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M3.0 Depth: 18.3 km

M3.0 Earthquake near Imperial County, California (United States)

UTC time: 2026-05-21 15:39:15 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.0 earthquake was recorded near Imperial County, California (United States) on May 21, 2026 at 15:39 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 18 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude are often felt but rarely cause damage.

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

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 18.3 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 18.3 km
Shallow
18.3 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: 34 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: -40 m ·Last eruption: 210 ·United States
  • Pinacate
    Distance: 254 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'183 m ·Mexico
  • San Luis, Isla
    Distance: 360 km ·Tuff cone ·Elevation: 183 m ·Last eruption: -1141 ·Mexico
  • Jaraguay Volcanic Field
    Distance: 424 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 960 m ·Mexico
  • Uinkaret Field
    Distance: 454 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'555 m ·Last eruption: 1100 ·United States
  • San Francisco Volcanic Field
    Distance: 467 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 3'850 m ·Last eruption: 1075 ·United States

Sources: Smithsonian GVP & USGS

Historic earthquake map · United States

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Country statistics · United States

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