A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck north of Anchorage, Alaska, on November 30, 2018, at 8:29 a.m. local time (17:29:28 UTC).
Return to Hazards >> Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
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. In this photo, USGS scientist Peter Haeussler points to a dark layer at the top of a sediment core taken from the floor of Eklutna Lake. Research demonstrated that this dark layer, called a turbidite, was deposited on the lake floor after the 2018 earthquake. Field research took place in February 2019 when the lake was frozen, which allowed scientists to drill through the ice to collect 32 sediment cores. The deepest part of the lake exceeds 55 m (180 feet) (See SRL article by Van Daele et al., 2019, in press).
Anchorage Office Building Shaking Visualizations
These videos presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building, Atwood Building and BP Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.1 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The buildings were instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking. Such data are useful in making decisions about improving the performance of this and similar buildings.
Credit for each video: Mehmet Çelebi, USGS (Public domain.)
In the News
- 12/05/19: KTVA: Lessons Learned - various segments
- 12/03/19: Inside Anchorage’s big 2018 earthquake, a ‘Snickers bar’ of shifting layers
- 12/01/19: As the Earth Breaks
- 11/29/19: How a few seconds of shifting deep below the Earth’s surface caused the biggest earthquake in Anchorage since 1964
- 11/25/19: Frontiers 191: Web Extra: The November 30 Alaska Earthquake
- 11/25/19: Frontiers 191: Magnitude 7.1 - Pieces of the Puzzle
- 11/01/19: Findings from the bottom of Eklutna Lake: USGS scientists reflect on months of earthquake research
- 10/22/19: Deep Landslides Not Reactivated by 2018 Anchorage Quake
- 04/26/19: Reconnaissance After Anchorage Quake Finds Signs of Ground Failure
- 02/17/19: Geologists researching Eklutna Lake sediment for earthquake evidence
- 12/11/18: Alaska Frontiers 162: A Tale of Two Earthquakes
- 12/04/18: USGS scientist: It could have been worse
- 11/30/18: USGS News Release
Symposium and Talks
- 11/20/19: Fireside Chat: Did You Feel It?
- 09/24-26/19: One Year Later: Symposium on the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
- Thirty USGS scientists from around the country, including the Alaska Region and the Alaska Science Center, participated in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Alaska Earthquake Workshop, held in Anchorage, AK. This symposium, focused on the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage Earthquake and its consequences, and highlighted the research that has already occurred in the past year and will stimulate new investigations and collaborations to make the most of this learning opportunity.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
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 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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck north of Anchorage, Alaska, on November 30, 2018, at 8:29 a.m. local time (17:29:28 UTC). For the most up-to-date information, please visit the USGS event page, and for estimates of casualties and damage, visit the USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) website.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck north of Anchorage, Alaska, on November 30, 2018, at 8:29 a.m. local time (17:29:28 UTC).
Return to Hazards >> Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
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. In this photo, USGS scientist Peter Haeussler points to a dark layer at the top of a sediment core taken from the floor of Eklutna Lake. Research demonstrated that this dark layer, called a turbidite, was deposited on the lake floor after the 2018 earthquake. Field research took place in February 2019 when the lake was frozen, which allowed scientists to drill through the ice to collect 32 sediment cores. The deepest part of the lake exceeds 55 m (180 feet) (See SRL article by Van Daele et al., 2019, in press).
Anchorage Office Building Shaking Visualizations
These videos presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building, Atwood Building and BP Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.1 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The buildings were instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking. Such data are useful in making decisions about improving the performance of this and similar buildings.
Credit for each video: Mehmet Çelebi, USGS (Public domain.)
In the News
- 12/05/19: KTVA: Lessons Learned - various segments
- 12/03/19: Inside Anchorage’s big 2018 earthquake, a ‘Snickers bar’ of shifting layers
- 12/01/19: As the Earth Breaks
- 11/29/19: How a few seconds of shifting deep below the Earth’s surface caused the biggest earthquake in Anchorage since 1964
- 11/25/19: Frontiers 191: Web Extra: The November 30 Alaska Earthquake
- 11/25/19: Frontiers 191: Magnitude 7.1 - Pieces of the Puzzle
- 11/01/19: Findings from the bottom of Eklutna Lake: USGS scientists reflect on months of earthquake research
- 10/22/19: Deep Landslides Not Reactivated by 2018 Anchorage Quake
- 04/26/19: Reconnaissance After Anchorage Quake Finds Signs of Ground Failure
- 02/17/19: Geologists researching Eklutna Lake sediment for earthquake evidence
- 12/11/18: Alaska Frontiers 162: A Tale of Two Earthquakes
- 12/04/18: USGS scientist: It could have been worse
- 11/30/18: USGS News Release
Symposium and Talks
- 11/20/19: Fireside Chat: Did You Feel It?
- 09/24-26/19: One Year Later: Symposium on the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
- Thirty USGS scientists from around the country, including the Alaska Region and the Alaska Science Center, participated in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Alaska Earthquake Workshop, held in Anchorage, AK. This symposium, focused on the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage Earthquake and its consequences, and highlighted the research that has already occurred in the past year and will stimulate new investigations and collaborations to make the most of this learning opportunity.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
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 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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
This video presents a visualization of how the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck north of Anchorage, Alaska, on November 30, 2018, at 8:29 a.m. local time (17:29:28 UTC). For the most up-to-date information, please visit the USGS event page, and for estimates of casualties and damage, visit the USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) website.