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4.1 quake southwest of Agrigan
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Posted on Mar 10 2005
A 4.5 earthquake was recorded just 30 miles southwest of Agrigan Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center.
The quake took place at about 8:51am at 18.45 degrees north and 145.39 degrees east, or 35 miles northwest of Pagan, 225 miles north of Saipan, and 345 miles north of Guam. It was located at 475.3 kms beneath the seabed.
The quake follows a magnitude 4.2 quake on Sunday off Anatahan. Data provided by the USGS-NEIC indicates that the quake occurred at about 6:01am at 16.34 degrees north and 145.54 degrees east, or just 10 miles west of Anatahan, 80 miles north of Saipan, 125 miles south of Pagan, and 205 miles north-northeast of Guam. The quake occurred at a depth of 531.9 kms.
Eleven earthquakes were recorded in the Marianas in a span of three weeks from January to February, including a 6.6 quake that jolted the islands enough to cause damage to several retail stores and household items, and cracks in some buildings and infrastructure.
USGS geologist Dr. James Quick, who visited the islands last month, said the quakes are not related to the volcanic activity at Anatahan. The quakes were a result of tectonic movement.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Management Office and the National Weather Service in Guam announced yesterday that hazardous surf would remain in the Marianas region through Saturday.
The agencies disclosed that east swells will combine with strong trade winds that would result in the hazardous surf. With that, the high surf and small craft advisories for Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam remains in effect and is extended.
“East swells are producing hazardous surf heights of nine to 11 feet on northeast, east, and southeast facing shorelines,” the agencies said. “Surf will remain near these heights through at least Saturday.”
Forecast for today features east winds 20 to 25 knots with seas nine to 11 feet. Wind waves are expected to be at five to seven feet tonight and remain at those levels until Saturday. East winds are expected to drop to 15 to 20 knots on Saturday as well.
Due to the high risks of rip currents and dangerous surf, the public is urged to avoid venturing to exposed reef lines and beaches.
