M 8.3 - 48 km W of Illapel, Chile
48 km W of Illapel, Chile
3848 days ago • Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 12:54 AM
Event Details
Latitude
-31.5729°
Longitude
-71.6744°
Depth
22.44km
Status
reviewed
Event Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 8.3 earthquake is classified as great. Can cause devastating damage across very large areas. Extremely rare.
Depth: 22.4 km — This is a shallow earthquake, which often produces stronger shaking at the surface.
Tsunami Alert: A tsunami warning was issued for this earthquake.
What Does Magnitude 8.3 Mean?
Every whole number increase in magnitude represents a 10× increase in wave amplitude and ~31.6× increase in energy released.
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Earthquakes occur when stress built up along tectonic plate boundaries or faults is suddenly released. The Chile region sits near active geological boundaries where plates are constantly moving, colliding, or sliding past each other.
At a depth of 22.4 km, this seismic event originated in the Earth's crust, where most destructive earthquakes occur. The energy released traveled outward as seismic waves, causing the shaking felt at the surface.
Learn more about how earthquakes work →Earthquake Safety: What Should You Do?
During the Shaking
- • Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- • Get under a sturdy table or desk
- • Stay away from windows and heavy objects
- • If outdoors, move to an open area
After the Shaking
- • Check for injuries and damage
- • Be prepared for aftershocks
- • Avoid damaged buildings
- • Listen to emergency broadcasts
Be Prepared
- • Keep an emergency kit ready
- • Know your evacuation routes
- • Secure heavy furniture to walls
- • Practice earthquake drills
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