A 1.5-magnitude earthquake struck 10 kilometers south of Santa Barbara on October 12, 2025, as minor tremors continue across the region.
The quake occurred just over six miles south of Santa Barbara, on October 12, 2025, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor struck at 9:56 p.m.
This follows a 2.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred near Goleta on October 5, 2025. The epicenter was located one mile west-northwest of Goleta.
A quake’s magnitude, location, depth, and local soil conditions typically determine how strongly and widely its tremors are felt. According to the USGS, earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 are usually noticeable to people.
California records frequent earthquakes largely because of its location between the Pacific and the North American Plates. The San Andreas Fault runs almost the entire length of the state.
Author's summary: Earthquake strikes south of Santa Barbara.