The direct answer
A histogram of this dataset starts at magnitude 5 because that is the query threshold. The sharp cutoff is a selection rule, not evidence that smaller earthquakes do not occur. Use consistent bin boundaries when comparing catalog extracts.
Prepare the observation table
In Histogram, map mag to Numeric field. Inspect the bin width and show the query “2023, worldwide, magnitude ≥ 5” beside the plot. The downloadable preview uses half-unit intervals; the exact counts are available in a separate binned CSV.
Public dataset and a reproducible example
The download is a prepared extract, not a live data connection. The source links below include the original query, observation period and reuse policy. Keep an original copy when you update the data; revised source values can change the result.
USGS Earthquake Catalog, worldwide earthquake events with magnitude ≥ 5, from 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z up to but excluding 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z. Later catalog revisions can alter values. This is an educational extract, not a risk or warning service.
Snapshot retrieved: 2026-10-26. Prepared rows: 1780.
Download the prepared CSVDownload the reference SVGDownload the companion CSV
| id | time | latitude | longitude | mag | depth_km | magType |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| us7000j1bs | 2023-01-01T03:16:14.442Z | -6.7065 | 155.232 | 5.4 | 35 | mww |
| us7000j1d2 | 2023-01-01T07:03:01.860Z | -58.8596 | -25.6498 | 5.2 | 44.616 | mww |
| us7000j1fq | 2023-01-01T16:24:27.560Z | -25.2057 | 178.5092 | 5.1 | 595.724 | mb |
| us7000j1g5 | 2023-01-01T18:24:32.306Z | -2.5533 | 140.8007 | 5.5 | 30.83 | mww |
| us7000j1u6 | 2023-01-01T18:26:42.628Z | -56.2415 | -123.5343 | 5.8 | 10 | mww |
Build it in Datamon
Sign in with Google to create an editable visualization. Public articles and examples can be read without an account. The prepared CSV already contains the joins, filters or aggregations described above; do those steps in a spreadsheet first when using your own data.
- Open Data and choose a file, or paste the table with its header row. Check the detected numeric columns, decimal separator and dates. The current importer accepts files below 20 MB; these examples are smaller. Keep blanks distinct from recorded zeros.
- In Visualize, select Histogram. Connect the roles exactly as listed below. Review the preview against at least two rows in the example table rather than relying only on automatic mapping.
- In Refine, add a title that states the question, the unit, observation period and source. Check labels and contrast at the size your reader will see. Keep a table when exact values matter.
- Use the export controls for SVG, PNG, PDF or PowerPoint, then inspect the actual file. Save an editable project backup. Publish only after checking the underlying values: a public link makes the published data available to anyone possessing the URL.
Calculation and column mapping
The rule below is pseudocode. The downloadable CSV already contains the prepared values; spreadsheet functions and cell references depend on your sheet layout.
Half-unit bins [5,5.5), [5.5,6), …; source filter magnitude >= 5- Numeric field
- mag
Read the result
The histogram contains 1,780 events; the first bin contains 1,260.
Use the preview to check the structure and the CSV to check exact values. Its styling is a reference; your Datamon rendering can look different. Follow the mapping and preparation above to reproduce the analytical meaning.
Mistakes that change the meaning
A catalog filtered to larger events cannot estimate the frequency of all earthquakes. Changing the threshold or bin widths changes the displayed counts. Record both choices and keep event-level data so another analyst can reconstruct the histogram.
Questions before sharing
Do these calculations require an AI service?
No. The prepared CSV and reference calculation are deterministic. Optional AI can help draft an explanation when configured, but it does not replace checking source values or choosing a valid comparison.
Can I use this example with my own spreadsheet?
Yes. Keep the same observation unit, column types and calculation. Replace the source attribution and time period, recompute derived columns, then compare several output values with your original sheet before sharing.
What is free and what needs an account?
Reading this guide and downloading its CSV and chart images are free. Datamon currently has no paid checkout or subscription plans in this deployment. Creating and saving an editable visualization requires Google sign-in. Provider-backed AI, cloud analysis, publishing and video depend on configured services; this guide does not promise unlimited free connected services.
Sources and further reading
Report a correction or an access barrier: Email the editorial contact.
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