What was the magnitude of the Great Alaska earthquake?
On March 27, 1964 (UTC) at 5:36 p.m. local time, the largest recorded earthquake in U.S. history struck Alaska’s Prince William Sound. The devastating 9.2 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunamis ravaged coastal communities and took over 139 lives.
What was the largest earthquake in Alaska?
Largest earthquake in 50 years: What we know so far | Alaska Earthquake Center. At 10:15pm Alaska time on July 28, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck offshore of the Alaska Peninsula, the largest U.S. earthquake in 50 years. The Chignik Earthquake depth was approximately 28.5 miles, an intermediate-depth earthquake.
What was remarkable about the 1964 Alaska earthquake?
The 1964 Alaska earthquake, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America, struck Alaska’s Prince William Sound, about 74 miles southeast of Anchorage. The quake also led to significant scientific breakthroughs in subduction earthquakes and how to minimize their destruction.
How many deaths were there in the Great Alaska earthquake?
131
The number of deaths from the earthquake totalled 131; 115 in Alaska and 16 in Oregon and California. The death toll was extrememly small for a quake of this magnitude due to low population density, the time of day and the fact that it was a holiday, and the type of material used to construct many buildings (wood).
Has a tsunami ever hit Alaska?
The 1964 Alaska Tsunami was generated by a 9.2 magnitude earthquake, the largest ever recorded in North America. The state suffered enormous damage, and the resulting tsunami waves reached as high as 27 feet in some areas.
How many people died in the Alaska earthquake 1964?
Is a magnitude 13 earthquake possible?
The problem of a magnitude 13 is, that it is not possible according to this concept due to the earth’s physical limitations. Keep in mind, that with one magnitude higher, a quake has about 32 times more energy. Of course, you can compare the energy for instance to that of an impact event – which is also often done.
What was the magnitude of the 1964 Alaska earthquake?
“The 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami” lecture by George Plafker, USGS Geologist Emeritus. IRIS video directed by Robert F. Butler explaining the science behind the earthquake. Animations explain the magnitude (Just how big is 9.2?), rupture processes, elastic rebound, and resulting tsunami.
How long did the Great Alaska earthquake last?
Four minutes may not seem like a long time, but when it comes to earthquakes, it’s an eternity, and tremors during the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 lasted at least four minutes.
What was the largest earthquake in North America?
1964 Alaska Earthquake The 1964 Alaska quake was the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America. Richter Magnitude Scale The Richter magnitude scale was developed in 1935 to study California earthquakes.
Who was the USGS geologist at the time of the Great Alaska earthquake?
The video features USGS geologist George Plafker who, in the 1960’s, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event. This was a great leap forward in resolving key mechanisms of the developing theory of plate tectonics.