Data last collected:
QuakeFactsEvidence report · prepared 25 October 2026https://quakes99.com/entity/usp000bktw
USGS usp000bktw
16 Dec 2002, 16:13
46 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga
A magnitude 5.6 mwc earthquake at 115.5 km depth.
Published location
Where is 46 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga?
This locator uses the coordinates in the approved source record. It shows geographic context, not a site boundary, safety zone or property-risk area.
-16.206000, -174.142000
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What the numbers mean
Magnitude measures event size; depth locates the source below the surface. Neither value alone establishes local damage or personal risk.
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Nearby events with a similar magnitude
Catalog fields and provenance
Event ID
usp000bktw
Coordinates
-16.206, -174.142
Network
us
Significance
482
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Questions this evidence can answer
01What exactly is this record?
Use the name, place, date and identifiers above to confirm that you have the right 46 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga earthquake: magnitude 5.6 and depth | QuakeFacts record.
02What does the evidence establish?
Read the reported values with their units, coverage dates and source notes. Keep observed facts separate from estimates or interpretation.
03What should I verify next?
Follow the primary-source links and check the limitations before using this evidence for a decision, comparison or citation.
A closer look at 46 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga
Depth in another unit
The recorded event depth of 115.5 km is approximately 71.77 miles below the source reference surface. Depth alone does not describe damage or local hazard.
Interpreting the recorded coordinates
The published position for 46 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga is 16.206° south and 174.142° west. This expresses the source coordinates in hemispheres; it does not establish an entrance, public access or a safe route.