Eight earthquakes in three weeks near Appin explained
A magnitude 3.4 earthquake on August 28 triggered seven smaller aftershocks in Appin, NSW, but experts say this pattern is typical.
Eight earthquakes rattled the Appin region in three weeks, but Geoscience Australia says this is normal after a large tremor. A magnitude 3.4 quake struck on August 28, nine kilometres north-west of Appin, just two kilometres below the surface.
The magnitude 3.4 earthquake was the fifth strongest quake in the region since 2000 and was felt by 586 people. Seven aftershocks followed, including a 2.4 magnitude on September 9 and several smaller tremors ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 magnitude through mid-September.
The most recent was 1.3 magnitude on September 22. Experts say larger earthquakes commonly trigger smaller aftershocks as the Earth's crust adjusts to stress changes.
The sequence does not necessarily mean a bigger quake is coming; in most cases, magnitude and frequency decrease over time. The Appin area has been a seismic hotspot for over 25 years, with mining operations possibly affecting local stress levels.
- 3.4 on August 28
- Main quake magnitude
- 9 kilometres north-west of Appin
- Location
- 7 separate earthquakes
- Aftershocks recorded
- 586
- People who felt it
Why it mattersUnderstanding that aftershock sequences are normal prevents unnecessary alarm, while historical data suggests the tremors will likely decrease rather than intensify.
AustraliaNSW residents near Appin may continue feeling small tremors, but experts expect them to subside gradually without escalation.
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