M 5.1 - 4 km ENE of Ovalle, Chile

December 2, 2002 at 01:25:29 UTC

Depth: 44.30 km (Shallow)

Key Takeaway

This moderate earthquake (M5.1) occurred 23 years ago near 4 km ENE of Ovalle, Chile, at a depth of 44.30 km (shallow).

M 5.1

Moderate

N/A

PAGER Alert

No

Tsunami

N/A

Felt Reports

Event Details

Magnitude5.1 mb
Depth44.30 km (Shallow)
Location-30.5860S, 71.1550W
Tsunami WarningNo
Significance400 / 3000
StatusReviewed
Networkus
USGS Event PageView on USGS →

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the magnitude of this earthquake?

This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.

How deep was this earthquake?

This earthquake occurred at a depth of 44.30 km, classified as "Shallow". Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface because the energy has less distance to travel before reaching buildings and infrastructure.

Where exactly did this earthquake occur?

This earthquake occurred near 4 km ENE of Ovalle, Chile, at coordinates -30.5860S, 71.1550W. The location is determined by analyzing seismic wave arrival times at multiple monitoring stations.

Were there aftershocks associated with this event?

Aftershock data for this specific event can be explored by viewing nearby recent earthquakes listed below on this page. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area following a larger event, and they can continue for days, weeks, or even months depending on the original earthquake's magnitude.

What does the magnitude of this earthquake mean in practical terms?

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake is classified as "Moderate" — these are widely felt and can cause damage to vulnerable structures, though well-built buildings typically withstand them.

Nearby Recent Earthquakes

M 5.3

22 km NNW of San Martín, Argentina

23 years ago · 112.40 km deep
M 4.7

37 km SE of Calingasta, Argentina

23 years ago · 111.70 km deep
M 4.0

32 km NW of Villa Basilio Nievas, Argentina

23 years ago · 152.10 km deep
M 4.1

52 km SSW of Calingasta, Argentina

23 years ago · 119.70 km deep
M 4.8

44 km NW of San José de Jáchal, Argentina

23 years ago · 128.40 km deep
M 4.1

18 km N of Illapel, Chile

23 years ago · 54.90 km deep
M 4.1

33 km W of Illapel, Chile

23 years ago · 33.90 km deep
M 4.0

58 km W of Illapel, Chile

23 years ago · 33.70 km deep
M 4.8

57 km W of Illapel, Chile

23 years ago · 44.30 km deep
M 4.3

63 km WSW of Illapel, Chile

23 years ago · 11.70 km deep

More Earthquakes in Chile

M 4.1

64 km SW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

1 day ago · 99.51 km deep
M 4.8

84 km SE of La Tirana, Chile

1 day ago · 106.23 km deep
M 4.8

43 km NW of Coquimbo, Chile

2 days ago · 40.55 km deep
M 4.5

43 km SW of Ovalle, Chile

3 days ago · 44.76 km deep
M 4.1

49 km N of La Serena, Chile

3 days ago · 43.10 km deep
M 4.6

101 km WNW of La Ligua, Chile

3 days ago · 10.00 km deep
M 4.1

89 km W of Vallenar, Chile

4 days ago · 22.80 km deep
M 4.2

28 km S of Camiña, Chile

5 days ago · 96.19 km deep

More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes

M 5.1

20 km ESE of Farkhār, Afghanistan

54 minutes ago · 197.06 km deep
M 5.1

119 km E of Caucete, Argentina

2 hours ago · 146.38 km deep
M 5.0

4 km E of Hukay, Philippines

3 hours ago · 161.17 km deep
M 5.1

93 km E of Hihifo, Tonga

18 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
M 5.3

71 km SSE of Shihezi, China

21 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
M 5.7

228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska

22 hours ago · 9.34 km deep

Green Tsunami
M 5.0

57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan

22 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
M 5.4

69 km E of Tobelo, Indonesia

1 day ago · 10.00 km deep

Green

Data from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (ComCat). QuakeScan is not affiliated with the USGS. Event details may be updated as new data becomes available.