M 5.5 - 11 km SSW of Taltal, Chile
December 17, 2013 at 12:30:00 UTC
Depth: 71.50 km (Intermediate)
Key Takeaway
This moderate earthquake (M5.5) occurred 12 years ago near 11 km SSW of Taltal, Chile, at a depth of 71.50 km (intermediate). It was felt by 3 people.
Moderate
PAGER Alert
Tsunami
Felt Reports
Event Details
| Magnitude | 5.5 mww |
| Depth | 71.50 km (Intermediate) |
| Location | -25.5090S, 70.5210W |
| Community Intensity | IV (Light) |
| Mercalli Intensity | IV (Light) |
| Felt Reports (DYFI) | 3 people |
| Alert Level (PAGER) | Green — No fatalities or damage expected |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Significance | 467 / 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 5.5, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.
How deep was this earthquake?
This earthquake occurred at a depth of 71.50 km, classified as "Intermediate". Intermediate-depth earthquakes are felt over a wider area but typically cause less surface damage than shallow events of the same magnitude.
Where exactly did this earthquake occur?
This earthquake occurred near 11 km SSW of Taltal, Chile, at coordinates -25.5090S, 70.5210W. 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 5.5 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
114 km ESE of Copiapó, Chile
12 years ago · 117.50 km deep
142 km E of Taltal, Chile
12 years ago · 105.20 km deep
151 km NE of Taltal, Chile
12 years ago · 72.40 km deep
69 km S of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 149.90 km deep
110 km SSW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 101.50 km deep
39 km SSW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 144.30 km deep
126 km SW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 88.98 km deep
88 km SW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 106.50 km deep
61 km WSW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
12 years ago · 101.40 km deep
47 km SE of Antofagasta, Chile
12 years ago · 47.90 km deep
More Earthquakes in Chile
64 km SW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
1 day ago · 99.51 km deep
84 km SE of La Tirana, Chile
1 day ago · 106.23 km deep
43 km NW of Coquimbo, Chile
2 days ago · 40.55 km deep
43 km SW of Ovalle, Chile
3 days ago · 44.76 km deep
49 km N of La Serena, Chile
3 days ago · 43.10 km deep
101 km WNW of La Ligua, Chile
3 days ago · 10.00 km deep
89 km W of Vallenar, Chile
4 days ago · 22.80 km deep
28 km S of Camiña, Chile
5 days ago · 96.19 km deep
More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes
20 km ESE of Farkhār, Afghanistan
52 minutes ago · 197.06 km deep
119 km E of Caucete, Argentina
2 hours ago · 146.38 km deep
4 km E of Hukay, Philippines
3 hours ago · 161.17 km deep
93 km E of Hihifo, Tonga
18 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
71 km SSE of Shihezi, China
21 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
22 hours ago · 9.34 km deep
57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan
22 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
69 km E of Tobelo, Indonesia
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.