By rikififi90 
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the coastal region of Antofagasta in northern Chile on Thursday, March 6. The seismic event, recorded by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), occurred around 1:21 p.m. local time (4:21 p.m. UTC) and caught residents of the port city—known for its mining and maritime trade significance—by surprise. Preliminary data indicate the quake had two depth peaks: one at 117 miles and another at 129 miles, marking it as an intermediate-depth event within the Earth’s crust. So far, no casualties or significant damage have been reported, though the tremor caused widespread alarm among the local population.
Antofagasta’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for the frequent seismic activity in the area. This tectonic hotspot, one of the most active on the planet, results from the collision between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. Thursday’s quake was detected by seismographic stations in neighboring countries like Bolivia and Argentina, underscoring its strength and reach across dozens of kilometers.
Videos and photos shared by residents on social media captured the exact moment the ground began to shake, with objects falling from shelves and people seeking shelter. While the earthquake’s intensity was moderate on a global scale, it was strong enough to rattle the community, which is no stranger to the tectonic instability of the Chilean landscape.
Moradores da cidade de Antofagasta, no litoral do Chile, se assustaram com a ocorrência, nesta quinta-feira (6), de um terremoto de magnitude 6.1.
Leia na #Fórum: https://t.co/EuCCtP1V0x#RevistaFórum pic.twitter.com/1SqVxBuqIe
— Revista Fórum (@revistaforum) March 7, 2025
Details of the seismic event
Located approximately 103 kilometers west-southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, the quake’s epicenter was pinpointed in a relatively remote area, though close to key urban centers. Its significant depth—ranging between 117 and 129 miles according to EMSC data—suggests it occurred in a subduction zone, where the Nazca Plate is sliding beneath the South American Plate. This geological process drives much of the seismic activity that Chile experiences annually.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also tracked the event, confirming a magnitude of 6.1 but adjusting the average depth to 93.5 kilometers, slightly differing from EMSC’s initial readings. Despite these variations, both agencies agree that the quake poses no immediate tsunami risk, easing concerns along Chile’s coastline.
In Calama, a city roughly 65 miles from the epicenter, the tremor was felt with moderate intensity, enough to disrupt daily routines and spark discussions both on the streets and online.
Chile’s tectonic context
Chile ranks among the world’s most seismically active countries due to its unique geographic position. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers along South America’s western coast, the nation sits atop a complex interplay of tectonic plates. The Nazca Plate, moving eastward at an average rate of 7 centimeters per year, collides with the South American Plate, generating stresses that build up and release as earthquakes.
This is hardly a new phenomenon for Chileans. In 1960, the country endured the strongest earthquake ever recorded, a magnitude 9.5 event in Valdivia that claimed over 1,600 lives and left millions homeless, etching itself into national memory. Since then, quakes of varying magnitudes have occurred regularly, many concentrated in the northern region where Antofagasta lies.
Response from residents and authorities
Residents of Antofagasta described moments of tension as the quake unfolded. Footage circulating online shows chandeliers swaying, doors moving on their own, and small items tumbling to the floor. In Calama, some people stepped out of their homes and offices as a precaution, while others turned to real-time updates to gauge the situation’s severity.
Local authorities, through Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response System (Senapred), launched a preliminary assessment to check for potential damage to infrastructure and essential services. By early Thursday evening, no major impacts had been reported, though monitoring efforts remain ongoing, particularly in densely populated urban zones.
The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, reassuring coastal communities. This determination was based on the quake’s depth and location, which lack the conditions needed to trigger massive waves.
Recent earthquake history in the region
Antofagasta is no stranger to seismic events. Earlier this year, in January, a magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the same area, with its epicenter near Calama and Tocopilla. That event, at a depth of 104 kilometers, caused no reported damage or injuries. Another notable quake struck in July 2024, registering a magnitude of 7.3 in northeastern Chile and felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil.
These incidents highlight the region’s persistent tectonic activity. Below are some recent quakes that have marked northern Chile:
- January 2025: Magnitude 6.1, epicenter near Antofagasta, depth of 104 km.
- July 2024: Magnitude 7.3, epicenter close to San Pedro de Atacama, depth of 126 km.
- December 2024: Magnitude 6.4, felt in Santiago, depth of 110 km.
These figures underscore Chile’s recurring encounters with seismic events, particularly along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
What does magnitude 6.1 mean?
A magnitude 6.1 classifies Thursday’s quake as moderate to strong on the Richter scale. Developed in 1935 by seismologist Charles Francis Richter, this scale measures the energy released by an earthquake based on seismic waves detected by seismographs. A magnitude 6 event can cause minor damage in populated areas, such as wall cracks, though its impact hinges on factors like depth and proximity to the epicenter.
In Antofagasta’s case, the depth exceeding 90 kilometers helped dissipate some energy before it reached the surface. As a result, effects were limited to noticeable vibrations and slight object displacement. By contrast, shallower quakes—like the magnitude 6.4 event that hit Chile’s central coast in September 2023—tend to cause more pronounced damage.
Impacts and ongoing monitoring
While no significant structural damage has been reported so far, the potential for aftershocks keeps authorities vigilant. Aftershocks are secondary tremors that follow the main event, typically of lower magnitude but capable of worsening conditions in already vulnerable areas. Senapred teams continue inspecting buildings, roads, and power grids to ensure public safety.
In the Sierra Gorda region of Antofagasta province, the quake was clearly recorded by local seismographs. This mining-heavy area reported no major disruptions to operations, though companies are reviewing facilities as a precaution.
Residents, accustomed to living in a seismic zone, have largely maintained composure. Schools and businesses resumed normal operations post-event, while social media became a hub for sharing experiences and visuals of the quake.
Earthquake facts about Chile
Chile’s long history with tectonic activity offers some intriguing insights:
- The country experiences thousands of tremors annually, most of low intensity.
- The 1960 Valdivia quake triggered a tsunami that crossed the Pacific, reaching Hawaii and Japan.
- About 90% of regional quakes stem from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.
- Chilean buildings adhere to strict anti-seismic construction codes, minimizing damage from moderate quakes.
These facts showcase the nation’s resilience amid its challenging geology.
Next steps following the quake
With the initial scare subsiding, attention now turns to a detailed analysis of the event. Chilean and international seismologists are gathering data to better understand this quake’s characteristics and implications for the future. Its depth, for instance, will be studied to assess potential shifts in regional subduction patterns.
Meanwhile, life in Antofagasta carries on. Residents, well-versed in such occurrences, return to their routines, though aware that new tremors could emerge at any time. Seismic monitoring remains active, ensuring rapid detection of any changes.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the coastal region of Antofagasta in northern Chile on Thursday, March 6. The seismic event, recorded by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), occurred around 1:21 p.m. local time (4:21 p.m. UTC) and caught residents of the port city—known for its mining and maritime trade significance—by surprise. Preliminary data indicate the quake had two depth peaks: one at 117 miles and another at 129 miles, marking it as an intermediate-depth event within the Earth’s crust. So far, no casualties or significant damage have been reported, though the tremor caused widespread alarm among the local population.
Antofagasta’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for the frequent seismic activity in the area. This tectonic hotspot, one of the most active on the planet, results from the collision between the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate. Thursday’s quake was detected by seismographic stations in neighboring countries like Bolivia and Argentina, underscoring its strength and reach across dozens of kilometers.
Videos and photos shared by residents on social media captured the exact moment the ground began to shake, with objects falling from shelves and people seeking shelter. While the earthquake’s intensity was moderate on a global scale, it was strong enough to rattle the community, which is no stranger to the tectonic instability of the Chilean landscape.
Moradores da cidade de Antofagasta, no litoral do Chile, se assustaram com a ocorrência, nesta quinta-feira (6), de um terremoto de magnitude 6.1.
Leia na #Fórum: https://t.co/EuCCtP1V0x#RevistaFórum pic.twitter.com/1SqVxBuqIe
— Revista Fórum (@revistaforum) March 7, 2025
Details of the seismic event
Located approximately 103 kilometers west-southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, the quake’s epicenter was pinpointed in a relatively remote area, though close to key urban centers. Its significant depth—ranging between 117 and 129 miles according to EMSC data—suggests it occurred in a subduction zone, where the Nazca Plate is sliding beneath the South American Plate. This geological process drives much of the seismic activity that Chile experiences annually.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also tracked the event, confirming a magnitude of 6.1 but adjusting the average depth to 93.5 kilometers, slightly differing from EMSC’s initial readings. Despite these variations, both agencies agree that the quake poses no immediate tsunami risk, easing concerns along Chile’s coastline.
In Calama, a city roughly 65 miles from the epicenter, the tremor was felt with moderate intensity, enough to disrupt daily routines and spark discussions both on the streets and online.
Chile’s tectonic context
Chile ranks among the world’s most seismically active countries due to its unique geographic position. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers along South America’s western coast, the nation sits atop a complex interplay of tectonic plates. The Nazca Plate, moving eastward at an average rate of 7 centimeters per year, collides with the South American Plate, generating stresses that build up and release as earthquakes.
This is hardly a new phenomenon for Chileans. In 1960, the country endured the strongest earthquake ever recorded, a magnitude 9.5 event in Valdivia that claimed over 1,600 lives and left millions homeless, etching itself into national memory. Since then, quakes of varying magnitudes have occurred regularly, many concentrated in the northern region where Antofagasta lies.
Response from residents and authorities
Residents of Antofagasta described moments of tension as the quake unfolded. Footage circulating online shows chandeliers swaying, doors moving on their own, and small items tumbling to the floor. In Calama, some people stepped out of their homes and offices as a precaution, while others turned to real-time updates to gauge the situation’s severity.
Local authorities, through Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response System (Senapred), launched a preliminary assessment to check for potential damage to infrastructure and essential services. By early Thursday evening, no major impacts had been reported, though monitoring efforts remain ongoing, particularly in densely populated urban zones.
The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, reassuring coastal communities. This determination was based on the quake’s depth and location, which lack the conditions needed to trigger massive waves.
Recent earthquake history in the region
Antofagasta is no stranger to seismic events. Earlier this year, in January, a magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the same area, with its epicenter near Calama and Tocopilla. That event, at a depth of 104 kilometers, caused no reported damage or injuries. Another notable quake struck in July 2024, registering a magnitude of 7.3 in northeastern Chile and felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil.
These incidents highlight the region’s persistent tectonic activity. Below are some recent quakes that have marked northern Chile:
- January 2025: Magnitude 6.1, epicenter near Antofagasta, depth of 104 km.
- July 2024: Magnitude 7.3, epicenter close to San Pedro de Atacama, depth of 126 km.
- December 2024: Magnitude 6.4, felt in Santiago, depth of 110 km.
These figures underscore Chile’s recurring encounters with seismic events, particularly along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
What does magnitude 6.1 mean?
A magnitude 6.1 classifies Thursday’s quake as moderate to strong on the Richter scale. Developed in 1935 by seismologist Charles Francis Richter, this scale measures the energy released by an earthquake based on seismic waves detected by seismographs. A magnitude 6 event can cause minor damage in populated areas, such as wall cracks, though its impact hinges on factors like depth and proximity to the epicenter.
In Antofagasta’s case, the depth exceeding 90 kilometers helped dissipate some energy before it reached the surface. As a result, effects were limited to noticeable vibrations and slight object displacement. By contrast, shallower quakes—like the magnitude 6.4 event that hit Chile’s central coast in September 2023—tend to cause more pronounced damage.
Impacts and ongoing monitoring
While no significant structural damage has been reported so far, the potential for aftershocks keeps authorities vigilant. Aftershocks are secondary tremors that follow the main event, typically of lower magnitude but capable of worsening conditions in already vulnerable areas. Senapred teams continue inspecting buildings, roads, and power grids to ensure public safety.
In the Sierra Gorda region of Antofagasta province, the quake was clearly recorded by local seismographs. This mining-heavy area reported no major disruptions to operations, though companies are reviewing facilities as a precaution.
Residents, accustomed to living in a seismic zone, have largely maintained composure. Schools and businesses resumed normal operations post-event, while social media became a hub for sharing experiences and visuals of the quake.
Earthquake facts about Chile
Chile’s long history with tectonic activity offers some intriguing insights:
- The country experiences thousands of tremors annually, most of low intensity.
- The 1960 Valdivia quake triggered a tsunami that crossed the Pacific, reaching Hawaii and Japan.
- About 90% of regional quakes stem from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.
- Chilean buildings adhere to strict anti-seismic construction codes, minimizing damage from moderate quakes.
These facts showcase the nation’s resilience amid its challenging geology.
Next steps following the quake
With the initial scare subsiding, attention now turns to a detailed analysis of the event. Chilean and international seismologists are gathering data to better understand this quake’s characteristics and implications for the future. Its depth, for instance, will be studied to assess potential shifts in regional subduction patterns.
Meanwhile, life in Antofagasta carries on. Residents, well-versed in such occurrences, return to their routines, though aware that new tremors could emerge at any time. Seismic monitoring remains active, ensuring rapid detection of any changes.
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