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A light magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck south of the Fiji Islands on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 09:11:58 AM UTC. This deep-focus event (343.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 120 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(south of)4.6MB
Light Seismic Class
343.0km
Deep Mantle
26.910° S, 178.402° W
GPS Coordinates
120 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.6 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 only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
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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 343.0 km (Deep Mantle Transition Zone (>300 km)), this rupture occurred generated deep within earth's mantle under immense hydrostatic pressure. surface shaking is significantly damped despite large energy release.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.6. 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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