M 5.5 - 12 km S of Asahi, Japan
December 21, 2013 at 01:34:13 UTC
Depth: 35.36 km (Shallow)
Key Takeaway
This moderate earthquake (M5.5) occurred 12 years ago near 12 km S of Asahi, Japan, at a depth of 35.36 km (shallow). It was felt by 39 people.
Moderate
PAGER Alert
Tsunami
Felt Reports
Event Details
| Magnitude | 5.5 mwb |
| Depth | 35.36 km (Shallow) |
| Location | 35.6065N, 140.6497E |
| Community Intensity | IV (Light) |
| Mercalli Intensity | IV (Light) |
| Felt Reports (DYFI) | 39 people |
| Alert Level (PAGER) | Green — No fatalities or damage expected |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Significance | 483 / 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 35.36 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 12 km S of Asahi, Japan, at coordinates 35.6065N, 140.6497E. 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
13 km W of Tomioka, Japan
12 years ago · 144.81 km deep
46 km ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan
12 years ago · 56.52 km deep
20 km NE of Daigo, Japan
12 years ago · 44.19 km deep
45 km ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan
12 years ago · 60.64 km deep
49 km ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan
12 years ago · 65.79 km deep
25 km ENE of Namie, Japan
12 years ago · 52.72 km deep
58 km SE of Ishinomaki, Japan
12 years ago · 46.69 km deep
15 km ESE of Daigo, Japan
12 years ago · 37.48 km deep
5 km NW of Takahagi, Japan
12 years ago · 84.63 km deep
9 km NW of Hitachi, Japan
12 years ago · 45.77 km deep
More Earthquakes in Japan
50 km NNW of Hirara, Japan
20 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan
22 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
28 km NNE of Hirara, Japan
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
34 km NW of Hirara, Japan
2 days ago · 46.20 km deep
53 km NW of Hirara, Japan
2 days ago · 10.16 km deep
123 km E of Miyako, Japan
3 days ago · 35.00 km deep
67 km NW of Hirara, Japan
4 days ago · 10.00 km deep
57 km NNW of Hirara, Japan
5 days ago · 10.00 km deep
More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes
119 km E of Caucete, Argentina
1 hour ago · 146.38 km deep
4 km E of Hukay, Philippines
2 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
21 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
132 km ENE of Masohi, 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.