Petrolia, Calif. – A magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck 31 kilometers west of Petrolia on Saturday afternoon, registering offshore along the Northern California coast.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 12:30 p.m. UTC (4:30 a.m. PST) at a depth of approximately 0.2 kilometers. The event was automatically reviewed and recorded by the California Integrated Seismic Network.
The epicenter was located offshore in the Pacific Ocean, west of Humboldt County. A magnitude 3.1 quake is generally considered minor and is not typically associated with structural damage, though it may be lightly felt in nearby coastal communities.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage as of Saturday. The region near Petrolia sits within a seismically active area influenced by the San Andreas Fault system and the offshore Mendocino Triple Junction, where several tectonic plates meet.
Small offshore earthquakes are common in this part of Northern California, and most occur without significant impact. However, the shallow depth of Saturday’s event may have increased the likelihood of light shaking in nearby coastal areas.
Residents can report shaking or effects through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system to assist scientists in assessing ground movement.
Minor seismic activity may be relevant to coastal residents, outdoor workers, and early-morning commuters in the region.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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