📌 Did you know? The 1991 Limón earthquake (M7.7) was Costa Rica's largest in the 20th century.
📋 Local earthquakes (past 24h)
No local earthquakes in the past 24 hours.
About Earthquake Activity in Costa Rica
Costa Rica lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with subduction earthquakes and volcanic activity. Learn more about seismic activity in Costa Rica below.
The largest earthquake recorded in Costa Rica in the past 100 years was M7.6 in 2012 (11 km ENE of Hojancha, Costa Rica). The region is defined by Middle America Trench, Arenal fault zone, Limón fault, and the risk level is classified as High.
With a population of 5.1 million, understanding local seismic hazards is crucial. This page provides real‑time USGS data and historical context for Costa Rica.
Why does Costa Rica experience earthquakes?
Costa Rica lies on Cocos Plate subducting beneath Caribbean Plate. The movement of these plates builds up stress, which is released as earthquakes. In subduction zones, one plate dives beneath another, generating some of the largest quakes on Earth. In strike‑slip regions like the San Andreas, plates slide past horizontally.
Key facts about Costa Rica seismicity
- 🌋 Seismic risk: High
- 🏔️ Major faults: Middle America Trench, Arenal fault zone, Limón fault
- 📅 Notable historical quakes: 1991 Limón (M7.7), 2009 Cinchona (M6.1), 2012 Nicoya (M7.6)
- 👥 Population exposed: 5.1 million
- 🧩 Tectonic setting: Cocos Plate subducting beneath Caribbean Plate
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica Earthquakes
❓ What was the strongest earthquake in Costa Rica?
The largest earthquake recorded in Costa Rica in the past 100 years was M7.6 in 2012 (11 km ENE of Hojancha, Costa Rica).
❓ Is Costa Rica on a fault line?
Yes, Costa Rica is crossed by Middle America Trench, Arenal fault zone, Limón fault, making it prone to seismic activity.
❓ How often do earthquakes occur in Costa Rica?
Due to its tectonic setting (Cocos Plate subducting beneath Caribbean Plate), Costa Rica experiences hundreds to thousands of earthquakes each year, though most are too small to feel.
❓ What should I do during an earthquake in Costa Rica?
Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, and if outdoors, move to an open area. After the shaking stops, check for injuries and be ready for aftershocks.
Other seismically active regions
Data sources: USGS real‑time feed, USGS historical archive (last 100 years), and Wikipedia. Page refreshes live earthquake data every 60 seconds.
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