Shallow M6.7 earthquake hits Scotia Sea

A shallow earthquake measuring M6.7 was recorded in the Scotia Sea at 08:22 UTC on August 22, 2026. The event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was fixed at coordinates 47.2°S, 60.5°W.

The Scotia Sea is located southeast of South America, between the southern tip of the continent and the Antarctic Peninsula. The region is remote and uninhabited, with no significant population centers in proximity.

Given the Scotia Sea’s geographical isolation, there are no major land-based critical infrastructure elements such as urban settlements, ports, or energy facilities in the immediate area. Maritime activity in these latitudes is sparse.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The significance index is 691 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Scotia Sea lies along the boundary between the South American Plate and the Scotia Plate, an area recognized for complex tectonic interactions and seismic activity.

This information was last updated at 08:08 UTC on August 22, 2026.