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A light magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Scotia Sea on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 08:41:58 AM UTC. This shallow crustal event (10.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 338 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
4.9MB
Light Seismic Class
10.0km
Crustal Layer
60.266° S, 47.600° W
GPS Coordinates
338 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.9 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.
The epicenter occurred in a remote or offshore marine sector with no major population centers situated within the primary ground shaking perimeter.
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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:
Earthquakes occur when elastic stress built up along tectonic plate boundaries, regional fault lines, or crustal fractures suddenly exceeds the friction holding the rock masses together. When the fault slips, accumulated energy radiates outward in all directions as high-velocity seismic waves.
Originating at a depth of 10.0 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.9. 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 Scotia Sea are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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