đź•’ Last updated on August 22, 2025
Earth Tremor in the Remote Southern Waters
A powerful earthquake struck late on Thursday night in the remote waters of the Drake Passage, a stretch of ocean that lies between the southern tip of South America and the northern edge of Antarctica.
In the ocean off the shores of Chile and Argentina, the earthquake was detected around 11:16 p.m. local time. At a stated depth of six miles (about ten kilometers), the earthquake’s energy was located far beneath the ocean.
The earthquake was recorded at 11:16 p.m. local time in the region, in the waters off the coasts of Chile and Argentina. The force of the quake was deep under the ocean, at a reported depth of six miles (about 10 kilometers).
Even though the ground under the sea shook very strongly, authorities clarified that there were no tsunami warnings issued. This is important because earthquakes under the ocean floor can often push up waves that travel across seas, leading to tsunamis. In this case, however, experts said the ocean was not expected to cause such waves.
People don’t reside in great numbers in the Drake Passage. It is an important waterway for ships and a challenging stretch of sea known worldwide for its rough waters. The earthquake, occurring under the sea and far from the mainland, reduced the risk to towns and cities onshore.
Still, a 7.5 magnitude quake is very rare and powerful, and news of it spread quickly across Chile and Argentina, countries that are both familiar with seismic activity.
People in Chile and Argentina Felt the Tremor
Even though the earthquake’s epicenter was deep in the ocean, people living in some southern parts of Chile and Argentina reported feeling shaking. Local reports described short and mild tremors that rattled furniture and caused many to leave their homes briefly.
In places closer to the southern coastlines, lights swayed in buildings, and animals reacted to the trembling ground, a common sign during earthquakes. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage in the cities nearest to the affected region.
Chilean and Argentinean residents are accustomed to earthquakes. Both countries sit along what geologists call the “Ring of Fire,” a long chain of tectonic boundaries known for frequent quakes and volcanic activity. Much of the Pacific Ocean is encircled by the Ring of Fire, and earthquakes frequently occur near its edge.
However, a quake of this size in the Drake Passage is unusual. The passage is best known to sailors and researchers traveling between South America and Antarctica. While smaller quakes occasionally occur under these waters, a high-magnitude shock like this one is far from ordinary.
Local emergency agencies in both Chile and Argentina quickly activated safety checks. Maritime authorities also monitored the seas for unusual changes in water levels to rule out the chance of surprise waves. By the early morning hours, no significant dangers had been reported.
Scientists Studying the Quake’s Power
Earthquakes happen when large plates of the Earth’s crust move against each other. These plates, which include the Antarctic Plate, the Scotia Plate, and the South American Plate, meet complexly near the Drake Passage. Pressure builds up along these fault lines deep under the ocean floor, and when released, it sends powerful vibrations through the Earth.
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck this time was a clear reminder of how strong these natural forces can be, even in uninhabited regions. To put it in perspective, scientists measure earthquakes on what is known as the moment magnitude scale. A magnitude 7 quake is already considered “major,” while 7.5 marks it among the more powerful kinds of quakes recorded each year around the world.
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For comparison, smaller quakes in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 may shake dishes or cause mild fright but rarely lead to damage. By contrast, a 7.5 quake is often considered capable of causing damage to poorly built structures if it struck directly under a city. In this case, the deep-water location reduced that threat.
Research stations in Antarctica and monitoring observatories in South America will continue to analyze the data from the quake to better understand its cause and strength. Every significant seismic event adds to the global knowledge of how plates move at critical edges of the Earth’s crust.
Though the quake happened at night when many were asleep, the strong magnitude made many communities aware the next morning that something unusual had struck offshore. News agencies from across South America carried updates, while emergency services reminded people about the importance of earthquake safety, particularly in regions close to tectonic fault zones.
With no tsunami warning and no early reports of major destruction, many considered the outcome fortunate, given the potentially destructive force of such a strong seismic event. Still, the rare location of this earthquake in the Drake Passage has drawn attention from geologists and citizens alike, highlighting once again how unpredictable and powerful nature can be in even the most remote corners of the planet.