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Map of the March 7, 2014 earthquake west of the island of Sumatra.
Scientists at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center have detected a magnitude 2.7 seismic event to the west of Sumatra, an island in Indonesia, on March 7, 2014 at 18:55:11 UTC.
They conclude it was a naturally occurring earthquake. This occurred in the Sunda-Java trench region, which is an earthquake-prone region that has been the source of two of the largest global earthquakes in the past decade.
This analysis is different from recent reports by others that the seismic recordings could be from the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 370 in the Gulf of Thailand.
Visit the USGS event page to learn more about this earthquake.
Read additional earthquake information for Indonesia.
Learn more about the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
After continuously erupting for more than 31 years, Kīlauea Volcano is now sending lava through the town of Pāhoa in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaii. Read more
USGS post Hurricane Sandy research for resilience and restoration along the coast. Read more
New USGS Sensor Network Will Provide Vital Storm Tide Information During Future Storms. Read more
25 years ago, on October 17, 1989, at 5:04 p.m., a magnitude 6.9 earthquake severely shook the San Francisco and Monterey Bay regions. Are we safer now? Read more
Are you prepared for future earthquakes? Sign up and participate in a worldwide earthquake drill. Read more
USGS science helps the public understand and prepare for natural hazards. Read more
Community Vulnerability to Tsunami Hazards around the Pacific. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
USGS scientists are improving our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce risks. Read more
To help keep communities safe from earthquakes, new USGS maps display how intense ground shaking could be across the nation. Read more
A new online tool that interactively serves up past, present and future coastal hazards can help communities improve their resilience. Read more
USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Alaska's Pavlof Volcano in the Aleutian Islands is Erupting. Learn more
Hurricane season is here. USGS is ready, are you? Read more
Are you ready for tornadoes, wildfires, floods and hurricanes? Join us in drills, discussions and exercises. Read more
USGS is working with partners to provide up-to-date information. Read more
It was the largest U.S. earthquake ever recorded, and a turning point in earth science. Learn about the great leaps in research over the past 50 years. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Urbanization can spell trouble for flood risk. Read more
On March 3, the U.S. Geological Survey marks 135 years of science for America. Read more
USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
A costly and deadly disaster prompted dramatic improvements in earthquake monitoring and science. Read more
The recent spike of earthquakes in the central and eastern U.S. may be linked to human activity. Read more
Reflecting on the past year, we are reminded of the natural hazards that are a persistent part of our lives, and of the contributions of science to preparedness. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information.Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information.
Mountain science supports conservation of water supplies and other ecosystem services. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Hurricane Sandy: Looking Back and Moving Forward. Read more
Ten years ago, the Sun played tricks on planet Earth. Read more
Join millions of people across the world for the ShakeOut earthquake drill. It’s simple: just "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
USGS field crews are measuring significant flooding and assessing landslides across Colorado’s Front Range. Read more
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USGS science helps people understand and prepare for natural hazards. Read more
Using scientific studies, USGS is untangling the many factors that drive home loss and habitat loss from southern California’s perennial wildfires. Read more
USGS will track the energy generated by an office tower’s implosion to map the Hayward Fault. Read more
Low-level flights may help find shallow concealed faults associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Read more
Experience an earthquake? See a landslide? Are your flowers blooming earlier? New building in your neighborhood? Tell us about it! Read more
A recent compilation of USGS science along the 2000-mile stretch of shared landscape between the United States and Mexico highlights scientific projects, challenges and future opportunities. Read more
Hurricane season has arrived, and USGS is ready. Read more
Scientists are monitoring and providing alerts on Pavlof and Cleveland volcanoes.
$475.25 million in funds from DOI will help rebuild the region and make communities stronger and more resilient. Read more
A recent study found no link between the two. Read more...
This was an aftershock from the magnitude 5.8 earthquake in 2011. The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
USGS hydrologists respond to spring flooding in North Dakota. Read more...
Crews respond to spring flooding in the Midwest and Northern Plains. Read more...
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more...
The USGS is ready to address some of society’s most critical issues for years to come. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
A recent devastating sinkhole in Florida has raised questions and concerns about this phenomenon. Read more
On March 3, the U.S. Geological Survey turned 134. Established by Congress in 1879 and built on a legacy of impartial science, the bureau faces unusual challenges in the near term.
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
It did, 35 million years ago.
You are encouraged to participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill to be held on Thursday, February 7, 2013. Read more
Landslides and debris flows are common and destructive geologic hazards that can happen every year in every U.S. state. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Hurricane Sandy is a stark reminder of just how essential it is for the Nation to become more resilient to coastal hazards.Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Learn about USGS science on the processes that cause coastal change. Read more
USGS crews are out surveying the damage, recovering the sensors deployed before the storm, and collecting data that will be crucial to recovery efforts.
USGS is keeping careful watch as Hurricane Sandy continues to track northeast along the east coast of Florida and the Atlantic coast.
There is an urgent need for steps to mitigate earthquake risk in Burma, as it is not a question of “if” future large earthquakes will occur, but rather “when.” Read more
The USGS has just issued a landslide alert for parts of Maryland, Delaware, and northern Virginia. Read more
The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
USGS is keeping careful watch as Hurricane Sandy continues to track northeast along the east coast of Florida and the Atlantic coast.
The earthquake struck off the west coast in the Pacific. The USGS is providing up-to-date information. Read more
Are you prepared for future earthquakes? Sign up and participate in a worldwide earthquake drill. Read more
Critically endangered birds whose numbers grew rapidly after successful translocations by USGS and USFWS biologists likely took a hit from the 2011 event. Read more
USGS science helps people understand and prepare for natural hazards. Read more
While Hurricane Isaac has passed, scientific work to understand the storm’s impact on Gulf Coast states continues. Read more
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the west coast of Costa Rica on September 5, 2012 at 14:42:10 UTC. Read more
Real-time map showing the extent of flooding (black dots) and drought (red dots) in the U.S. Read more
USGS scientists, engineers, and technicians are working along the Gulf coast in response to Hurricane Isaac. Read more
USGS scientists are providing up-to-date information. Read more
The U.S. Geological Survey is keeping careful watch as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to track northwest toward the west coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Read more
It was one of the largest recorded earthquakes to occur in the east over the last century. Find out what scientists have learned in the past year. Read more
USGS scientists improve systems to monitor and forecast volcanic activity and track volcanic ash to help communities prepare. Read more
These 3 young scientists have forged ahead with innovative research at the frontiers of science. Learn more
The majority of the nation is facing dry conditions; in most areas drought conditions are expected to persist or intensify. Read more
The new “Did You See It?” website collects citizen observations of landslides. Read more
Please comment on the USGS’ draft science strategies! Read more
Citizen volunteers, portable instruments, and real-time maps help improve gathering of and access to earthquake data.Read more
The USGS and partners are designing an earthquake early warning system for California to help save lives and property.
Science or Soundbite? Is the recent increase in midcontinent earthquakes natural or man-made? Find out here.
Timing is everything! Consider helping track changes in spring’s arrival
A magnitude-8.6 earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 8:38 a.m., UTC at the epicenter.
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck in the Mexican state of Oaxaca Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 12:02 p.m., local time at the epicenter.
Flood Safety Awareness Week is March. 12-16. What can you do to prepare?
National Groundwater Awareness Week is Mar. 11-17, 2012. See how USGS science is connecting groundwater and surface water.
Since Japan’s March 11, 2011, Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami, scientists at the USGS have learned much to help better prepare for a large earthquake in the United States.
Five USGS employees honored with Distinguished Service Awards for their service to the nation
The proposed USGS budget reflects research priorities to respond to nationally relevant issues, including water quantity and quality, ecosystem restoration, hydraulic fracturing, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and support for the National Ocean Policy, and has a large R&D component.
Exploding lakes in Cameroon, Africa, have killed people and livestock. Find out how USGS science is helping prevent such an event from occurring again.
Everyone is familiar with weather systems on earth like rain, wind and snow. But space weather – variable conditions in the space surrounding Earth – has important consequences for our lives inside Earth’s atmosphere.
Scientists and communities are working together to make science more useful and communities safer. What one emergency manager has to say.
Modern volcano monitoring in the United States began with the founding of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912. Living with volcanoes
Shaking from Oklahoma's M5.6 main shock, the largest quake in the State's history, was felt from St. Louis to Lubbock. Number of quakes increasing in Oklahoma
A magnitude-7.2 earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, October 23, 2011. History of strong earthquakes
It's only the beginning of their careers, but these 3 young scientists have forged ahead with innovative research at the frontiers of science. How they've transformed their fields
Oct. 9-15, 2011, is Earth Science Week, themed "Our-Ever Changing Earth," and Oct. 12, 2011, is International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. Answers to questions posed by a changing world
Fire managers and the public can access online maps of current wildfire locations, thanks to a Web-based mapping application provided by the USGS and its partners.
On Feb. 7, 1812, at about 3 a.m., a third, and probably most widely felt of three major earthquakes, occurred in the central Mississippi River Valley. Similar risk today.
Rivers and streams are reaching record levels as a result of Hurricane Irene’s rainfall, with more than 80 USGS streamgages measuring record peaks.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 01:51 PM a 5.8 Earthquake occurred 38 miles outside of Richmond, VA.
A new geologic map of Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity has been created. The map area includes the entire Lassen Volcanic Center, parts of three older volcanic centers, and the products of regional volcanism.
To better understand and reduce tsunami hazards, USGS scientists examined sediment deposited by the tsunami in and around Sendai, Japan, as part of an international tsunami survey team organized by Japanese scientific cooperators.
USGS crews continue to measure streamflow and collect water quality and sediment samples in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins using state-of-art instruments.
Many communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Iowa are dealing with record floodwaters and bracing for more flooding in the upcoming weeks.
Fire managers and the public can access online maps of current wildfire locations, thanks to a web-based mapping application provided by the USGS and its partners.
New Zealand has experienced another damaging earthquake close to the city of Christchurch, which is still recovering from the magnitude-6.1 earthquake that struck in February. This latest quake has resulted in additional damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The USGS-NASA Landsat 5 satellite captured this image of 39-mile track of destruction caused by a massive tornado on June 1 near Sturbridge, MA.
As hurricane season starts, researchers are modeling potential changes to coastal environments to identify communities vulnerable to extreme erosion during storms. Data collected before and after storm landfall are used to verify past forecasts and improve future predictions.
The effects of the March 11 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami on Japan are being monitored using Landsat satellite data from the USGS.
Magnetic storms can cause loss of radio communication, affect global-positioning systems, damage satellite electronics and cause electrical blackouts. USGS scientists are constantly collecting geomagnetic data, and you can view new updates in near-real time.
The most recent earthquake in Japan affected water levels in groundwater wells all over the country. Water level fluctuations were recorded as far away as Illinois, Virginia, Missouri and Florida.
Early maps of America, documents establishing the provenance of the Hope Diamond and documentation of explorations of the American West-- Join us in discovering the many treasures of the USGS Library.
Volcanic activity continues in the Pu`u `O`o crater on Kilauea Volcano's east rift zone and in the Halema`uma`u Crater vent at Kilauea’s summit. Visit the USGS Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory site to get detailed Kilauea and Mauna Loa activity updates, recent volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more.
Scientists unveil a catastrophic winter storm scenario that could possibly overwhelm California's flood protection system, and significantly disrupt Statewide social and economic systems.
Heavy rainfall could potentially destabilize hillsides. The USGS Landslide Hazards Web site has what you need to know if you live in an area prone to landslides.
The USGS and the National Weather Service have developed a new flood inundation map tool that enables management officials and residents to see where the potential threat of flooding is the highest along the Flint River near Albany, Georgia.
Volcanic eruptions have always been a part of human history; the American experience is no exception. On November 3rd, USGS’s Dr. John Eichelberger discusses new USGS programs which establish monitoring networks on all hazardous US volcanoes, to reduce the effects of volcanic hazards on communities.
Kilauea is Hawaii's youngest volcano and one of the world's most active. Get daily updates on ongoing eruptions from Kilauea's summit and east rift zone.
Looking for information on natural resources, natural hazards, geospatial data, and more? The USGS Education site provides great resources, including lessons, data, maps, and more, to support teaching, learning, K-12 education, and university-level inquiry and research.
Flash flooding is one of the major causes of natural hazard-related deaths in the United States and is hard to predict, but data collected by the USGS is crucial to formulating better predictive models.
Test your knowledge on natural hazards and share this with friends too.
February 28th at 7 p.m. (PST) — Public Lecture information: http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar
In response to Hurricane Isaac, USGS has deployed several hundred storm surge sensors to collect information about the effects of Isaac on the Gulf Coast.
Join us on September 5th in Reston, VA for a free public lecture on the 2011 Virginia earthquake!
Join us on August 1 to learn more about the anatomy of flooding: What are the different causes of these extreme events, and how is USGS science helping prepare residents for future foods.
Join us on June 6 for a centennial look at the greatest volcanic eruption of the 20th century at our June Public Lecture!
In recognition of World Forestry Day, let’s take a glimpse at USGS science to understand the fate of forests from climate change.
The Volcano Hazards Program announces the establishment of the USGS California Volcano Observatory (CalVO), which expands and replaces the former Long Valley Observatory.
The U.S. Geological Survey had a very busy 2011 — below are a few of our highlights from last year.
On Nov. 3, USGS scientists Patrick Barnard and William Ellsworth will present a public lecture in Menlo Park, CA, providing Bay Area residents information about USGS research in the San Francisco Bay Area, including recent discoveries beneath San Francisco Bay and ongoing studies to better understand earthquake probabilities and the potential hazards associated with strong ground shaking.
Join USGS scientists on November 2nd to discuss the seismology of the M5.8 Virginia earthquake, its effects, and its context in the geology of Virginia.
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/facts-about-indian-ocean-seismic-event/
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Page Last Modified: February 2, 2011
