M4.6 Depth: 39.1 km

M4.6 Earthquake near South Sandwich Islands region

UTC time: 2026-07-12 15:15:57 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On July 12, 2026 at 15:15 UTC, a magnitude M4.6 earthquake occurred near South Sandwich Islands region. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 39 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USGS.

Details

Magnitude

M4.6

Depth

39.1 km

UTC time

2026-07-12 15:15:57 UTC

Local time

—

Country

—

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-55.63910, -27.27280

Temperature

-0.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

39.1 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Tectonic context

Located on the Sandwich Plate.

Near the boundary Sandwich ↔ South America · about 48 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Protector Seamounts

Distance: 64 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: -55 m ·Last eruption: 1962 ·United Kingdom
Zavodovski

Distance: 76 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 551 m ·Last eruption: 2016 ·United Kingdom
Hodson

Distance: 119 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 835 m ·United Kingdom
Leskov Island

Distance: 125 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 190 m ·United Kingdom
Candlemas Island

Distance: 164 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 550 m ·Last eruption: 1911 ·United Kingdom
Saunders

Distance: 245 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 843 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·United Kingdom

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

640

Country (24h)

—

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