Seismic Swarm S20190511.1: Activity Near Coso Junction, California
Seismic swarm S20190511.1 was recorded in the Coso region of eastern California, beginning at 11:39 on 10 May 2019 and concluding at 00:26 on 16 May 2019. The events occurred approximately 27 km east-northeast of Coso Junction. Over 132 hours and 46 minutes, the swarm comprised 90 earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from -0.4 to 3.0 and focal depths predominantly between 0 and 7 km.
The sequence featured several events of magnitude 2.0 or greater, including peaks of 2.8 on 10 May, 2.9 and 3.0 on 13 May. Most activity remained shallow, consistent with fluid-driven processes in the upper crust. Event rates were highest during the first two days, then declined steadily, with isolated larger shocks on 13 May marking the final significant pulses.
The Coso area lies within the Basin and Range province and the Walker Lane shear zone, where dextral strike-slip faulting accommodates Pacific-North America plate motion. The Coso Volcanic Field, active throughout the Quaternary, consists of rhyolite domes, basaltic flows, and extensive geothermal systems. Ongoing tectonism and hydrothermal circulation produce frequent earthquake swarms, often without surface rupture.
Since 2000, 54 swarms have been documented in the region. Annual counts include four in 2000 and 2001, seven each in 2004 and 2010, and one each in 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2018. This pattern reflects persistent strain accumulation along local fault networks and episodic fluid migration within the volcanic field.
Swarm S20190511.1 aligns with the area's established behavior, underscoring the value of continuous monitoring for distinguishing background seismicity from potential volcanic unrest.
References
- USGS Earthquake Catalog
- California Geological Survey regional reports
- SeismoSight internal swarm classification records