Weekly Seismic Overview
Seismic Activity Report: Philippines (Last 7 Days)
Overview:
This report summarizes the seismic activity in the Philippines over the past week, covering a total of 252 recorded events. The data indicates a diverse range of magnitudes and depths, with notable clusters primarily in the Mindanao and Visayas regions.
Magnitude Trends:
The recorded magnitudes ranged from 1.0 to 4.7, with the majority of events falling between 1.0 and 3.0. The highest magnitude event was a 4.7 quake on February 22, 2026, located 34 km north of Dalupiri Island in Cagayan. This event was significant, indicating a potential shift in tectonic activity in the region.
Cluster Analysis:
1. Mindanao Region:
- Mindanao exhibited a high frequency of seismic events, particularly in the Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental provinces. The most significant clusters occurred around February 21 and 22, with multiple events recorded in quick succession. For instance, on February 21, there were three notable events: a 3.5 magnitude quake at 21 km depth, a 3.4 magnitude quake at 16 km depth, and a 3.3 magnitude quake at 5 km depth.
- The area near Sarangani Island also showed increased activity, with several events of magnitudes between 2.0 and 3.1 occurring within a short time frame.
2. Visayas Region:
- The Visayas region recorded a series of moderate earthquakes, particularly around Negros Occidental and Eastern Samar. The highest recorded magnitude in this region was 3.3 on February 23, near San Policarpo, Eastern Samar.
- A notable cluster was observed on February 23, with several events around 2.5 to 2.9 magnitudes occurring within hours of each other, indicating a potential fault line activity.
3. Luzon Region:
- Luzon experienced fewer significant events, but notable occurrences included a 4.3 magnitude quake on February 22, located 384 km south-east of Balut Island. This event, while distant from populated areas, highlights the ongoing tectonic activity in the region.
Depth Analysis:
The depth of the recorded earthquakes varied significantly, with most events occurring at shallow depths of less than 30 km. The shallow depth of many of these quakes, particularly in Mindanao, suggests a close relationship with tectonic plate boundaries and fault lines. Notably, the 4.7 magnitude quake on February 22 had a depth of 18 km, which is consistent with the shallow nature of seismic activity in this region.
Trench Involvement:
The Philippines is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, characterized by numerous tectonic trenches and fault lines. The activity observed in Mindanao aligns with the presence of the Philippine Trench, which is known for its seismic activity. The clustering of events in this region indicates ongoing tectonic stress and potential for larger seismic events.
Conclusion:
The seismic activity in the Philippines over the past week reflects a dynamic geological environment, particularly in Mindanao and the Visayas. The presence of multiple clusters, varying magnitudes, and shallow depths underscores the importance of continuous monitoring. Further analysis is recommended to assess potential risks and prepare for future seismic events.
![Mappa di previsione sismica nelle Filippine](/dashboard/forecast-map.png?v="0x8DE752E9508ECB4")