M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake Active
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
Did You Feel It?
Map of shaking intensity based on 15,000+ reports from citizens who experienced the earthquake.
USGS Event page
Tectonic summary, maps and data. The USGS event page has the most up-to-date information, and for estimates of casualties and damage, visit the USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) website.
Shakemap
Map showing ground motion and shaking intensity based on instrumental measurements of shaking along with information about local geology and the earthquake’s location and magnitude.
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.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Ground failure triggered by shaking during the November 30, 2018, magnitude 7.1 Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake
Ground failure from the Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake of 30 November 2018
The 30 November 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
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.
- Overview
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
Did You Feel It?
Map of shaking intensity based on 15,000+ reports from citizens who experienced the earthquake.
USGS Event page
Tectonic summary, maps and data. The USGS event page has the most up-to-date information, and for estimates of casualties and damage, visit the USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) website.
Shakemap
Map showing ground motion and shaking intensity based on instrumental measurements of shaking along with information about local geology and the earthquake’s location and magnitude.
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.
- 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... - Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
2018 Anchorage, AK2018 Anchorage, AK2018 Anchorage, AKEvidence of turbidity currents in Eklutna LakeUSGS 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.
USGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, AKUSGS scientist investigates cracks along Trunk Road in Wasilla, AKA 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 geologist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment, AlaskaA USGS geologist stands in a crack in tide flat sediment, AlaskaA 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.
Measuring a crack in sandy sediment along the Knik River, AlaskaMeasuring a crack in sandy sediment along the Knik River, AlaskaExposed 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.
2018 Potter Hill landslide 2, Anchorage, AKLandslide 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
Close up of cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, AlaskaClose up of cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, AlaskaLateral 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.
Cracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, AlaskaCracks at the north end of the Port of Anchorage, AlaskaLateral 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.
Chugiak extensional cracks, Chugiak, AKExtensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Extensional cracking and settling around private residence in Chugiak.
2018 Anchorage Earthquake
Ground crack at Sunset Park, Anchorage, AKCrack 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
Eagle River landslides, Eagle River, AKSuperficial 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
2018 Potter Hill landslide 1, Anchorage, AKSlumping 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 in helicopter conduct an aerial inspectionUSGS scientists in helicopter conduct an aerial inspectionUSGS 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 Dam after 2018 Anchorage earthquakeEklutna 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.
Earthquake damage of Minnesota Drive onramp, Anchorage, AlaskaEarthquake damage of Minnesota Drive onramp, Anchorage, AlaskaMinnesota 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.
Shaking of Atwood Building, Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage quakeShaking of Atwood Building, Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage quakeShaking of Atwood Building, Mw 7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage quakeThis 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.
Shaking of Frontier Building, M7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage QuakeShaking of Frontier Building, M7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage QuakeShaking of Frontier Building, M7.0 November 30, 2018, Anchorage QuakeThis 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.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Ground failure triggered by shaking during the November 30, 2018, magnitude 7.1 Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake
We developed an initial inventory of ground failure features from the November 30, 2018, magnitude 7.1 Anchorage earthquake. This inventory of 153 features is from ground-based observations soon after the earthquake (December 5–10) that include the presence or absence of liquefaction, landslides, and individual crack traces of lateral spreads and incipient landslides. This is not a complete inventAuthorsAlex R. R. Grant, Randall W. Jibson, Robert C. Witter, Kate E. Allstadt, Eric M. Thompson, Adrian M. BenderGround failure from the Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake of 30 November 2018
Investigation of ground failure triggered by the 2018 MwMw 7.1 Anchorage earthquake showed that landslides, liquefaction, and ground cracking all occurred and caused significant damage. Shallow rock falls and rock slides were the most abundant types of landslides, but they occurred in smaller numbers than global models that are based on earthquake magnitude predict; this might result from the 2018AuthorsRandall W. Jibson, Alex R. R. Grant, Robert C. Witter, Kate E. Allstadt, Eric M. Thompson, Adrian BenderThe 30 November 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage Earthquake
The Mw 7.1 47 km deep earthquake that occurred on 30 November 2018 had deep societal impacts across southcentral Alaska and exhibited phenomena of broad scientific interest. We document observations that point to future directions of research and hazard mitigation. The rupture mechanism, aftershocks, and deformation of the mainshock are consistent with extension inside the Pacific plate near the dAuthorsMichael E. West, Adrian Bender, Matthew Gardine, Lea Gardine, Kara Gately, Peter J. Haeussler, Wael Hassan, Franz Meyer, Cole Richards, Natalia Ruppert, Carl Tape, John Thornley, Robert Witter - News
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.