Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Rattles Remote Part of Alaska

It has been a shaky weekend in Alaska, both literally and figuratively. A magnitude 7 earthquake hit the state on Saturday, followed by over 20 aftershocks in the hours that followed. Here is a look at this earthquake event.

Major Earthquake Rattles Alaska

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the state of Alaska on Saturday, December 6. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 11:41 am local time in the area north of Yakutat, Alaska. This area is located near the border of Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada.

The U.S. Census Bureau last reported that Yakutat has a population of about 650 people. In 2023, the small community had 332 housing units. Yakutat is located about 300 miles from the capital city of Anchorage. Residents of Anchorage reported feeling the impacts of the quake.

People as far away as Juneau, Alaska, also reported feeling the tremors. Juneau is located approximately 230 miles southeast of the quake impact zone. Residents in Whitehorse, Canada, were also in the impact zone. This was confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

According to NASA's Earth Observatory, there are an average of 18 major earthquakes that measure between 7.0 and 7.9 confirmed each year across the world. One earthquake of 8.0 or larger is recorded about once per year. 2023 was a particularly volatile year, with more earthquake deaths reported than in any year since 1990.

The main event was not the only quake to hit Alaska over the weekend. At least 20 aftershocks were reported following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Austin Holland, director of operations at the Alaska Earthquake Center, confirmed that his agency had not received reports of injuries or damage. However, Holland did note that the quake was felt strongly in nearby areas of Alaska and down into Canada. The silver lining is that the earthquake hit a remote area of the state, limiting the damage.

Holland said that while this was a major quake, it is not totally unexpected for an earthquake of this degree to happen in this part of the state. The region is known for its large fault lines, making it more likely that powerful quakes will strike.

The Alaska Earthquake Center reported that over 20 aftershocks continued to rattle the region after the initial event. Some of the aftershocks came in at 5.0 magnitude or above. The state seismologist said that it was a "pretty vigorous aftershock sequence" in the hour after the first earthquake.

Although there were no immediate reports of damage, local officials said that they would not be surprised if there was roadway damage. Landslides are also a possibility with this degree of seismic activity.

The aftershocks are expected to linger into the coming week. Holland also warned that there is a "very small chance" that a larger earthquake associated with the current rash of activity could hit the state.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) both confirmed that there were no tsunami warnings or watches issued in connection with this flurry of seismic activity. This sentiment was affirmed by the National Tsunami Center.

Understanding the Magnitude Measuring Scale

To fully understand the intensity of a 7 magnitude quake, you need a better understanding of what is known in geological circles as the "moment magnitude scale." This scale is logarithmic, meaning that each number is 10 times stronger than the one before.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake? This means that a 5.0 magnitude earthquake is 10 times more powerful than a 4.0 quake.

For context, earthquakes below 2.5 magnitude are usually not felt. You can expect minor damage in earthquakes that come in between 2.5 and 5.4 on the measuring scale. Slight damage is generally reported in quakes that hit 5.5 to 6.0. Serious damage to buildings is expected with earthquakes that measure 6.1 to 6.9. A major earthquake of 7.0 to 7.9 generally triggers more severe damage. Any quake that measures 8.0 or greater can cause catastrophic damage, destroying entire communities.

It should be noted that this scale has no upper limit.

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