The Ten Largest Earthquakes Since 1900

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff
Below is a list of the largest earthquakes on record in the world. Magnitude, date, and location are also given.
LocationDateMagnitude2
1.ChileMay 22, 19609.5
2.Prince William Sound, AlaskaMarch 28, 196439.2
3.Andreanof Islands, Aleutian IslandsMarch 9, 19579.1
4.JapanMarch 11, 20119.0
5.KamchatkaNov. 4, 19529.0
6.Off western coast of Sumatra, IndonesiaDec. 26, 20049.0
7.Off the coast of EcuadorJan. 31, 19068.8
8.Offshore Maule, ChileFeb. 27, 20108.8
9.Rat Islands, Aleutian IslandsFeb. 4, 19658.7
10.Northern Sumatra, IndonesiaMarch 28, 20058.7
1. In terms of magnitude.
2. Moment magnitude.
3. March 28, 03:36:14 UT (March 27, 5:36 P.M. local time)
Source: National Earthquake Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey.

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