Alaska has witnessed nearly 500 earthquakes in the past week, with the Alaska Earthquake Center highlighting this unusual yet not unprecedented surge in seismic activity. Ezgi Karasözen, a research seismologist with the Center, explained that while 500 quakes might seem alarming, it aligns with the state’s history of high seismic activity. In fact, 2023 has shown lower seismicity than many previous years, making last week’s figures less remarkable in the bigger picture.
A notable incident occurred on Thanksgiving, when a strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook the Anchorage area, approximately 9 miles west of Susitna and about 30 miles from Anchorage. Fortunately, there have been no significant injuries or damage reported thus far, although residents did experience considerable shaking. The authorities are actively assessing the situation and monitoring potential aftershocks in light of Anchorage’s dense population, which heightens the need for caution during such events.
The Alaska Earthquake Center previously reported that among the recent earthquakes, five were felt, with the strongest being a magnitude 5.8 that occurred west of Adak on November 22. Notably, November 30 marks the anniversary of significant earthquakes in Alaska, including the magnitude 7.9 incident in the Gulf of Alaska in 1987 and a magnitude 7.1 quake in Anchorage in 2018. These events underscore the ongoing seismic threat in southern Alaska, where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates converge, creating significant geological strain that can lead to major earthquakes.
While there was no tsunami warning following the latest quake, the challenges presented by Alaska’s seismic nature remain clear. Karasözen reassured that events such as the recent stronger quakes are typical for the region, particularly in sparsely populated areas like the western Aleutian Islands, where significant impacts are rare. The Alaska Earthquake Center noted that over the past century, Alaska has experienced 60 earthquakes registering above magnitude 7, predominantly away from large population centers.
As seismic activity continues to be a part of life in Alaska, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared to respond to any potential earthquakes, ensuring their safety and the protection of their property.