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M3.6 Depth: 17.0 km

M3.6 Earthquake near Puntarenas Province (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-08-16 05:35:48 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.6 earthquake was recorded near Puntarenas Province (Costa Rica) on August 16, 2026 at 05:35 UTC. With a focal depth of about 17 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.

Details

Magnitude
M3.6
Depth
17.0 km
UTC time
2026-08-16 05:35:48 UTC
Local time
—
Country
Costa Rica
State
Puntarenas Province
City
Puntarenas Province
Source
emsc
Coordinates
9.40950, -84.32340
Temperature
23.9°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 17 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 17 km
Shallow
17 km
17 km — shallower than the regional average (27.3 km)
Regional average: 27.3 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

  • Irazu
    Distance: 82 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
  • Barva
    Distance: 84 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
  • Poas
    Distance: 88 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
  • Turrialba
    Distance: 92 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
  • Platanar
    Distance: 99 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
  • Arenal
    Distance: 124 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'670 m ·Last eruption: 2010 ·Costa Rica

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map
Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Costa Rica

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

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