M 5.4 - Molucca Sea
December 20, 2012 at 21:47:29 UTC
Depth: 27.50 km (Shallow)
Key Takeaway
This moderate earthquake (M5.4) occurred 13 years ago near Molucca Sea, at a depth of 27.50 km (shallow).
Moderate
PAGER Alert
Tsunami
Felt Reports
Event Details
| Magnitude | 5.4 mwc |
| Depth | 27.50 km (Shallow) |
| Location | 0.5620N, 126.2170E |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Significance | 449 / 3000 |
| Status | Reviewed |
| Network | us |
| USGS Event Page | View on USGS → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of this earthquake?
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.4, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.
How deep was this earthquake?
This earthquake occurred at a depth of 27.50 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 Molucca Sea, at coordinates 0.5620N, 126.2170E. 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 5.4 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
105 km ENE of Gorontalo, Indonesia
13 years ago · 267.00 km deep
100 km E of Gorontalo, Indonesia
13 years ago · 213.90 km deep
Molucca Sea
13 years ago · 73.00 km deep
Molucca Sea
13 years ago · 35.00 km deep
109 km ENE of Luwuk, Indonesia
13 years ago · 56.40 km deep
65 km ESE of Tondano, Indonesia
13 years ago · 52.50 km deep
78 km ESE of Tondano, Indonesia
13 years ago · 92.00 km deep
118 km ENE of Luwuk, Indonesia
13 years ago · 44.20 km deep
91 km ESE of Tondano, Indonesia
13 years ago · 35.00 km deep
141 km NW of Ternate, Indonesia
13 years ago · 32.30 km deep
More Earthquakes in Molucca Sea
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 106.65 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 35.00 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 51.84 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 60.60 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 71.16 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 53.37 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 104.23 km deep
Molucca Sea
2 years ago · 53.38 km deep
More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes
93 km E of Hihifo, Tonga
15 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
71 km SSE of Shihezi, China
18 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
19 hours ago · 9.34 km deep
57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan
20 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
69 km E of Tobelo, Indonesia
22 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
132 km ENE of Masohi, Indonesia
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
1 day ago · 51.93 km deep
Mid-Indian Ridge
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
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.