THE ALEUTIAN CRADLE OF TSUNAMIS
(Click here to read EOS Feature: Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis)
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Alaska has more large earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined. More than three-quarters of the state’s population live in an area that can experience a magnitude 7 earthquake. Our research provides objective science that helps stakeholders prepare for and mitigate the effects of future earthquakes and tsunamis, which bolsters the economic health and well-being of Alaska and the Nation. The Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards team conducts field-based research to understand how, where, and why earthquakes and tsunamis occur in Alaska. Our research examines earthquake hazards that contribute to societal risk in Alaska and beyond, including earthquake ground motion, fault slip, surface deformation, landslides and liquefaction triggered by strong ground shaking, and tsunamis.
Our research team examines major fault systems in Alaska capable of generating large earthquakes, including the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone, the Denali Fault system, and the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system. Many active faults in Alaska are capable of generating large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities in Alaska and beyond.
For example, seafloor deformation during historic Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes has generated tsunamis that traveled across the Pacific Ocean and impacted densely populated coasts around the Pacific Rim including Hawaii and the mainland U.S. west coast. The Denali Fault and other active faults in Alaska encroach on populated areas and critical infrastructure, including existing and proposed oil and natural gas pipelines. Our investigation of these fault systems reveals the location, magnitude, and frequency of prehistoric earthquakes and tsunamis, and informs probabilistic assessments that forecast future hazards.
The Alaska Earthquake Hazards Project research equips Alaska and Pacific Rim stakeholders and communities with vital information to improve earthquake and tsunami resilience. Remote but fast-moving faults such as the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system represent scientific frontier areas, where study improves understanding of earthquake processes that occur on slower-moving faults near densely populated urban centers in the contiguous U.S.
Understanding the past can help inform the future. Scientists deployed two seismographs on the bottom of Skilak Lake in Alaska and eight seismographs on land around the lake. These data can enhance seismic hazard models, leading to more accurate risk assessments and better overall preparedness.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
THE ALEUTIAN CRADLE OF TSUNAMIS
(Click here to read EOS Feature: Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis)
Geologists climb a slope above Larsen Bay, Nagai Island, Alaska. Geologists studying coastal evidence of past Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes and high tsunamis climb a slope above Larsen Bay on Nagai Island in the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska.
Geologists climb a slope above Larsen Bay, Nagai Island, Alaska. Geologists studying coastal evidence of past Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes and high tsunamis climb a slope above Larsen Bay on Nagai Island in the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska.
USGS scientists, working with researchers from the University of Ghent, probed the floor of Eklutna Lake, Anchorage Borough, Alaska, for evidence of turbidity currents triggered by strong shaking during the 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage earthquake.
USGS scientists, working with researchers from the University of Ghent, probed the floor of Eklutna Lake, Anchorage Borough, Alaska, for evidence of turbidity currents triggered by strong shaking during the 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage earthquake.
A USGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, Alaska. Extensional crack and damage to roadway along S Trunk Rd.
A USGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, Alaska. Extensional crack and damage to roadway along S Trunk Rd.
A USGS scientist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment that opened during strong shaking in the November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake. This upland ground crack near Cottonwood Creek, Palmer Slough had horizontal displacements of ~2.5ft locally and observed maximum depth of ~3ft. The crack was observed ~150ft from the active river channel.
A USGS scientist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment that opened during strong shaking in the November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake. This upland ground crack near Cottonwood Creek, Palmer Slough had horizontal displacements of ~2.5ft locally and observed maximum depth of ~3ft. The crack was observed ~150ft from the active river channel.
Exposed sand within a extensional crack along the Knik River, Alaska. Measuring a crack in sandy sediment along the south bank of the Knik River. This crack was one of many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Exposed sand within a extensional crack along the Knik River, Alaska. Measuring a crack in sandy sediment along the south bank of the Knik River. This crack was one of many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Landslide from bluff below rail grade north of Rabbit Creek. Main scarp of slump/flow slide at Potter Hill. Railroad grade is to the left, tidal flat to the right. Note ponded drainage and disrupted slide material.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Landslide from bluff below rail grade north of Rabbit Creek. Main scarp of slump/flow slide at Potter Hill. Railroad grade is to the left, tidal flat to the right. Note ponded drainage and disrupted slide material.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Lateral spread cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at northern end of Port of Anchorage. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at northern end of Port of Anchorage. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Extensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Extensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Crack observed in 2018 along headscarp of 1964 Government Hill landslide.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Crack observed in 2018 along headscarp of 1964 Government Hill landslide.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
USGS scientists conduct an aerial inspection of a line of sand vents along the Cook Inlet tide flat at Earthquake Park in Anchorage. Cook Inlet coastal plain liquefaction and bluff raveling near Earthquake Park. These vents opened and ejected sand due to liquefaction triggered by strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
USGS scientists conduct an aerial inspection of a line of sand vents along the Cook Inlet tide flat at Earthquake Park in Anchorage. Cook Inlet coastal plain liquefaction and bluff raveling near Earthquake Park. These vents opened and ejected sand due to liquefaction triggered by strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Minnesota Blvd off-ramp failure under repair. Construction crews rebuild the Minnesota Drive onramp in Anchorage on December 1, 2018. Engineered fill beneath the onramp failed the day before as a result of strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Minnesota Blvd off-ramp failure under repair. Construction crews rebuild the Minnesota Drive onramp in Anchorage on December 1, 2018. Engineered fill beneath the onramp failed the day before as a result of strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Slumping along the Alaska Railroad right-of-way evolved into long-runout landslides. The same area failed in earthquakes in 1954 and 1964.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Slumping along the Alaska Railroad right-of-way evolved into long-runout landslides. The same area failed in earthquakes in 1954 and 1964.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Eklutna Lake dam appeared to be undamaged the day after the earthquake; overflights of the lake showed no landslides impacted the lake shoreline.
Eklutna Lake dam appeared to be undamaged the day after the earthquake; overflights of the lake showed no landslides impacted the lake shoreline.
Superficial slides along Eagle River east of Eagle River Loop Road.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Superficial slides along Eagle River east of Eagle River Loop Road.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Ocean bottom seismometers being loaded onto the R/V Sikuliaq to be deployed on the sea floor in the Gulf of Alaska.
Ocean bottom seismometers being loaded onto the R/V Sikuliaq to be deployed on the sea floor in the Gulf of Alaska.
Stratigraphic contact marking uplift of Montague Island, caused by slip on the Patton Bay fault system during the 1964 M9.2 Great ALaska Earthquake.
Stratigraphic contact marking uplift of Montague Island, caused by slip on the Patton Bay fault system during the 1964 M9.2 Great ALaska Earthquake.
USGS and Geological Survey of Canada scientists sample sediment cores collected from the sea floor along the Queen Charlotte Fault. This was taken while they were working with (or in) the Geological Survey of Canada.
USGS and Geological Survey of Canada scientists sample sediment cores collected from the sea floor along the Queen Charlotte Fault. This was taken while they were working with (or in) the Geological Survey of Canada.
USGS scientists deploy a seismic streamer aboard the R/V David Starr offshore of southeast Alaska to study the Queen Charlotte Fault.
USGS scientists deploy a seismic streamer aboard the R/V David Starr offshore of southeast Alaska to study the Queen Charlotte Fault.
USGS scientists Kate Scharer, Richard Lease, and Adrian Bender excavate a marine terrace elevated tens of meters above sea level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS scientists Kate Scharer, Richard Lease, and Adrian Bender excavate a marine terrace elevated tens of meters above sea level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Alaska has more large earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined. More than three-quarters of the state’s population live in an area that can experience a magnitude 7 earthquake. Our research provides objective science that helps stakeholders prepare for and mitigate the effects of future earthquakes and tsunamis, which bolsters the economic health and well-being of Alaska and the Nation. The Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards team conducts field-based research to understand how, where, and why earthquakes and tsunamis occur in Alaska. Our research examines earthquake hazards that contribute to societal risk in Alaska and beyond, including earthquake ground motion, fault slip, surface deformation, landslides and liquefaction triggered by strong ground shaking, and tsunamis.
Our research team examines major fault systems in Alaska capable of generating large earthquakes, including the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone, the Denali Fault system, and the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system. Many active faults in Alaska are capable of generating large tsunamis that threaten coastal communities in Alaska and beyond.
For example, seafloor deformation during historic Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes has generated tsunamis that traveled across the Pacific Ocean and impacted densely populated coasts around the Pacific Rim including Hawaii and the mainland U.S. west coast. The Denali Fault and other active faults in Alaska encroach on populated areas and critical infrastructure, including existing and proposed oil and natural gas pipelines. Our investigation of these fault systems reveals the location, magnitude, and frequency of prehistoric earthquakes and tsunamis, and informs probabilistic assessments that forecast future hazards.
The Alaska Earthquake Hazards Project research equips Alaska and Pacific Rim stakeholders and communities with vital information to improve earthquake and tsunami resilience. Remote but fast-moving faults such as the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system represent scientific frontier areas, where study improves understanding of earthquake processes that occur on slower-moving faults near densely populated urban centers in the contiguous U.S.
Understanding the past can help inform the future. Scientists deployed two seismographs on the bottom of Skilak Lake in Alaska and eight seismographs on land around the lake. These data can enhance seismic hazard models, leading to more accurate risk assessments and better overall preparedness.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
THE ALEUTIAN CRADLE OF TSUNAMIS
(Click here to read EOS Feature: Seismic Sources in the Aleutian Cradle of Tsunamis)
Geologists climb a slope above Larsen Bay, Nagai Island, Alaska. Geologists studying coastal evidence of past Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes and high tsunamis climb a slope above Larsen Bay on Nagai Island in the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska.
Geologists climb a slope above Larsen Bay, Nagai Island, Alaska. Geologists studying coastal evidence of past Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquakes and high tsunamis climb a slope above Larsen Bay on Nagai Island in the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska.
USGS scientists, working with researchers from the University of Ghent, probed the floor of Eklutna Lake, Anchorage Borough, Alaska, for evidence of turbidity currents triggered by strong shaking during the 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage earthquake.
USGS scientists, working with researchers from the University of Ghent, probed the floor of Eklutna Lake, Anchorage Borough, Alaska, for evidence of turbidity currents triggered by strong shaking during the 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage earthquake.
A USGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, Alaska. Extensional crack and damage to roadway along S Trunk Rd.
A USGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, Alaska. Extensional crack and damage to roadway along S Trunk Rd.
A USGS scientist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment that opened during strong shaking in the November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake. This upland ground crack near Cottonwood Creek, Palmer Slough had horizontal displacements of ~2.5ft locally and observed maximum depth of ~3ft. The crack was observed ~150ft from the active river channel.
A USGS scientist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment that opened during strong shaking in the November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake. This upland ground crack near Cottonwood Creek, Palmer Slough had horizontal displacements of ~2.5ft locally and observed maximum depth of ~3ft. The crack was observed ~150ft from the active river channel.
Exposed sand within a extensional crack along the Knik River, Alaska. Measuring a crack in sandy sediment along the south bank of the Knik River. This crack was one of many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Exposed sand within a extensional crack along the Knik River, Alaska. Measuring a crack in sandy sediment along the south bank of the Knik River. This crack was one of many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Landslide from bluff below rail grade north of Rabbit Creek. Main scarp of slump/flow slide at Potter Hill. Railroad grade is to the left, tidal flat to the right. Note ponded drainage and disrupted slide material.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Landslide from bluff below rail grade north of Rabbit Creek. Main scarp of slump/flow slide at Potter Hill. Railroad grade is to the left, tidal flat to the right. Note ponded drainage and disrupted slide material.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Lateral spread cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at northern end of Port of Anchorage. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Lateral spread cracks at northern end of Port of Anchorage. These cracks were among many that opened across the Anchorage and Mat-Su region due to strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Extensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Extensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Crack observed in 2018 along headscarp of 1964 Government Hill landslide.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Crack observed in 2018 along headscarp of 1964 Government Hill landslide.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
USGS scientists conduct an aerial inspection of a line of sand vents along the Cook Inlet tide flat at Earthquake Park in Anchorage. Cook Inlet coastal plain liquefaction and bluff raveling near Earthquake Park. These vents opened and ejected sand due to liquefaction triggered by strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
USGS scientists conduct an aerial inspection of a line of sand vents along the Cook Inlet tide flat at Earthquake Park in Anchorage. Cook Inlet coastal plain liquefaction and bluff raveling near Earthquake Park. These vents opened and ejected sand due to liquefaction triggered by strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Minnesota Blvd off-ramp failure under repair. Construction crews rebuild the Minnesota Drive onramp in Anchorage on December 1, 2018. Engineered fill beneath the onramp failed the day before as a result of strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Minnesota Blvd off-ramp failure under repair. Construction crews rebuild the Minnesota Drive onramp in Anchorage on December 1, 2018. Engineered fill beneath the onramp failed the day before as a result of strong shaking during the M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage earthquake.
Slumping along the Alaska Railroad right-of-way evolved into long-runout landslides. The same area failed in earthquakes in 1954 and 1964.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Slumping along the Alaska Railroad right-of-way evolved into long-runout landslides. The same area failed in earthquakes in 1954 and 1964.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Eklutna Lake dam appeared to be undamaged the day after the earthquake; overflights of the lake showed no landslides impacted the lake shoreline.
Eklutna Lake dam appeared to be undamaged the day after the earthquake; overflights of the lake showed no landslides impacted the lake shoreline.
Superficial slides along Eagle River east of Eagle River Loop Road.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Superficial slides along Eagle River east of Eagle River Loop Road.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Ocean bottom seismometers being loaded onto the R/V Sikuliaq to be deployed on the sea floor in the Gulf of Alaska.
Ocean bottom seismometers being loaded onto the R/V Sikuliaq to be deployed on the sea floor in the Gulf of Alaska.
Stratigraphic contact marking uplift of Montague Island, caused by slip on the Patton Bay fault system during the 1964 M9.2 Great ALaska Earthquake.
Stratigraphic contact marking uplift of Montague Island, caused by slip on the Patton Bay fault system during the 1964 M9.2 Great ALaska Earthquake.
USGS and Geological Survey of Canada scientists sample sediment cores collected from the sea floor along the Queen Charlotte Fault. This was taken while they were working with (or in) the Geological Survey of Canada.
USGS and Geological Survey of Canada scientists sample sediment cores collected from the sea floor along the Queen Charlotte Fault. This was taken while they were working with (or in) the Geological Survey of Canada.
USGS scientists deploy a seismic streamer aboard the R/V David Starr offshore of southeast Alaska to study the Queen Charlotte Fault.
USGS scientists deploy a seismic streamer aboard the R/V David Starr offshore of southeast Alaska to study the Queen Charlotte Fault.
USGS scientists Kate Scharer, Richard Lease, and Adrian Bender excavate a marine terrace elevated tens of meters above sea level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS scientists Kate Scharer, Richard Lease, and Adrian Bender excavate a marine terrace elevated tens of meters above sea level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Below are news stories associated with this project.