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.
Location | Date | Magnitude2 | |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Chile | May 22, 1960 | 9.5 |
2. | Prince William Sound, Alaska | March 28, 19643 | 9.2 |
3. | Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands | March 9, 1957 | 9.1 |
4. | Japan | March 11, 2011 | 9.0 |
5. | Kamchatka | Nov. 4, 1952 | 9.0 |
6. | Off western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia | Dec. 26, 2004 | 9.0 |
7. | Off the coast of Ecuador | Jan. 31, 1906 | 8.8 |
8. | Offshore Maule, Chile | Feb. 27, 2010 | 8.8 |
9. | Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands | Feb. 4, 1965 | 8.7 |
10. | Northern Sumatra, Indonesia | March 28, 2005 | 8.7 |
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.
See also deadliest Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions. and Tsunami Factfile.