Compton, CA — A magnitude 3.1 earthquake rattled the greater Los Angeles area Thursday afternoon, with the temblor striking just south-southeast of Compton and sending weak shaking across parts of the region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 1:32 p.m. local time. The preliminary epicenter was located about 2 miles south-southeast of Compton, putting the earthquake close to a heavily populated portion of Southern California.
The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 8.2 miles, according to preliminary USGS information.
While the earthquake was relatively small, its location near a major metropolitan area meant that residents in several communities could feel the brief shaking.
Shaking reported across Los Angeles area
The USGS ShakeMap indicated that shaking extended across portions of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, with reports reaching communities including Long Beach and Glendale.
The intensity varied depending on location and distance from the epicenter. Preliminary information indicated that the strongest shaking associated with the earthquake was weak.
A magnitude 3.1 earthquake can be noticeable to people close to the epicenter, particularly indoors or in buildings where even modest ground movement can be felt. However, earthquakes at this level generally produce limited effects compared with stronger seismic events.
For residents farther from Compton, the shaking may have been difficult to notice or may not have been felt at all.
Quake occurred at considerable depth
The earthquake’s preliminary depth of 8.2 miles is another important detail in understanding the event.
The depth of an earthquake, along with its magnitude and distance from populated areas, can influence how much shaking people experience. Even a relatively modest earthquake can attract attention when it occurs close to a densely populated urban area.
In this case, the earthquake’s epicenter was only a few miles from Compton, placing the event within the broader Los Angeles region.
The USGS continues to use preliminary measurements for earthquake information, and details such as the exact location, depth and magnitude can sometimes be revised as additional seismic data is analyzed.
No major impacts reported from the minor quake
The earthquake was classified as a minor temblor, with preliminary reports indicating that the strongest shaking was weak.
There were no major impacts described in the initial information about the earthquake. The event was primarily notable because of its proximity to populated communities throughout the Los Angeles area.
Southern California experiences frequent seismic activity because of its complex network of faults, meaning residents can occasionally feel earthquakes ranging from barely noticeable tremors to much stronger events.
Thursday’s earthquake, however, was considerably smaller than the major earthquakes that have historically caused widespread damage in California.
Storms Keep Targeting Florida: Heavy Rain Could Push Miami’s September Total Even Higher
What residents should know
For people who felt the shaking, the brief event was another reminder of the region’s earthquake risk.
The USGS tracks earthquakes throughout California and provides preliminary information about their magnitude, location, depth and estimated shaking. Those details can change as more data becomes available.
Residents who experienced the tremor may also report what they felt through the USGS earthquake reporting system, helping scientists better understand how the shaking affected different communities.
Did you feel the earthquake in Compton or anywhere else around Los Angeles? Tell us where you noticed the shaking in the comments.
3 thoughts on “3.1 Earthquake Jolts LA Area Near Compton as Shaking Reaches Long Beach and Glendale”