Earthquakes in Queensland, Mag 4.9, 5.6 - August 15

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent earthquakes in Queensland, specifically focusing on the magnitude readings reported by various sources. Participants explore the discrepancies in magnitude values, the implications of these differences, and anecdotal experiences related to the seismic events.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 notes a magnitude-5.6 earthquake reported by Geoscience Australia, while the USGS lists it as magnitude 4.9, highlighting the variation in reported data.
  • Post 2 mentions a preferred local source, GFZ, reporting a magnitude of 5.4, indicating further discrepancies in the data.
  • Post 3 shares an anecdote about public perception of earthquakes in Australia, suggesting a cultural context to the event's significance.
  • Post 4 reiterates the differences in magnitude reports and critiques the USGS's ability to provide accurate information for events outside their network coverage, emphasizing the limitations of their sensor placement.
  • Post 5 provides personal recordings from Sydney, detailing the specifications of the sensors used, which may contribute to understanding the seismic activity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the accurate magnitude of the earthquake, with multiple competing views on the reported values from different sources. No consensus is reached on which magnitude is correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limitations of the USGS sensor network in Queensland, which may affect the accuracy of their reported magnitudes. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the significance of earthquakes in a region perceived as geologically stable.

Astronuc
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A magnitude-5.6 earthquake has struck inland from Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Geoscience Australia said the epicentre was about 80 kilometres west of Noosa and 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...nshine-coast-risbane-geoscience-aus/105662170

USGS reports 4.9 Mag.

M 4.9 - 20 km ENE of Booie, Australia​

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000r1j3/executive
  • 2025-08-15 23:49:24 (UTC)
  • 26.458°S 152.127°E
  • 10.0 km depth
  • Interactive Map

    Contributed by US


I see different numbers depending on the source.
 
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Rebuild.webp
 
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Largest Earthquake In 50 Years Hits Queensland: Here’s What Happened.
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I received a phone call from a woman I know in Hervey Bay, 120 km from the epicentre, asking if I believed in earthquakes, or if they are caused by the devil. I think that demonstrates the stability of the Australian continent.
 
Astronuc said:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...nshine-coast-risbane-geoscience-aus/105662170

USGS reports 4.9 Mag.

M 4.9 - 20 km ENE of Booie, Australia​

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000r1j3/executive
  • 2025-08-15 23:49:24 (UTC)
  • 26.458°S 152.127°E
  • 10.0 km depth
  • Interactive Map

    Contributed by US


I see different numbers depending on the source.

Because the USGS cannot give accurate info for events well outside their network coverage.
They only have 1 sensor in QLD ( Charters Towers) and it isnt a geophone and is far from the event, so it wont respond well to local regional events

It was a ML5.6 as per the Geoscience Australia info
 
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My recordings from Sydney ....

4.5 Hz Vertical geophone
1755554656088.webp


1 second (1Hz) sensor
1755554689956.webp


20 second long period sensor ---- similar response to the USGS sensor in Charters Towers, QLD
1755554671410.webp
 
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