The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 4.2 Earthquake at a depth of 51.5 km roughly 30 km to the north of Trinidad, slightly after 3.10 pm local time (slightly after 7.10 pm GMT) on Sunday 4 October 2020. This was a moderate quake, but at some depth as well as some way offshore, and there are no reports of any casualties or serious damage, though the quake was felt over a large area, with people reporting feeling it across much of Trinidad, Tobago, and Grenada.
The approximate location of the 4 October 2020 Trinidad Earthquake. USGS.
The southern margin of the Caribbean Plate lies just off the northern coast of Venezuela, cutting through the middle of the island of Trinidad, this is
moving eastward compared to the South American Plate, upon which most
of Venezuela sits. This is not a smooth process, the two plates
constantly stick together, then break apart as the pressure builds up,
causing Earthquakes in the process.
Witness
accounts of Earthquakes can help geologists to understand these events,
and the structures that cause them. The international non-profit
organisation Earthquake Report is interested in hearing from people who may have felt this event; if you felt this quake then you can report it to Earthquake Report here.
See also...
