Light mag. 3.7 earthquake – North Pacific Ocean, 34 mi southwest of Oceanside, San Diego County, California

A Midnight Earthquake with a 4.0 Magnitude Shakes Oceanside, California.

In the quiet hours of Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, something unexpected stirred beneath the surface near Oceanside in San Diego County, California. At precisely 12:05 am, a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 rumbled into existence, catching both night owls and slumbering souls by surprise. This intriguing event was brought to our attention by none other than the watchful eyes of the United States Geological Survey.

This seismic occurrence took place not too far below the Earth’s crust, at a relatively shallow depth of 11 miles. Now, why does that matter? Well, shallow earthquakes like this one tend to pack a bit more punch in terms of how strongly they’re felt. It’s almost like they’re closer to us, sending more noticeable tremors along the way.

But here’s the thing – the details we have now might not be the final word on this. As diligent seismologists pore over data and crunch numbers, there’s a chance that the magnitude, epicenter, and even the depth of the earthquake might be tweaked a bit. That’s just the nature of this science, and it’s all in pursuit of getting the most accurate information out there.

As for who might have felt this nighttime shake-up, let’s look at a few places. Avalon, with its population of around 3,800, was about 33 miles from the epicenter. Oceanside, a larger city with around 175,700 residents, was just a smidge closer at 34 miles away. San Clemente, Carlsbad, and Encinitas – each with their own unique charm – were also in the range of weak shaking, considering their distances of 35 to 37 miles from the epicenter. Laguna Niguel and Vista, slightly farther out at 38 and 42 miles respectively, likely experienced a milder version of this midnight surprise. Even Newport Beach, hanging out 43 miles away, and San Diego, comfortably settled 48 miles away with its 1,394,900 residents, might have caught a faint glimpse of the Earth’s nocturnal activity.

So there you have it – a midnight earthquake adventure, bringing a 4.0 magnitude quake to the doorstep of Oceanside, California. It’s a reminder that our planet’s restless spirit can make itself known at any hour, even when most of us are lost in dreamland.

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed