M2.3 Depth: 5.3 km

M2.3 Earthquake near AZORES ISLANDS, PORTUGAL (Portugal)

UTC time: 2026-01-03 08:18:59 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M2.3 earthquake was recorded near AZORES ISLANDS, PORTUGAL (Portugal) on January 3, 2026 at 08:18 UTC. With a focal depth of about 5 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Events of this size typically go unnoticed.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Details

Magnitude

M2.3

Depth

5.3 km

UTC time

2026-01-03 08:18:59 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Portugal

Source

emsc

Coordinates

38.42600, -28.72800

Temperature

13.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

5.3 km

5.3 km — close to the regional average (5.6 km)

Regional average: 5.6 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

Fayal

Distance: 17 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'041 m ·Last eruption: 1958 ·Portugal
Pico

Distance: 29 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'351 m ·Last eruption: 1720 ·Portugal
Sao Jorge

Distance: 62 km ·Fissure vent ·Elevation: 1'053 m ·Last eruption: 1902 ·Portugal
Graciosa

Distance: 93 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 402 m ·Last eruption: -1950 ·Portugal
Terceira

Distance: 127 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'023 m ·Last eruption: 2000 ·Portugal
Don Joao de Castro Bank

Distance: 184 km ·Shield ·Elevation: -13 m ·Last eruption: 1720 ·Portugal

Historic earthquake map · Portugal

Open history map

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Country statistics · Portugal

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

592

Country (24h)