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M3.1 Depth: 6.3 km

M3.1 Earthquake near Carterton, Wellington (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-08-13 00:31:32 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On August 13, 2026 at 00:31 UTC, a magnitude M3.1 earthquake occurred near Carterton, Wellington (New Zealand). With a focal depth of about 6 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are often felt but rarely cause damage.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 6.3 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 6.3 km
Shallow
6.3 km
6.3 km — shallower than the regional average (70.2 km)
Regional average: 70.2 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

  • Ruapehu
    Distance: 189 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 202 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 225 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 246 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 324 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 409 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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Country statistics · New Zealand

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