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M1.2 Depth: 5.4 km

M1.2 Earthquake near Imperial County, California (United States)

UTC time: 2026-05-20 16:16:03 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M1.2 earthquake was recorded near Imperial County, California (United States) on May 20, 2026 at 16:16 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 5 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this small magnitude are usually barely noticeable and cause no damage.

The event was recorded by SCEDC. United States: 167 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.6.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 5.4 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 5.4 km
Shallow
5.4 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

Volcanoes nearby

  • Salton Buttes
    Distance: 28 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: -40 m ·Last eruption: 210 ·United States
  • Pinacate
    Distance: 230 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'183 m ·Mexico
  • San Luis, Isla
    Distance: 348 km ·Tuff cone ·Elevation: 183 m ·Last eruption: -1141 ·Mexico
  • Jaraguay Volcanic Field
    Distance: 415 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 960 m ·Mexico
  • Uinkaret Field
    Distance: 443 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'555 m ·Last eruption: 1100 ·United States
  • San Francisco Volcanic Field
    Distance: 447 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 3'850 m ·Last eruption: 1075 ·United States

Sources: Smithsonian GVP & USGS

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