This research aims to better characterize the earthquake potential of the southern Fairweather Fault in order to provide more accurate fault source data for the USGS National Seismic Hazard Map. Our approach interrogates lidar data and satellite imagery, applies paleoseismological methods to examine earthquake history, and leverages partnerships with USGS scientists from Colorado and California, the National Park Service, NOAA, and the Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
Return to Geology >> Hazards >> Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
The magnitude 7.8 Lituya Bay earthquake resulted from a 260-km long rupture of the Fairweather Fault in southeast Alaska, yet we know little about how often events of this size reoccur. Between 2012 and 2014, renewed seismic events on the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system caused a series of moderate to large earthquakes, including the 2012 M7.8 Haida Gwaii earthquake, the 2013 M7.5 Craig earthquake and the 2014 M6.0 Palma Bay earthquake. The 2014 earthquake triggered an undersea slump that severed a fiber optic cable, which serves communities in the greater Gustavus-Juneau area, including the state capitol. We are conducting comprehensive onshore and offshore geologic and geophysical investigations to fully characterize the seismic potential of the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system in southeast Alaska. Specifically, these investigations include (1) acquisition and interpretation of remotely sensed topographic data, including lidar, satellite imagery and legacy aerial photography; (2) mapping of tectonic geomorphology and active traces of the southern Fairweather Fault; and (3) investigation of earthquake recurrence intervals, slip-per-earthquake, and style of deformation through field investigations that include paleoseismic trenching where practicable.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
Alaska Seismic Hazard Map
Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone Studies
- Overview
This research aims to better characterize the earthquake potential of the southern Fairweather Fault in order to provide more accurate fault source data for the USGS National Seismic Hazard Map. Our approach interrogates lidar data and satellite imagery, applies paleoseismological methods to examine earthquake history, and leverages partnerships with USGS scientists from Colorado and California, the National Park Service, NOAA, and the Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
Return to Geology >> Hazards >> Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
The magnitude 7.8 Lituya Bay earthquake resulted from a 260-km long rupture of the Fairweather Fault in southeast Alaska, yet we know little about how often events of this size reoccur. Between 2012 and 2014, renewed seismic events on the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system caused a series of moderate to large earthquakes, including the 2012 M7.8 Haida Gwaii earthquake, the 2013 M7.5 Craig earthquake and the 2014 M6.0 Palma Bay earthquake. The 2014 earthquake triggered an undersea slump that severed a fiber optic cable, which serves communities in the greater Gustavus-Juneau area, including the state capitol. We are conducting comprehensive onshore and offshore geologic and geophysical investigations to fully characterize the seismic potential of the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault system in southeast Alaska. Specifically, these investigations include (1) acquisition and interpretation of remotely sensed topographic data, including lidar, satellite imagery and legacy aerial photography; (2) mapping of tectonic geomorphology and active traces of the southern Fairweather Fault; and (3) investigation of earthquake recurrence intervals, slip-per-earthquake, and style of deformation through field investigations that include paleoseismic trenching where practicable.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault study area offshore the west coast of Canada, and Southeast Alaska . A: Red line is the QueenCharlotte-Fairweather Fault. Box indicates area of map C. B. Location map. C. Water depths offshore in study area.(Public domain.) - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
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...Alaska Seismic Hazard Map
The National Seismic Hazard Maps developed by the USGS show the spatial probability of peak earthquake-driven ground motion levels. Since the last revisions to the map for Alaska in 2007, scientists have made significant advances in understanding active faulting, fault slip rates, and fault behavior.Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone Studies
Our research team is exploring seismic and aseismic slip along the Alaska-Aleutian arc and studying the prehistoric record of megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis along the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zoneSeismic and Aseismic Slip: Tectonic tremor and associated slow slip events represent a newly discovered part of the earthquake cycle. This research aims to understand the process generating... - Data
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