M3.1
Depth:
9.0 km
M3.1 Earthquake near Qaidam, Qinghai (China)
About this earthquake
A magnitude M3.1 earthquake was recorded near Qaidam, Qinghai (China) on July 29, 2026 at 16:05 UTC. With a focal depth of about 9 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.
The event was recorded by EMSC. China: 8 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M5.0.
Map
Depth profile
Shallow
9 km
9 km — shallower than the regional average (19.3 km)
Regional average: 19.3 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
Historic earthquake map · China
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Country statistics · China
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Stats (last 24h)
Global (24h)
641
Country (24h)
China
8
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