2017. Smaller events were also observed in the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the past several days but these may not be related to eclipse as the area is  active on a weekly basis.

 

MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS

 

In addition to these events in the U.S. and Canada which were promoted by the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, an M 2.3 was reported by NEIC to have occurred in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas within minutes of local solar midnight on April 9, 2024. The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter for more than 4 minutes around 18:54 UT on April 8 and probably helped this subsequent earthquake in Arkansas. The last earthquake  within about 100 km of this epicenter of significantly larger magnitude than today's occurred as an M 2.8 on January 23, 2021. An earthquake of M 2.4 and an aftershock of M 2.3 hit the area about 150 km northwest of this on January 7, 2024. At the time this summary noted:

 

An M 2.8 was also recorded on April 12, 2024 in the New Madrid region of Missouri. The total eclipse was seen at this epicenter at 19:00 UT on April 8 lasting 4 minutes and 11 seconds. This is a seismic area but the last earthquake of M>=2.8 in this area south of Saint Louis, Missouri within about 100 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 3.3  half a year ago on December 21, 2023.

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKES TALAUD ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 9, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.6 in Talaud, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Tobelo, Indonesia. PHIVOLCS  reported this earthquake of M  6.5 in Talaud, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II in the area(s) of   Saranagani, City of Davao at Malungon and Glan.

BMG reported intensity IV in Ibu, Halmahera, Barat, Maluu; III in Kat Sangihe, Talaud, Siau, Halmeahera, Pulau Morotai, Tidore and Ternate among others, This is the strongest earthquake in the Molucca Sea and Talaud within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.0 on January 18, 2023 and may be an aftershock of that event. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.0-7.2 in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia. … While BMG did not expect a tsunami with this earthquake, PTWC suggested a minor tsunami is possible with this earthquake and tsunami warnings were made by BMG. In Manado the capital of North Sulawesi and in Melonguane the  quake was felt strongly and forced many people to run from buildings. Residents reported feeling disoriented and dizzy in the area of Gorontalo and that it lasted a long time. The earthquake was also felt in the Maluku Islands. No major damage has been reported at this time. This earthquake occurred at the end of a C3.0 class solar flare (see flare listing below) near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal and/or SFE.

 

...

 

The last strong earthquake in the Molucca Sea occurred with M 6.3 on July 10, 2021." (January 18, 2023)

 

Forecast 162055 had expected today's event within about 100 km was likely around April 11, 2024. This epicenter is at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Fiji of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 09APR2024 17:58:13   2.8N  127.2E ML=4.0  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA

O: 09APR2024 09:48:01   2.7N  127.1E mw=6.6  ANSS   NW of Tobelo Indonesia

O:  9APR2024 09:48:02   2.7N  127.1E MW=6.4  EMSC   MOLUCCA SEA                  

P: 11APR2024 162055     3.0N  126.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Halmahera                  

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.9 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III in Unalaska. This earthquake, along with an M 3.6 in the Alaska Peninsula, occurred near local solar noon and were probably promoted by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake with M>=4.9 in the Fox Islands was an M 5.6 on November 28, 2023, and like today's event occurred with an M 6.5 in Papua New Guinea. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The full moon arrived on November 27. It was accompanied by a strong M 6.5 in

New Guinea and an M 5.6 in the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska - events which were probably promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with this full moon as noted in this and previous issues of this summary" (November 28, 2023)

 

and

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.5-5.6 in the area of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. News sources indicated the quake was felt throughout the Fox Islands and the Aleutians. No tsunami was expected or observed with this event. The mainshock occurred near local solar midnight, a time when tidal stresses maximize and may have been promoted by those stresses. The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on January 22, 2022, an aftershock of an M 6.8 on January 11, 2022. An event of slightly smaller size (M 5.5) occurred a year ago on November 21, 2022." (November 28, 2023)

 

Forecast 162237 had expected today's event within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around April 12, 2024. This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from recent major earthquakes in Mindanao and Talaud Islands (including today's) and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from these sources.

 

 

O: 10APR2024 01:55:15  53.1N  166.8W MB=4.9  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P: 12APR2024 162237    53.7N  167.0W 3.5-5.0 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

O:  9APR2024 23:03:03  54.2N  162.6W MB=3.6  EMSC   ALASKA PENINSULA             

P:  7APR2024 161983    54.5N  163.5W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Unimak Islands, Aleutians  

 

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Jalisco, Mexico was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Jalisco, Mexico in Emiliano Zapata.  The total eclipse of the sun reached its maximum in this area being in shadow for 4 minutes 22 seconds at this epicenter about 17:58 UT. It is likely this activity in Jalisco was promoted by tidal stresses associated with the total eclipse of the sun April 8. The last earthquake of significantly larger magnitude than today's event within about 200 km of today's event in Jalisco occurred as an M 6.0 on December 22, 2021. At that time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 off the coast of Jalisco, western Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II-III in Jalisco, Mexico at Tomatlan, Cihiuatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and in Bucerias Nayarti and Colima, Mexico. This is the strongest earthquake in Jalsico, Mexico within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.6  on January 21, 2016 and prior to that an M 6.2 on February 22, 2105." (December 22, 2021)

 

Forecasts 161820, 161845 and 162092 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 50 km of these events with the eclipse in early April. This epicenter in Jalisco, Mexico is at the third node from recent strong earthquakes (including today's) in Mindanao and the Talaud Islands and the M 7.0 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 09APR2024 08:15:24  18.9N  107.5W ML=3.7  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 09APR2024 08:30:42  18.9N  107.5W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 09APR2024 16:50:03  18.9N  107.4W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O: 09APR2024 08:36:10  19.0N  107.4W ML=3.8  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO

O:  9APR2024 08:31:46  18.8N  107.4W ML=4.0  EMSC   OFF COAST OF JALISCO, MEXICO 

P:  1APR2024 161820    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.3 CAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

P:  7APR2024 161845    20.0N  109.0W 3.5-5.2 ABBAA  Gulf of California         

P: 12APR2024 162092    19.0N  107.0W 3.5-5.5 BAAAA  Coast of Jalisco, Mexico   

 

NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Puerto Rico in Guanica, Barina, Susua Alta, Macana, Llanos Tuna, Coto Laurel, Bayamon.  It epicenter is at the antipode of TC Olga and was probably promoted by energy associated with that oceanic storm. This had been expected in this and previous issues of this summary as:

 

 

"TC Olga (21S) continued today in the area north of Western Australia with winds up to 045 kts.  This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of Indonesia.   It is near antipodal to 19N 65W in the region of Puerto Rico, Caribbean and could enhance seismicity in that region in the next several days." (April 7-10, 2024)

 

Forecast 162106 had expected today's event within about 25 km was likely  around April 13.

 

O:  9APR2024 20:53:33  18.0N   66.8W MD=3.7  EMSC   PUERTO RICO                  

P: 13APR2024 162106    18.0N   67.0W 3.4-5.2 BAAAA  Puerto Rico                

 

 

Two minor earthquakes occurred in Southern Quebec, Canada today with M 2.2 and 0.3. This is another area which saw the total eclipse on April 8 was northern Maine and southern Quebec, Canada. These two minor earthquakes were located in the St. Lawrence Seaway are of Quebec by Earthquakes Canada on April 10, 2024 along the path of the total eclipse which was observed in the area around 19:32 UT. These events of M 2.2 and 0.3 were probably promoted by tidal stresses associated with the solar eclipse.

 

Forecast 161927 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely with the eclipse on April 8, 2024.

 

O: 10APR2024 07:27:03  47.4N   70.4W MB=0.3  ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC         

O: 10APR2024 00:10:11  47.4N   70.4W MB=2.2  ECAN OF BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, QC         

P:  8APR2024 161927    47.0N   69.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  Maine                      

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE HITS NEW GUINEA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 8, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VI in New Guinea at Ransiki. This is the strongest earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter since an  M 6.7 on April 21, 2012. At the time this summary noted:

 

"A strong earthquake of M 6.6-6.8 hit the region of northern New Guinea today sending panicked residents running from homes, schools and offices. While it was too small to have triggered a significant tsunami there was some damage reported but no immediate reports of injuries. Children in Manokwan, the city nearest the epicenter ran from their schools screaming and streets were filled with people fleeing their shaking buildings.  ... " (April 21, 2012)

 

Like today's event the earthquake of April 21, 2012 also occurred with the first day of the new moon and was likely promoted by tidal stresses associated with that new moon as noted at the time:

 

"The new moon alignment occurred at 0700 UT today and this earthquake occurred near local solar noon on a subduction zone. These are ideal conditions for tidal triggering by the sun-moon-earth alignment." (April 21, 2012)

 

Forecast 161815 had expected this event in this area was likely around April 7, 2024. This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by enrgy from that source.

 

O: 09APR2024 04:29:45   1.5S  134.6E ML=4.3  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA

O: 09APR2024 05:14:10   1.6S  134.5E mb=4.9  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA

O:  9APR2024 00:02:53   1.7S  134.4E MW=6.0  EMSC   NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONES

P:  7APR2024 161815     2.0S  133.0E 4.0-5.6 AABAA  West Irian, PNG            

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.0 occurred in the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan today. It was not reported felt. This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated with today's new moon and solar eclipse as it lies near the longitude of maximum stresses with that event new local solar noon, a time and location where such stresses were maximized with this new moon as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse.  Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-9, 2024)

 

Forecasts 161873 and 162144 had expected this activity within about 100 km was likely around April 7-13. This epicenter is at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from the M 7.6 of January 1, 2024 in Honshu, Japan and at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Is. event of M 6.7 of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. Other events at this distance from Macquarie today occurred in Northern Nevada (M 2.3) and Western Texas (M 2.5, 2.8).

 

O:  8APR2024 08:41:30  36.7N   71.3E MB=4.0  EMSC   HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN

P:  7APR2024 161873    37.0N   69.0E 3.8-5.3 AABAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

P: 13APR2024 162144    37.0N   70.0E 3.8-5.4 BAAAA  Hindu Kush/Pakistan        

 

An M 2.3 was reported by NEIC to have occurred near Pleasant Plains, Arkansas within minutes of local solar midnight on April 9, 2024. The total eclipse of the sun was visible at this epicenter for more than 4 minutes around 18:54 UT on April 8 and probably helped this subsequent earthquake in Arkansas. The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter of significantly larger magnitude than today's occurred as an M 2.8 on January 23, 2021.  An earthquake of M 2.4 and an aftershock of M 2.3 hit the area about 150 km  northwest of this on January 7, 2024. Forecast 162151 had expected this earthquake was likely around April 17 within about 50 km of today's epicenter. This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the M 6.9 in Mariana Islands of April 4 from the M 7.0 in Xinjiang China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O:  9APR2024 06:28:59  35.4N   91.7W MD=2.3  ANSS   PLEASANT PLAINS ARKANSAS     

P: 17APR2024 162151    35.0N   92.0W 2.0-4.1 CAAAA  New Madrid area            

 

Light earthquakes of M 2.5 and 2.8 also occurred today in western Texas. They were not reported felt in this area. These epicenters were near the path of total eclipse of the sun half a day earlier and may also have been promoted by tidal stresses associated with that event.

 

Forecast 161891 had expected this activity was likely within about 25 km of the M 2.5 around April 7, 2024.  This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Is. event of M 6.7 of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other events at this distance from Macquarie today occurred in Northern Nevada (M 2.3) and Hindu Kush (M 2.5, 2.8).

 

O: 09APR2024 00:54:38  31.8N  104.5W ML=2.8  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

O: 09APR2024 06:05:07  31.8N  103.7W ML=2.5  EMSC   WESTERN TEXAS

P:  7APR2024 161891    31.6N  103.6W 2.0-4.4 AAAAA  SW U.S.A                   

 

 

 

MODERATELY STRONG QUAKE IN SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 7, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Southern Xinjiang, China. It was accompanied by a series of moderate aftershocks. The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Southern Xinjiang, China of M>=5.4 occurred on March 23, 2021 with M 5.4 and on January 29, 2023 with M 5.7 about 200 km south of today's epicenter. At the time this summary noted:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in Southern Xinjiang, China. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Kuche and Aksu. The only earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.7 in the past 35 years was an M 5.8-5.9 on March 8, 2012. At the time this summary noted:

 

"A strong earthquake of M 5.8-6.1 hit the area of southern Xinjiang, China today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. The epicenter is in the Taklimakan Desert region northeast of Hotan and there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The earthquake was felt strongly in Hotan and officials are expecting damage reports from the prefectures of Aksu, Kashi, Hotan, Baya Fol and Ili. The quakes was felt in each of these regions according to Xinhua. Reports from this area are often delayed and some damage may have occurred which will be reported at a later time. The epicenter is near the border with Kyrgyzstan." (March 9, 2012, January 29, 2023)

 

 

Today's event occurred near local solar noon and was probably triggered by strong tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The area was expected to see strong seismic enhancement at this time due to tidal effects of the new moon of April 8, 2024 as previously noted in this summary:

 

"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse.  Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 5-9, 2024)

 

Forecasts 161925 and 162198 had expected this earthquake was likely around April 3-12 within about 50 km of this epicenter. This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the Macquarie Island quake of M 6.7 of March 3, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the M 6.7 in Tonga of March 27 and at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 07APR2024 09:45:28  41.8N   82.5E mb=4.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07APR2024 14:20:57  41.8N   82.5E mb=4.3  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07APR2024 08:46:18  41.9N   82.3E Mw=5.4  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07APR2024 11:03:08  41.9N   82.3E mb=4.5  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07APR2024 20:47:59  41.9N   82.1E Mw=5.0  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O: 07APR2024 23:16:27  41.9N   82.3E mb=4.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA

O:  7APR2024 08:44:04  41.8N   82.3E MB=4.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA     

P:  3APR2024 161925    42.0N   79.0E 4.0-5.5 BABAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang         

P: 12APR2024 162198    42.0N   82.0E 4.0-5.8 BAAAA  Kirgizstan/Xinjiang        

 

 

 

LIGHT ACTIVITY SHAKES CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 6, 2024

 

An earthquake of M 3.2 was also widely felt in the region of San Francisco, California today. NEIC reported intensity up to IV with this event was felt in the area of Berkeley, California. EMSC reported it was felt as a strong jolt in California in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Moraga, El Sobrante, Pinole, San Francisco, Concord, San Leandro, Benicia, San Bruno. Recent triggering forces which may have helped promote enhanced seismicity in the region of San Francisco at this time have included a strong geomagnetic storm at the end of March, 2024; the nor'easter in Northeastern U.S. of the past several days and the M 7.5 earthquake in Taiwan of April 3, 2024. This is unlikely a foreshock to a moderate to large regional earthquake as (in this area) such events are commonly associated with a strong solar flare(s) and the sun is currently quiet of such. Two lighter earthquakes today of M 2.5 and 2.1 also shook areas of the San Francisco Bay area, both to the south of today's eventi of M 3.2. Similar events of M 3.2 in the San Francisco Bay area occurred on February 22 and February 2, 2024 but the last event of stronger magnitude than M 3.2 in the northern area near today's epicenter was an M 3.7 on April 20, 2023 and an M 3.7 about 30 km south of this on October 28, 2023. At that time this summary noted:

 

 

"A series of unusual earthquakes occurred today with the new moon and solar eclipse of early April 20. These began with an M 6.3 next to the eclipse path in New Guinea. This was followed by the strongest earthquake in at least 35 years in the southern North American Continental slope area off South Carolina of M 4.5-4.7. This may have been a clathate eruption in an area where large clathate deposits are know to exist. Later in the day and within minutes of the new moon and eclipse an M 3.7-3.8 earthquake shook areas of San Francisco, California. These all implicate the new moon and eclipse as important triggers for this seismicity." (April 20, 2023)

 

Readers may note the similarity of new moon and solar eclipse with this previous event in San Francisco and current conditions of new moon and solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 as outlined in this and previous issues of this summary:

 

"The new moon will arrive on April 8, 2024 at 18:21 UT. This involves a total eclipse of the sun which will begin in western Mexico and extend through Texas, the east-Central U.S. eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. States of Emergency have been declared for much of the eclipse path due to expected migrations of people to view the total eclipse.  Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 100 West while those at local solar midnight area near 80 East. These include areas of central North America and the East Pacific in the west and central Asia including China, India, Nepal in the East. These areas are most likely to see moderate tidal triggering at this time. Tidal enhancement of regional seismicity is possible in many areas, however, a major earthquake associated with this new moon is considered possible in the next week by this report. Minor to moderate seismic enhancement along the path through the U.S. Mexico and Canada is likely in the next week." (April 4-7. 2024)

 

Today's activity in the San Francisco area had been anticipated to occur near the new moon on April 8 within about 10 km of these epicenters.  The smaller events had been forecast with similar precision to occur on April 6-8 in forecast 161865. This activity is near 103 degrees from recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao and Talaud Islands, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O:  6APR2024 18:12:37  37.9N  122.3W MW=3.2  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P:  8APR2024 161866    38.0N  122.3W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  Central California         

 

NEIC reported the earthquake of M 2.5 in Central California was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Central California in Gilroy.

 

O:  7APR2024 00:28:45  37.0N  121.6W MD=2.5  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P:  8APR2024 161865    37.1N  121.5W 2.5-4.5 AAAAA  Central California         

 

O:  6APR2024 11:55:35  37.5N  121.9W MD=2.1  EMSC   SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.

P:  6APR2024 161865    37.4N  121.8W 2.5-4.7 AAAAA  Central California         

 

 

NEIC reported a series of  earthquake aftershocks of M 4.8-5.0 in Taiwan were felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Taiwan in Hualien, Yilan, Nantou and other counties of Taiwan. The largest of today's aftershocks was an M 5.2 felt with intensity up to V in Hualien, Taiwan. The strongest earthquake in the world today was the M 5.2 aftershock in Taiwan. This event was reported felt in Taiwan with intensity IV in Hualien, Yilan; III in Nantou, Taichung, II in Changhua, Taitung, Yunlin, Miaoli, Taoyuan and I in Tainan, Chiayi and Kaohsiung Counties, Taiwan. A listing of aftershocks today in Taiwan with M>=4.2 follows. Forecasts 161856 and 161857 had expected strongly enhanced seismicity in Taiwan around April 6-8.

 

O: 07APR2024 04:48:02  23.8N  121.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 10:47:12  23.9N  121.7E Mw=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 21:15:09  24.0N  121.8E mb=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 07:53:29  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 22:30:50  24.1N  121.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 13:17:53  24.2N  121.8E mb=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 15:43:09  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 15:53:11  24.2N  121.9E Mw=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 16:03:05  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 07APR2024 02:06:00  24.2N  121.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 09:07:57  24.3N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 15:46:26  24.3N  121.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 21:50:20  24.3N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O:  6APR2024 08:10:25  23.8N  121.6E MW=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P:  6APR2024 161856    23.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

P:  8APR2024 161857    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.1 off the coast of Washington State, U.S. NEIC reported it was lightly felt with intensity II along the Washington coast. This earthquake is the strongest recorded in this area off the coast of Washington State since an M 4.5 on March 6, 2024 and an M 4.1 on September 25, 2023. A strong M 6.0 about 150 km north of today's epicenter occurred on April 13, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 off the western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. NEIC reported intensity I-III in British Columbia at Port Hardy, Port MacNeill, Nanaimo, Sidney, Vancouver, White Rock and in Washington State at Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Ferndale and Port Townsend among others. The last earthquake in the Vancouver Island area within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.3 on December 25, 2019 and an M 6.0 on December 23, 2019 But the last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=6 was an M 6.5 on October 22, 2018." (April 13, 2023)

 

 

Forecast 161956 had expected today's event in this region was likely around

April 8, 2024.

 

O:  7APR2024 04:40:23  47.5N  129.1W MB=4.1  EMSC   OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON      

P:  8APR2024 161956    49.3N  129.0W 2.8-5.1 ABAAA  Vancouver Island area      

 

A light M 3.6-3.9 also lightly shook areas of Quebec, near Maniwaki, Canada today. The last earthquake in this area of Quebec with M>=3.9 reported by NEIC was an M 3.9 on May 9, 2020 and prior to that an M 4.1 on October 1, 2007. At the time of the 2020 event this summary noted:

 

"An earthquake of M 3.9-4.3 was also widely felt in southern Quebec, Canada today. NEIC reported intensity IV in Quebec at Ferre-Neuve, Mont-Laurier, Shawville, and II-III in Maniwaki, Pembroke, Buckingham, Ottawa, Kanata, Eganville and Chesterville. The last earthquake of M>=4.3 in southern Quebec within about 200 km of this epicenter was an M 4.4 on May 17, 2013." (May 9, 2020)

 

This epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2 and the Mariana Islands of April 5, 2024 and at the third node (120 degrees) from recent strong earthquakes in the area of Mindanao, Philippines and the Loyalty Islands and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.5 of January 1, 2024 in Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 07APR2024 04:39:01  47.0N   76.2W MB=3.9  ECAN NNW OF MANIWAKI, QC  

O:  7APR2024 04:39:00  47.0N   76.2W ML=3.6  EMSC   SOUTHERN QUEBEC, CANADA      

P:  6APR2024 161938    47.0N   76.0W 2.0-4.0 AAAAA  New York State             

 

Aftershocks also continued in New Jersey, U.S. following the M 4.8 there on

April 5, 2024. NEIC reported an M 2.5 today was felt with intensity V in Gladstone, New Jersey. Forecast 161936 had expected this activity was likely around April 8.

 

O:  6APR2024 10:46:39  40.7N   74.7W ML=2.5  EMSC   NEW JERSEY                   

P:  8APR2024 161936    40.0N   74.0W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA  New York State             

 

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE SHAKE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 5, 2024

 

The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.8 in the northern Mariana Islands. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the Maug Islands. EMSC reported strong shaking in the Northern Mariana Islands at Kagman II, San Vicente, Dandan, San Jose, Mangilao, Guam and Kagman Vlg, Saipan. This follows a series of strong earthquakes in the area of northern Mariana Islands and Volcano Islands, Japan in the past several months including an M 6.9 on November 24, 2023 on November 24, 2023. Major earthquakes in the past 35 years hit the region at intermediate and deep focus on July 29, 2016 (M 7.7); May 14, 2013 (M 6.8); October 31, 2007 (M 7.2) and August 23, 1995 (M 7.1).

 

Forecasts 161836 abd 161858 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km of this epicenter around April 3-7, 2024. This epicenter is at 142 degrees  from the M 6.7 in Brazil of January 20, 2024 and the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.1 in Xinjiang, China of January 22, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O:  5APR2024 11:03:15  19.1N  145.4E MW=6.8  EMSC   MAUG ISLANDS REG, N. MARIANA I

P:  3APR2024 161836    19.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  No. Marianas                

P:  7APR2024 161858    20.0N  146.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Volcano Islands            

 

An earthquake of M 4.8 occurred on April 5, 2024 in the region of New Jersey. This event was widely felt along the northeastern coast of the United States. It was followed by several moderate aftershocks. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity VII in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. EMSC reported strong shaking in New Jersey at Whitehouse Station, Somerville, Califon, Bedminster, Far Hills, Bridgewater, High Bridge, Basking Ridge among others. Also reported with moderate shaking as far as Syracuse, West Kingston, New York City, Clifton Park, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Pennsylvania among others. In the previous issue of this summary this event had been discussed as:

 

"Regional press reported it was widely felt in New York and throughout much of northeastern U.S. This earthquake occurred near  local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It was also associated with a strong geomagnetic storm which reached KP5 at this hour with maximum effects at this longitude. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by the passage of a strong nor'easter through the region over the past two days. Nor'easters of this type have been associated with previous regionally enhanced seismicity. They can also help promote moderate to strong seismicity along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. This relation may help explain the  correlation between moderate earthquakes in this region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and New York. For example the previous strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years occurred on January 16, 1994 hours before the M 6.7 in Northridge and Los Angeles, California.   These followed a major nor'easter which hit the area on January 4-6, 1994 and dumped as much s 13 inches of snow in the area. One of the three largest snowfall and nor'easters since record keeping began in southern Maine occurred on April 10, 1906 and dumped up to 15 inches of snow in the area. Today's storm matched that total snowfall. With this in mind a precautionary warning of possible enhanced seismicity in California is in effect for the next 10 days." (April 4, 2024)

 

Forecast 161936 had expected this activity in New Jersey was likely within about 100 km around April 8, 2024. These epicenter are at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Southern Vanuatu of March 27, 2024 the M 7.1 in the Loyalty Islands of December 7, 2023 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 06APR2024 05:07:47  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.7  ANSS   Gladstone New Jersey

O: 06APR2024 00:51:18  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.5  ANSS   Gladstone New Jersey

O: 06APR2024 00:39:11  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.8  ANSS   Bedminster New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 23:39:23  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.5  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 23:10:49  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.9  ANSS   Bedminster New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 22:16:18  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.9  ANSS   Bedminster New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 21:59:13  40.7N   74.7W mw=3.8  ANSS   Gladstone New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 20:21:07  40.6N   74.7W ml=1.9  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 20:13:47  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 19:58:22  40.6N   74.7W ml=1.7  ANSS   Bridgewater New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 18:40:20  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.8  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:32:13  40.6N   74.7W ml=2.2  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:21:55  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:18:48  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Chester New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:14:13  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Chester New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 16:49:49  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.8  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 16:31:50  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.8  ANSS   Bedminster New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:37:10  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.8  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:33:15  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:27:56  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:20:20  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 14:23:20  40.7N   74.8W mr=4.8  ANSS   Station New Jersey Earthquake

O:  5APR2024 21:59:13  40.7N   74.7W MW=3.8  EMSC   NEW JERSEY                   

P:  8APR2024 161936    40.0N   74.0W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA  New York State             

 

 

An earthquake of M 5.8 also occurred today in the India-Myanmar border region.

NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to M 5.8 in Sarupathar, India.

EMSC reported moderate shaking in India at Duliajan, Na Pukhuri, Sisibargaon, Tarapur, Old Ziro. The last earthquake in Myanmar within about 300 km of today's epicenter occurred on May 31, 2023 with M 5.8 but the last within about 200 km was an M 6.3 on June 7, 2000. A pair of events of M 5.8 and M 5.9 occurred about 200 km southwest of today's epicenter late May, 2014. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"A moderately large earthquake of M 5.9-6.0 hit the region of Myanmar and southern China today. Initial reports indicate it was felt along the China-Myanmar border near Yunnan Province in China and Myitkyina, capital of the Kachin state in North Myanmar. This may be an aftershock of the earthquake of M 5.6 that hit near this area a week ago injuring 13 people. Many people fled their homes and offices during the quake and web posted pictures showed people standing outside office buildings in Mang, Yingjiang county. The quakes was felt strongly in the epicentral area according to social media posters. EMSC reported light shaking as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. Light to moderate damage may have occurred in Kachang township, China. CENC gave the earthquake M 6.1. NEIC reported the quake was felt with intensity V-VII. The region has been hit by strong rainstorms in recent days, leftover from the tropical storm which formed last week in the Bay of Bengal, and the first tropical storm of the season. These storms have caused major damage in the region. The first tropical storms have the most impact on triggered seismicity as areas which have accumulated stress during quiet weather may release it with major storms. This earthquake was also highly stressed by yesterday's new moon tides." (May 30, 2014)

 

Forecast 161850 had expected today's event was likely within this area around

April 1.

 

O:  5APR2024 12:45:32  26.6N   97.0E MB=5.8  EMSC   MYANMAR                      

P:  1APR2024 161850    25.0N   97.0E 4.0-5.8 BBAAA  Myanmar                    

 

Aftershocks continued in central and northern Taiwan today. The largest of these was an M 5.0 felt with intensity up to V throughout much of the island with maximum shaking in Hualien, Yilan and Nantou counties. These area aftershocks of the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2.

 

Forecasts 161857 and 161856  had expected this activity in Taiwan was likely around April 4-6, 2024.  This activity is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Macquarie  Island M 6.7 of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.             

 

O: 05APR2024 18:49:23  23.9N  122.0E Mw=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 20:26:26  23.9N  121.8E Mw=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 06:02:18  23.9N  121.8E ML=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 09:04:57  24.0N  121.7E Mw=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 21:34:12  24.0N  121.7E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 10:08:50  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 13:34:31  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 16:14:51  24.1N  121.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 17:17:18  24.1N  121.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 20:12:11  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 22:53:17  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 09:53:36  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 12:59:12  24.2N  121.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 15:00:38  24.2N  121.8E mb=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 05APR2024 16:19:15  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 03:52:55  24.2N  121.7E mb=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 06APR2024 05:25:22  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O:  6APR2024 01:37:49  23.6N  122.0E MB=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN REGION                

P:  4APR2024 161857    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

P:  6APR2024 161856    23.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.5 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

A moderately large earthquake also occurred off northern Honshu, Japan today with M 5.4 It was lightly felt in the region of northern Honshu. This may be a regional aftershock of the M 5.9 that occurred about 200 km southwest of this epicenter on April 1. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred in northern Honshu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII in Northern Honshu in Kuji. The last earthquake with equal or larger magnitude within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on May 5, 2023 with M 5.9." (April 1, 2024)

 

Forecast 161920 had expected today's event within about 100 km of this epicenter was likely around April 8, 2024. This epicenter is at 102 degrees from the M 6.7 in the region of Macquarie Island of March 3, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O:  6APR2024 00:12:17  40.9N  143.2E MW=5.4  EMSC   OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,    

O: 06APR2024 00:12:17  40.9N  143.2E mw=5.4  ANSS   S of Honch┼ì Japan

P:  8APR2024 161920    40.0N  143.0E 3.5-5.4 AAAAA  Hokkaido, Japan            

 

An M 5.6 also shook regions of northern Tonga where it may have been lightly felt in Neiafu, Tonga. Forecast 162013 had expected this event within about 25 km was likely around April 5. This activity is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the M 7.5 in western Honshu, Japan of January 1, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other activity at this distance from Honshu today includes a series in Iran and a light quake off the coast of Oregon.

 

O:  5APR2024 20:32:13  18.3S  174.6W MW=5.6  EMSC   TONGA                        

O: 05APR2024 20:32:12  18.2S  174.2W mw=5.6  ANSS   NNW of Neiafu Tonga

P:  5APR2024 162013    18.0S  174.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Tonga Islands              

MODERATE QUAKE SHAKES NORTHEASTERN U.S.A.

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 4, 2024

 

 

An earthquake of M 4.7-4.8 occurred on April 5, 2024 in the region of New Jersey. This event was widely felt along the northeastern coast of the United States. It was followed by several moderate aftershocks. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity VII in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. EMSC reported strong shaking in New Jersey at Whitehouse Station, Somerville, Califon, Bedminster, Far Hills, Bridgewater, High Bridge, Basking Ridge among others. Also reported with moderate shaking as far as Syracuse, West Kingston, New York City, Clifton Park, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania among others.  Regional press reported it was widely felt in New York and throughout much of northeastern U.S. This earthquake occurred near  local solar noon and was probably promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. It was also associated with a strong geomagnetic storm which reached KP5 at this hour with maximum effects at this longitude. It is likely that this earthquake was promoted by the passage of a strong nor'easter through the region over the past two days. Nor'easters of this type have been associated in this summary with previous regionally enhanced seismicity. They can also help promote moderate to strong seismicity along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California. This relation may help explain the correlation between moderate earthquakes in this region of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and New York. For example the previous strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past 35 years occurred on January 16, 1994 hours before the M 6.7 in Northridge and Los Angeles, California.   These followed a major nor'easter which hit the area on January 4-6, 1994 and dumped as much s 13 inches of snow in the area. One of the three largest snowfall and nor'easters since record keeping began in southern Maine occurred on  April 10, 1906 and dumped up to 15 inches of snow in the area. Today's storm matched that total snowfall. With this in mind a precautionary warning of possible enhanced seismicity in California is in effect for the next 10 days.

 

Forecast 161936 had expected this earthquake was likely within about 75 km was likely around April 8, 2024. These earthquakes are located at 142 degrees from the M 6.7 in Macquarie Islands of March 3, 2024 (and aftershocks) and at the third node (120 degrees) from the Vanuatu Islands event of M 6.7 of March 27, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 05APR2024 21:59:13  40.7N   74.7W mb=4.0  ANSS   Gladstone New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 18:40:20  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.8  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:32:13  40.6N   74.7W ml=2.2  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:21:55  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:18:48  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Chester New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 17:14:13  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Chester New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 16:49:49  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.8  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 16:31:50  40.7N   74.7W ml=1.8  ANSS   Bedminster New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:49:36  40.7N   74.8W ml=2.0  ANSS   Long Valley New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:37:10  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.8  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:33:14  40.7N   74.8W ml=1.9  ANSS   Califon New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 15:20:20  40.7N   74.7W ml=2.0  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O: 05APR2024 14:23:20  40.7N   74.8W mw=4.8  ANSS   Whitehouse Station New Jersey

O:  5APR2024 14:23:21  40.7N   74.8W MB=4.7  ECAN OF NEWARK, NJ                  

P:  8APR2024 161936    40.0N   74.0W 2.0-4.1 BAAAA  New York State             

P:  8APR2024 161936    40.0N   76.0W 2.0-3.9 BAAAA  New York State             

 

 

The second strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in northern California followed by an M 4.3. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Northern California at Magalia, Paradise, Chico, Oroville, Blairsden Graeagle, Susanville, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Smartsville, Alta, Yuba City, Olivehurst, Colfax, Foresthill, Cool, Antelope, Citrus Heights, North Highlands, Folsom, Shingle Springs, Fair Oaks, Sacramento, Lockeford, Stockton.  NEIC reported these earthquakes of M 4.4, 4.2, 2.7 in Northern California were felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of  Northern California in Belden.  These earthquake occurred while a strong nor'easter was hitting New England. In a number of previous issues, this summary has noted the correspondence of significant earthquakes in northern California with nor'easters in New England. The most recent discussion followed a smaller nor'easter on March 26 as follows:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.7 off the coast of Oregon. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to III along the coast of Oregon, especially in the Port Orford area. EMSC reported light shaking in Springfield, Oregon. A foreshock of M 3.0 hit the area within minutes of local solar noon about 12 hours earlier and was felt in the Port Orford, Oregon area.  These earthquake occurred near local solar noon and midnight and may have been promoted by tidal stresses with the full moon of March 25

 

…

 

Earthquakes in this area often accompany or follow shortly after strong nor'easter storms in the northeastern U.S. Such a storm occurred over the past three days bringing ice and power outages throughout the area. This summary has noted this correlation on a number of previous occasions. For example on January 29, 2022 this summary noted:

 

"...This may have been promoted by movement of the North American plate associated with the massive nor'easter off the east coast of North America today. This system dumped a foot of snow on Boston, the most ever reported in that city in a 24-hour period. This summary had expected this type of seismic response to this storm in the previous issue as:

 

" ... a major nor'easter is beginning to progress up the eastern coast of the U.S. It may hit the Boston area with record snows today and on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Such nor'easters are often associated with a strong enhancement of seismicity along the western North American tectonic plate. A precautionary seismic watch is being called by this summary for this region through February 2, 2022." (January 27, 2022)

 

The last earthquakes with M>=5.7 off the coast of Oregon occurred on June 4, 2021 (M 5.9) and December 8, 2021 (M 5.8). This event also followed a full moon and was likely promoted by tidal stresses associated with that alignment as explained in  this summary at the time:

 

"A strong series of earthquakes occurred off the coast of Oregon today at 120-130 West longitude. These events were reported lightly felt on the coast of Oregon including at Waldport, Eugene and Beaverton. The largest of these was M 5.8 which was felt with intensity II-III in Oregon in  Depoe Bay, Newport, Florence, Waldport, Hammond, Tualatin, Medford, Cloverdale, Seaside, Sheridan, Forest Grove, Springfield, Portland and as far as southern Washington State.

Other moderately large events of M 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.5, 5.8, 5.3 ... also were recorded in this series. The last earthquakes of M>=5.8 in this area off the coast of Oregon occurred in August and September, 2019 with M 6.3 and 5.9 and as an M 6.2 on August 22, 2018 and an M 5.9 on August 22, 2018. The M 6.3 on August 29, 2019 is the strongest event in this area in the past 30 years. Today's activity appears to be occurring in the volcanic vents off the coast of Oregon. It is likely that this series was promoted by high tidal stresses associated with the new moon/eclipse of December 4." (December 8, 2021, March 26, 2024)

 

Today's earthquake in Northern California is the strongest within about 150 km  of that epicenter since an M 5.5 and 5.2 occurred on May 11, 2023 with a regional aftershock on September 8, 2023. In May, 2023 this summary discussed those earthquakes as:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an 5.5 in Northern California. NEIC reported this earthquake was widely felt in northern California and Nevada with maximum intensity VI in Westwood, Chester and Greenville, California, V in Twain, Mineral,  California and IV in Quincy Meadow Valley, Forest Ranch, Janesville and Magalia and Taylorsville and II-III in Forest Ranch, Mineral, Janesville, Magalia, Comptonville, Chico and as far as Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada and in southern Oregon.

 

...

 

The only event within about 150 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.5 in the past 35 years was an M 5.7 on May 24, 2013 within about 10 km of today's epicenter." (May 12, 2023)

 

Forecast 161942 had expected a moderate aftershock within about 25 km of today's epicenter was likely around April 3, 2024. These earthquakes are at 103 degrees from recent major earthquakes in the region of Talaud and Mindanao, Philippines and may have been promoted by energy from these sources.

 

O: 05APR2024 01:34:49  40.0N  121.3W mb=4.3  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 05APR2024 01:44:08  40.0N  121.3W MD=2.2  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O: 05APR2024 02:03:34  40.0N  121.3W MD=2.6  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

O:  5APR2024 01:34:25  40.0N  121.3W MW=4.5  EMSC   NORTHERN CALIFORNIA          

P:  3APR2024 161942    40.2N  121.2W 2.5-4.8 AAAAA  Northern California        

 

 

A moderate earthquake of M 4.4 followed by an M 3.4 seconds later occurred today in the Fox Islands, Alaska.  NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.4 and 4.2 in Unalaska, Alaska was felt with intensity up to III in the area(s) of  Unalaska, Alaska.  An earthquake of M 5.6 hit near this epicenter on November 28, 2023. At the time this summary noted:

 

 

"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.5-5.6 in the area of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska. News sources indicated the quake was felt throughout the Fox Islands and the Aleutians. No tsunami was expected or observed with this event. The mainshock occurred near local solar midnight, a time when tidal stresses maximize and may have been promoted by those stresses. The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.6 occurred on January 22, 2022, an aftershock of an M 6.8 on January 11, 2022. An event of slightly smaller size (M 5.5) occurred a year ago on November 21, 2022.  At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"The last earthquake in the Fox Islands within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.6 and 6.8 on January 11, 2022. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

 

"Strong earthquakes of M 6.8 and M 6.4 shook the region of the Fox Islands, Aleutians, Alaska today. NEIC reported the M 6.8 was felt with intensity VI in Nikolski; IV in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, False Pass and II-III in Akutan, Atka, Cold Bay, and Adak,  Alaska. The M 6.4 aftershock was reported with intensity IV in Nikolski, Alaska and III in Unalaska. An aftershock of M 5.8 was also reported felt with intensity IV in Nikolski and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in the Fox Islands with M>=6.8 was an M 6.9 on July 27, 2015 about 150 km west of today's epicenter." (January 11-12, 2022; November 21, 2022, November 28, 2023)

 

Forecast 161969 had expected this event was likely within about 50 km around April 3, 2024. These events are at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other events at this distance from Taiwan today occurred as an M 4.2 in eastern Iran.

 

O: 04APR2024 19:59:06  53.4N  167.3W ML=3.4  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

O:  4APR2024 19:57:02  53.5N  167.4W MB=4.4  EMSC   FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

P:  3APR2024 161969    53.7N  167.0W 3.5-5.1 AAAAA  Fox Islands, Aleutians     

 

 

Two series of moderate earthquake occurred today in the region of the central and mid-Atlantic Ridge today. These are at different epicenters (but close to) the series of events in the region in late March at the antipode of Tropical Cyclone Megan as discussed in this summary on March 29, 2024:

 

 

"A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today near local solar noon today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge and included events of M 4.7, 4.9, 5.0 and 5.2. This is about 300 km south of the recent earthquakes in the area as reported in the previous issue of this summary:

 

"The remarkable series of moderate earthquakes at antipodal locations to Tropical Storms Megan and Neville in the Indian Ocean continued today. These occurred with an M 3.9 in the Gulf of Mexico and an M 4.6 in the northern Mid-Atlantic.

 

The stronger of these was the M 4.8 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ocean. This  event is slightly south of the M 5.5 on March 25, 2024. At the time this summary noted in this regard:

 

"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge area. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of this epicenter in the North Atlantic Ridge occurred as an M 6.0 on September 18, 2015 and prior to that an M 6.0 on September 5, 2013. A smaller M 4.6 hit the area to the south of this yesterday. This summary speculated it may have been triggered by antipodal focusing of energy associated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Megan as follows:

 

 

"An earthquake of M 4.6 occurred today in the Northern Mid-Atlantic. It was not felt in this remote epicentral area. It was likely promoted by antipodal energy from Tropical storm Megan which passed over the antipode to this epicenter three days ago and was expected in this summary at the time as:

 

"TC Megan (19P) continued today in the area North of Australia with winds up to 80 kts.  This system is expected to track to the southwest over the next week and to make landfall today. It could help promote enhanced seismicity the area of New Guinea and northern Australia during this period. It is currently nearly antipodal to the northern mid-Atlantic at 16N 43W where some promoted antipodal seismicity may occur in the next several days." (March 20, 2024)

 

Today's event in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge area is the largest reported within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 4.7 on July 23, 2023 and an M 5.0 on September 27, 2022." (March 25, 2024)

 

The M 4.8 today is about 150 km south of the M 5.5 on March 25 and is the strongest within about 150 km of today's epicenter since an M  5.2 on August 17m 2020. Further seismicity in this area of the Atlantic antipodal to the past of

TC Megan is considered likely in the next several days." (March 29, 2024)

 

TC Megan passed directly over the antipode of today's epicenters on March 17 as noted in this summary at the time:

 

"A tropical cyclone may be forming north of western Australia. This system is currently located at 13S 136E south of Papua New Guinea ..." (March 17, 2024)

 

Readers should note that the epicenter cited in mid-March for TC Megan (see above) at 13S 136E is antipodal to 13N 44W, the epicenter of the strong activity in the Northern Mid-Atlantic today. It is likely that antipodal focusing from TC Megan helped promoted the volcanism associated with today's events in the North Atlantic." (March 29, 2024)

 

A new series today occurred in the Central Mid-Atlantic and included events of M 5.2, 5.1, .... This activity is the strongest within about 150 km of these events since an M 5.3 on February 15, 2023 and an M 5.8 on September 17, 2020. This epicenter is near the antipode of an M 6.9 in Papua New Guinea of March 23, 2024 and may have been promoted focused energy at the antipode of that event.  

 

Forecast 161785 had expected today's events were likely within about 100 km around April 4, 2024. These earthquakes are at 143 degrees from the M 7.5 in

Taiwan of April 2, 2024 and were likely promoted by energy from that source. They are also at this distance from recent earthquakes in southern Vanuatu of M 6.7 on March 27, 2024 and from the Mariana Islands M 6.9 of April 5, 2024 and at 104 degrees from the Xinjiang quake of January 22, 2024 and near the antipode of the M 6.9 in New Guinea and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.

 

O: 04APR2024 23:37:31   8.0N   38.2W Mw=5.2  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O: 04APR2024 23:46:41   8.0N   38.1W mb=5.1  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O: 04APR2024 23:16:57   8.1N   38.2W mb=5.0  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O: 04APR2024 23:18:25   8.1N   38.2W mb=5.0  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O:  4APR2024 23:43:55   7.9N   38.1W MB=5.0  EMSC   CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE   

P:  4APR2024 161785     8.0N   37.0W 4.0-5.7 AAAAA  Central Mid-Atlantic Ridg  

 

The M 4.9 and 5.0 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic had been anticipated in  forecast 161832 to occur within about 25 km around April 4, 2024.

 

O: 05APR2024 01:44:15  14.9N   45.0W mb=4.9  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE

O:  5APR2024 02:30:04  14.9N   45.0W MB=5.0  EMSC   NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE  

P:  4APR2024 161832    15.0N   45.0W 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Mid-Atlantic Ridge         

 

STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN HONSHU, JAPAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 3, 2024

 

 

The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.1 in the region of eastern Honshu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in Minami-Soma, Honshu, Japan. EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Japan at Minuma, Nakahara, Tokyo. No major damage was reported with this earthquake. The last earthquake of M>=6.1 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan within about 150 km of this epicenter occurred on March 16, 2022 with M 7.3. Today's event caused some concern of a repeat of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami of M>9. That event however was probably triggered by several strong X-class flares and the current solar conditions are quiet, so a repeat appears unlikely at this time. At the time of March 16, 2022 event this summary noted:

 

"A major earthquake of M 7.3 off the east coast of Honshu, Japan followed an M 6.4 minutes earlier. Today's mainshock killed four in Fukushima, Japan and did minor damage throughout the area. More than 97 were injured in this earthquake but millions lost power. Some trains came off their tracks but no injuries were reported with these incidents. High Speed trains were temporarily shut down. A tsunami warning was issued and waves of up to 20 cm were reported. No damage was reported at nuclear facilities with these earthquakes. Some residents of Fukushima were evacuated for fear of tsunamis. This is the strongest earthquake in this area since a similar M 7.3 on February 13, 2021. An M 9.3+ earthquake shook this area and triggered a major Pacific-wide tsunami NEIC reported maximum intensity IX with the M 7.3 with damage was felt in Namie, Fukushima with VIII in Haramachi, Soma, Watan, Natori, Shiogama, Miyagi and lesser shaking throughout most of eastern Honshu, Japan. The M 6.5 foreshock was reported with maximum intensity VII in Miyagi and V in Fukushima with lesser shaking in Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo Prefectures, Japan.  These earthquakes occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and were probably promoted by strong tidal and geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour. Today's earthquake followed a major geomagnetic storm of the past three days. A series of M-class solar flares have been occurring over the past day and a moderate geomagnetic sudden commencement storm began about  14:00 UT today, coincident with the earthquakes in Japan and may have helped trigger this activity." (March 16, 2022)

 

Forecast 161889 had expected today's event was likely within about 50 km  of this epicenter around April 4, 2024.

 

O:  4APR2024 03:16:31  37.7N  141.8E MW=6.1  EMSC   NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,   

P:  4APR2024 161889    38.0N  141.0E 4.0-5.6 AAAAA  Off East Coast Honshu      

 

Moderate aftershocks of the M 7.5 in Taiwan of April 2-3, 2024 continued today.

Many of these were felt with light to moderated intensity up to IV in the region of Hualien, Taiwan. The latest of these was an M 4.8 felt with intensity IV in  Hualien with lighter intensity throughout much of Taiwan.

 

Forecast 161857 had expected continuing moderate to strong aftershocks in Taiwan at this time.

 

 

O: 03APR2024 09:08:18  23.8N  121.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:22:39  23.8N  121.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 18:29:48  23.8N  121.8E Mw=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 19:46:52  23.8N  121.8E Mw=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 01:29:07  23.8N  121.6E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 17:39:11  23.9N  121.7E Mw=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 19:07:24  23.9N  121.8E mb=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 22:46:34  23.9N  121.8E mb=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 08:17:12  24.0N  121.7E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 08:56:29  24.0N  121.7E mb=4.7  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:15:02  24.0N  121.6E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:20:09  24.0N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 10:56:36  24.0N  121.8E Mw=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 11:51:36  24.0N  121.6E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 12:02:07  24.0N  121.6E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 03:14:29  24.0N  121.7E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:40:38  24.1N  121.6E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:53:42  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 14:49:14  24.1N  121.9E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 15:55:12  24.1N  121.7E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 17:18:59  24.1N  121.8E Mw=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 21:56:11  24.1N  121.8E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 07:05:19  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 09:28:51  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 10:38:55  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 11:22:30  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 13:24:30  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 13:52:04  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 14:29:09  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 15:20:04  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 15:39:10  24.2N  121.7E Mw=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 15:42:36  24.2N  121.7E Mw=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 18:30:45  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 18:55:58  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 21:19:16  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 00:18:09  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 00:32:40  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 02:04:21  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 03:10:11  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 03:31:23  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 04:11:47  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 05:00:29  24.2N  121.8E Mw=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 05:16:56  24.2N  121.8E mb=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 14:17:03  24.3N  121.8E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 20:26:57  24.3N  121.7E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 20:29:18  24.3N  121.8E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 04APR2024 02:02:55  24.3N  121.8E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O:  3APR2024 08:38:01  23.7N  121.6E MB=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P:  4APR2024 161857    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

MAJOR EARTHQUAKE DAMAGING IN TAIWAN

 

EARTHQUAKE SUMMARY FOR APRIL 2, 2024

 

A major M 7.4 earthquake damaged much of the Island of Taiwan today. International Press reports indicated that this event and several strong aftershocks killed at least 7 while injuring more than 700. The quake occurred about 20 km south of Hualien and damaged and toppled buildings while causing many damaging landslides. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in at least 25 years - since September 20, 1999 (M 7.7) - the strongest event in Taiwan in the past 35 years. Major earthquakes have most recently hit with M>=7.5 in Taiwan on November 14, 1986 (M 7.8); July 24, 1978 (M 8.0); April 24, 1972 (M 7.7) and January 25, 1972 (M 7.7). JMA gave today's event M 7.7 and reported several minor tsunami waves. A tsunami warning was also made for Taiwan but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) reported that no damaging tsunami waves had been reported nor were any now expected. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IX (major damage) in the area southwest of Hualien City, Taiwan, EMSC reported it was also felt in mainland China as a double quake in Nanjing City nearly 1000 km from the epicenter, in Wuxi City with mild shaking; Shanghai City, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Zhonggeng, Xiamen, and Quanzhou.  PHIVOLCS reported it at M 7.5 was felt in the Philippines with intensity II in Itbayat, Batanes, and I in Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan,  and Sabtang, Batanes. This event may be related to the upcoming solar eclipse of April 8, 2024. It is interesting to note that the total eclipse path through North America is near 103 degrees from Taiwan throughout and some enhanced seismicity is the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada may be expected following this event in Taiwan. The most likely area affected by strong energy from Taiwan in the U.S. is southern and Baja California which is near 103 degrees from today's epicenter and subject to far-field seismic triggering at this time. This distance also passes through areas of Utah and portions of Ontario, Nunuvat and Quebec, Canada. It is likely that the recent geomagnetic storm helped promote this earthquake in Taiwan. The storm occurred at the end of March, 2024 and was one of the largest in recent years as reported in this summary. It had been expected to affect most strongly areas near the geomagnetic equator and at high latitudes. Taiwan is located about 10 degrees north of the local geomagnetic equator. The timing is also suspicious as maximum ionospheric ring current intensities occur about 4-9 days after such storms near 10 degrees either side of the geomagnetic equator.

 

A foreshock in Taiwan with M 4.2 occurred about 100 km west of today's mainshock about four hours before the mainshock. Moderate to strong aftershocks of today's M 7.4 are expected for the next several days. NEIC reported the foreshock was felt with intensity II in Pizitou, Taiwan.

 

CWB gives the following maximum intensities per County in Taiwan as:

 

       

        Hualien County          7                                                              

        Yilan   County          6                                          

        Nantou  County          5                                        

        Taichung County         5                                       

        Kaohsiung County        4                                           

        Changhua County         5                                           

        Taitung  County         4                                            

        Yunlin   County         4                                           

        Taipei   County         5                                            

        Chiayi   County         4                                            

        Miaoli   County         6                                             

        Taoyuan  County         5                                            

        Tainan   County         4                                            

        Hsinchu  County         5                                             

        Penghu   County         3                                            

        Pingtung County         4                                         

        Lienchiang County       2                                         

 

Far-field earthquake triggering is possible with earthquakes of M 7.5 or greater. In the case of Taiwan, the most likely triggering zones - near 144 degrees and 103 degrees from Taiwan do not contain many areas of high seismicity and far-field triggering is likely to be muted. Following is a listing of potential triggering sites with this earthquake:

 

180 degrees: Brazil, Argentina,

144 degrees: Panama, Colombia, South Sandwich Islands, East Pacific Rise, eastern Caribbean, Venezuela

120 degrees: Western Mexico, Michoacan, Jalisco, SE U.S., Northern Mid-Atlantic, 

103 degrees: Southern, Baja California, Utah, Nunuvat, Ontario, Quebec Canada, NE U.S., South Africa, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, 

90 degrees: Northwest U.S., Italy, Mediterranean, East Africa Rift, 

72 degrees: Tonga, Fiji, Kermadec Is. Turkey,

60 degrees: Iran, Fox Islands,

52 degrees: Rat, Andreanof Is, Pakistan

 

Tsunamis from today's event were located in Hualien with 1-3 meters, Taitung (0.3-1 meter); in Philippines with 0.3-1 meter at Basco.

 

Forecasts 161195 had expected today's earthquake within about 25 km was likely at the end of March or early April, 2024. The foreshocks to the southwest had been expected in forecast 161857 within about 50 km. These earthquakes are located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 6.7 in Macquarie of March 3 and may have been promoted by energy from that source.

 

O: 03APR2024 06:28:46  23.5N  120.3E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O:  2APR2024 19:26:33  23.4N  120.2E MW=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P:  4APR2024 161857    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-6.4 AAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

O: 03APR2024 04:08:08  23.7N  121.8E mb=4.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:50:46  23.8N  121.6E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:39:37  23.8N  121.8E ML=5.5  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:53:57  23.8N  121.6E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:45:35  23.8N  121.8E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:57:18  23.8N  121.6E Mw=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 02APR2024 23:58:09  23.9N  121.6E Mw=7.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:49:39  23.9N  121.9E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 02:38:29  23.9N  121.6E mb=4.9  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:12:30  23.9N  121.6E ML=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:37:07  23.9N  121.5E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 05:22:07  23.9N  121.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 05:38:42  23.9N  121.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 06:31:34  23.9N  121.6E mb=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:11:27  24.0N  121.8E mb=6.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:23:39  24.0N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:43:57  24.0N  121.8E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:17:42  24.0N  121.8E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 02:14:37  24.0N  121.9E mB=5.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 04:34:44  24.0N  121.7E Mw=4.8  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 05:23:51  24.0N  121.7E mb=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:11:13  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:15:35  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:45:44  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 02:13:39  24.1N  121.8E mb=4.7  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 02:35:07  24.1N  121.6E ML=4.0  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:20:54  24.1N  121.6E mb=4.7  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 04:21:16  24.1N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:35:41  24.2N  121.7E ML=5.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 00:46:44  24.2N  121.8E mb=5.7  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 01:09:40  24.2N  121.7E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 02:28:18  24.2N  121.8E mb=5.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:01:41  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.4  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:22:04  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 03:35:21  24.2N  121.9E mb=5.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 04:48:43  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.1  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 05:28:04  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.6  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 05:33:21  24.2N  121.8E ML=4.3  EMSC   TAIWAN

O: 03APR2024 06:09:23  24.2N  121.7E ML=4.2  EMSC   TAIWAN

O:  3APR2024 06:33:58  24.2N  121.9E MB=5.0  EMSC   TAIWAN                       

P: 28MAR2024 161595    24.0N  121.0E 4.0-5.5 BAAAA  Taiwan                     

P: 31MAR2024 161595    24.0N  123.0E 4.0-5.4 BAAAA  Taiwan                     

 

 

A strong earthquake also occurred today southeast of Taiwan in the area of the Northern Mariana Islands. NEIC reported this event of M 6.2 was felt with maximum intensity IV ENE of Saipan. Like the earthquake in Taiwan, this event lies about 10 degrees north of the local geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted by strong ionospheric currents following the geomagnetic storm of late March, 2024.  This is the strongest earthquake in the Mariana Islands within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.4 on August 28, 2018 and prior to that an M 6.6 on February 5, 2005. Forecasts 161835 and 161571 had expected this activity in the Mariana Islands was likely in late March or early April, 2024.

More significant activity in this region may be expected in the next several days.

 

O: 02APR2024 22:16:48  15.8N  147.0E mb=5.4  EMSC   MARIANA ISLANDS REGION

O:  2APR2024 09:54:13  15.7N  147.0E MB=6.0  EMSC   MARIANA ISLANDS REGION       

O:  2APR2024 09:54:09  15.8N  146.8E MB=6.2  ANSS   MARIANA ISLANDS REGION       

P:  2APR2024 161835    17.0N  147.0E 4.0-5.4 ABAAA  No. Marianas               

P: 24MAR2024 161571    17.0N  147.0E 4.0-5.4 CBAAA  No. Marianas               

 

An unusual M 3.0 occurred today in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border about an hour prior to the mainshock in Taiwan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Chireno, Texas. This continues a series of light to  moderate earthquakes near the antipode of Tropical Storm Neville and may  be related to those earlier events. It may also be a precursor to the event in Taiwan. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in eastern Texas was an M 3.2 on January 20, 2019. Today's event was preceded 20 hours earlier by an M 2.8 about 200 km southwest of today's event. Forecast 161648 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 150 km of this epicenter was likely in lat March or early April, 2024.

 

O:  2APR2024 22:17:27  31.5N   94.4W ML=2.8  EMSC   EASTERN TEXAS                

O:  2APR2024 22:17:27  31.5N   94.4W ML=3.0  ANSS   EASTERN TEXAS                

O:  2APR2024 02:03:19  30.1N   96.6W ML=2.8  ANSS   EASTERN TEXAS                

P: 23MAR2024 161648    33.0N   95.0W 2.0-4.3 CBAAA  Southeast U.S.              

 

A strong nor'easter is likely to occur in the northeastern U.S. over the next two days. Besides promoting regional seismicity in the northeastern U.S. such storms are often associated with enhanced seismicity along the Pacific-North American transition zone as previously detailed in this summary. The current storm, however is traveling up the Appalachian mountains and does not appear to be likely to have the effects of ocean  approaching storms. While possible a triggered moderate to strong earthquake in the western U.S. or Canada seems unlikely at this time with this storm. Enhanced earthquakes in the Baja or Southern California area, however are still considered likely as this region is at 103 degrees from the M 7.5 in  Taiwan of April 2.