A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake shook the North Pacific Ocean, according to the United States Geological Survey. The event occurred at 11:44 a.m. Japan time and was centered about 71 miles northeast of Hachinohe, Japan. This quake happened just days after a larger magnitude event hit the same region, and as parts of Japan’s coastline remained under a mega-quake advisory.
As seismologists review incoming data, they may adjust the reported magnitude of the latest quake. Additional information gathered could also lead USGS scientists to update the shake-intensity map.
About aftershocks
An aftershock is a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same vicinity. Aftershocks typically reflect minor adjustments along the fault segment that slipped during the main event.
Quakes and aftershocks within a 100-mile radius
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks, or even years after the initial quake. They may be similar in size to the main event or even larger, and they can continue to affect areas already damaged by the earlier shaking.
Timing and data notes
Shake categories rely on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, maps and charts include events within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times are listed in Japan time. Current shaking data reflects Friday, Dec. 12 at 12:03 p.m. Japan time, and aftershock data is current through Friday, Dec. 12 at 5:44 p.m. Japan time.
Map and data sources
Maps depict daylight urban areas using MapLibre for rendering, with Natural Earth providing roads, labels, and terrain, and Protomaps supplying map tiles.
