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A light magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck south of the Fiji Islands on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 09:22:57 AM UTC. This intermediate focal depth (132.4 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 85 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(south of)4.5MB
Light Seismic Class
132.4km
Upper Mantle
26.701° S, 177.249° W
GPS Coordinates
85 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.5 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
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Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Fiji Islands's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Located on the Fiji Microplate between the Pacific Plate and Indo-Australian Plate; home to Earth most concentrated deep-focus (400–700 km) earthquake zone in the Lau Basin. Major regional fault structures include Fiji Fracture Zone, Hunter Fracture Zone, Tonga-Fiji Subduction Slab.
Originating at a depth of 132.4 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.5. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Fiji Islands are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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