M3.2 Earthquake Near Nanwalek, United States

Published: 10 hours ago•Friday, November 13, 2026 at 6:36 PM UTC

A minor magnitude 3.2 earthquake struck 53 km W of Nanwalek, United States at a depth of 91.8 km (intermediate focal zone), releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 951 kg of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified AK telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.

3.2MAG
Minor EarthquakeIntermediate Focal Depth
Nanwalek, United StatesUnited States(53 km W of)

Seismic Telemetry Specifications

Magnitude

3.2ML

Minor Seismic Class

Focal Depth

91.8km

Upper Mantle

Epicenter

59.422° N, 152.860° W

GPS Coordinates

Energy Yield

951 kg

TNT Equivalent Power

Network Source

AK

USGS Real-time Feed

Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map

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Is This Earthquake Dangerous?

A magnitude 3.2 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.

Estimated Shaking Radius~25–50 km
Potential Damage ZoneNone
Focal Depth EffectModerate Damping

Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities

Nanwalek, United States• 53 km (32.9 mi) E

Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.

MMI I • Imperceptible

Did You Feel This Earthquake?

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What Does Magnitude 3.2 Mean?

Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:

1.0 – 2.9Micro
3.0 – 3.9Minor
This Event
4.0 – 4.9Light
5.0 – 5.9Moderate
6.0 – 6.9Strong
7.0 – 7.9Major
8.0+Great

Logarithmic Energy Multiplier

Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:

10× Ground Motion Amplitude
The seismograph wave amplitude jumps tenfold for every 1.0 magnitude step.
~31.6× Radiated Kinetic Energy
Total energy release multiplies exponentially (101.5 ≈ 31.62 times per unit).

Why Did This Earthquake Happen?

United States's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Pacific Plate sliding past North American Plate along San Andreas; Juan de Fuca subducting along Cascadia; Pacific subduction along the Aleutian Trench. Major regional fault structures include San Andreas Fault System, Cascadia Subduction Zone, Aleutian Megathrust, Hayward Fault, New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Originating at a depth of 91.8 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.

Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors

Micro-tremors and minor events of this scale are part of ongoing background tectonic relaxation. While isolated micro-aftershocks may occur, the likelihood of a damaging secondary event remains statistically low under normal seismic conditions.

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Earthquake Safety Action Plan

Complete Safety Guide →
During the Shaking
  • •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
  • •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
  • •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
Immediately After
  • •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
  • •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
  • •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
Preparation & Kits
  • •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
  • •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
  • •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about this earthquake.

No. No tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the USGS for this M3.2 event. The focal depth (91.8 km) and magnitude did not generate sufficient vertical seafloor displacement to trigger a hazardous tsunami wave.

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