Location:

Period:

3 Oct 2012 15:49:32 - 5 Oct 2012 06:30:34 (1 day 14 hours 41 minutes)

Volcanoes in 100km radius:

Ubehebe Craters(13km)

Earthquakes:

3 swarms found nearby.

2005

S20051106.1(7.2km)

6 Nov

2 days 2 hours

56 earthquakes

2011

S20111008.1(9.4km)

7 Oct

4 days 14 hours

65 earthquakes

2015

S20150629.1(25.3km)

29 Jun

22 hours

31 earthquakes

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Seismic Swarm S20121004.1 Near Stovepipe Wells, California

Seismic swarm S20121004.1 was recorded beginning at 15:49 on 3 October 2012 and concluding at 06:30 on 5 October 2012, approximately 40 km northwest of Stovepipe Wells in California. Over the 38-hour, 41-minute period, 29 earthquakes were registered. The events exhibited magnitudes ranging from -0.1 to 2.6, with the majority below 2.0. Depths varied from 0 km to 19 km, clustering predominantly between 5 km and 10 km.

The sequence displayed typical swarm characteristics, featuring multiple events of similar magnitude without a distinct mainshock or clear foreshock-aftershock pattern. Notable activity included a 2.6 magnitude event at 23:05 on 3 October at 7 km depth and a 2.3 magnitude quake at 19:49 on 4 October at 10 km depth. Smaller events occurred throughout the period, with several registering at or near 0.0 magnitude. Depths remained generally shallow to intermediate, consistent with crustal extension in the region.

The location lies within the northern Death Valley area, part of the Eastern California Shear Zone. This tectonic setting involves right-lateral shear and extensional deformation between the Pacific and North American plates. The Death Valley fault system, a major normal fault zone, accommodates significant Basin and Range extension. The region features active faulting that has shaped the dramatic topography of Death Valley National Park, including deep basins and uplifted ranges.

Historical records indicate limited swarm activity since 2000, with two prior episodes noted in 2005 and 2011. Such swarms reflect ongoing tectonic strain release in an area known for low to moderate seismicity punctuated by episodic clusters.

Geological studies confirm the area's high strain rates driven by northwest-directed plate motion. The swarm's shallow depths align with brittle failure in the upper crust of this extensional regime.

References

United States Geological Survey Earthquake Catalog
California Geological Survey Regional Fault Maps
Death Valley National Park Geological Resources Inventory