Popular
The Northern Marianas lie along the Mariana subduction zone, with a chain of active volcanoes and constant offshore seismicity. This page pulls real records for Northern Mariana Islands: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Northern Mariana Islands.
Earthquake risk in Northern Mariana Islands - FAQ
Is Northern Mariana Islands at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 176 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 333 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M7.7 in 1940.
What was the biggest earthquake in Northern Mariana Islands?
The strongest earthquake on record near Northern Mariana Islands is M7.7, in 1940 (Mariana Islands region), from USGS.
Does Northern Mariana Islands get tsunamis?
Yes - 2 tsunamis since 1990 (most recently 2010) within 333 km, from the NOAA database.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Northern Mariana Islands?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.