1451 Major 6.7 Earthquake Mid Atlantic Ridge. Global EQ uptick continues

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21 Mar 2026

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a spreading seafloor centre boundary, continuing a recent uptick in global earthquake activity. This is the largest earthquake in the area in over a century. The increase in activity may be linked to massive coronal holes facing the Earth, which can cause increased solar wind and aurora activity.

The Japanese government issued a mega quake warning for a potential large event along a major subduction zone. The Philippines and New Zealand experienced minor seismic activity, while the Mediterranean region saw increased activity, including a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. Space weather conditions are stable with low solar flare activity, but aurora displays are possible due to coronal holes facing Earth.

Key Points

Recent Earthquake Activity: A 6.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a significant event in the area.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge Significance: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a spreading seafloor centre boundary where tectonic plates pull apart, creating new oceanic crust.
Historical Context: The last earthquake of similar magnitude in this area was in 1922, highlighting the rarity of such an event.
Recent Earthquake Activity: Increased earthquake activity, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with a 6.7 magnitude being the largest.
Potential Cause of Earthquakes: Large coronal holes on the sun facing Earth, releasing high-speed solar wind streams and potentially causing increased earthquake activity.
Other Notable Earthquakes: A 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia and a 5.6 magnitude earthquake near San Antonio, Argentina.
Recent Earthquake Activity: Discussion about a 6.7 magnitude earthquake and its potential impact on stress and strain along the Atlantic plate boundary.
Potential Earthquake Trigger: A 2.8 magnitude earthquake in Henderson, New York, occurred shortly after the 6.7 magnitude earthquake, raising the possibility of a connection.
West Coast Seismic Activity: Increased earthquake activity observed on the west coast, including a 2.6 magnitude earthquake near Fresno, potentially linked to land subsidence from agricultural water withdrawal.
Land Subsidence Cause: Agricultural water withdrawal causing significant land sinking, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley.
Subsidence Measurement: GPS data shows subsidence rates, with some areas experiencing a drop of up to 120mm.
Water Depletion Impact: Tranquility area shows a dramatic subsidence of almost 1000mm due to water pumping.
Southern California Seismic Activity: No significant activity above 2.5 magnitude, except for minor activity near Fresno.
San Francisco Bay Area Seismicity: Some activity around the San Andreas fault near Pacifica.
Illutian Trench Seismic Activity: Continued earthquake activity, more than usual in the past seven days, but no significant events.
Earthquake Swarm Location: An earthquake swarm is occurring in a region previously identified as having significant earthquake activity.
Potential for Major Earthquake: The Japanese government had previously issued a mega quake warning for this area due to the time elapsed since the last major earthquake and the current swarming activity.
Deep Earthquake Activity: Deep earthquakes are occurring along the Kuroshio Trench, a major subduction zone, indicating building stress and strain.
Seismic Activity Update: Deep earthquake activity near Naples, Italy, specifically a 6.0 magnitude earthquake 235 miles deep, close to a volcanic field. No effect on the volcano yet.
Global Earthquake Monitoring: Increased seismic activity in the Italy region, including a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. Continued monitoring of potential further activity, particularly in South America.
Space Weather Analysis: G3 class geomagnetic storm from high-speed solar wind and a CME has subsided. Current conditions show decreased density and speed, with a positive BTBZ component suppressing aurora activity. Potential for G1 storms over the next few nights.
Solar Activity: Currently low, with weak sunspots and a low chance of solar flares.
Sunspot Monitoring: Observing new sunspots forming and rotating into view, monitoring for potential activity.
Asteroid Monitoring: NASA.gov monitors potentially dangerous asteroids and their close approaches.
Recent Discoveries: Many new, small, and relatively safe asteroids have been discovered.
Weather Forecast: Marginal risk for severe weather in the Carolinas, with a slight chance of tornadoes in the Midwest.
Long-Term Outlook: Potential for severe weather across the plains in early April, depending on the strength of a low-pressure system and jet stream patterns.
Weather Forecast: Repeated rounds of moisture are expected in the Texas and southern plains area during the first week of April.
Severe Weather Potential: There is a slight possibility of severe weather, but it depends on the strength of the low-pressure system.
Kilauea Volcano Monitoring: Data loss is preventing access to the Kilauea volcano inflation model.
Seismic Activity Update: Seismograph stations are currently showing low activity.