2023 Earthquakes: A Comprehensive Review

Major Earthquakes in 2023

As of December 2023, there had been 1712 earthquakes worldwide with magnitudes of five or more. Of these, 19 had magnitudes of 7 or higher, and there were no earthquakes with magnitudes of 8 or higher for the second year in a row.

Top 20 Largest Earthquakes in 2023

• 7.1 - 57 km SSW of Huehuetlan el Chico, Mexico
• 7.1 - 118 km S of Isangel, Vanuatu
• 7.0 - 14 km ENE of Katsuura, Chiba, Japan
• 6.9 - 234 km WNW of Lebu, Chile
• 6.8 - 138 km SSE of Ternate, Indonesia
• 6.8 - 186 km E of Honiara, Solomon Islands
• 6.8 - 107 km S of Ashiya, Hyogo, Japan
• 6.7 - 5 km N of Tappuah, West Bank
• 6.7 - 135 km SSW of Timika, Indonesia
• 6.7 - 104 km S of Ndoi Island, Fiji
• 6.6 - 81 km ESE of San Cristobal, Solomon Islands
• 6.6 - 91 km S of Muromi, Tohoku, Japan
• 6.6 - 81 km W of La Laja, Chile
• 6.5 - 104 km SE of Leiknes, Norway
• 6.5 - 88 km NW of Magaria, Peru
• 6.5 - 102 km NE of Tighina, Moldova
• 6.5 - 22 km S of Klyuchi, Kamchatka, Russia
• 6.5 - 112 km SW of Lebu, Chile
• 6.4 - 101 km NW of Luganville, Vanuatu
• 6.4 - 13 km SE of L'Aquila, Italy

Quake Statistics

The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) now locates approximately 20,000 earthquakes around the globe each year, or approximately 55 per day. This is a significant increase from just a few decades ago, due to improvements in seismic monitoring technology.

The majority of earthquakes are small, with magnitudes less than 5.0. However, large earthquakes can cause significant damage and loss of life. In 2023, there were several large earthquakes that caused widespread damage, including the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and the 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Mexico.

Earthquakes are a reminder of the power of nature. While we cannot prevent earthquakes from happening, we can take steps to mitigate their impact. By building earthquake-resistant structures and preparing for earthquakes, we can help to save lives and property.