USGS scientists Richard Lease and Adrian Bender examine river terraces elevated tens of meters above the modern channel level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Kaknau Creek, Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
National Seismic Hazard Map 2023
Nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience damaging earthquake shaking
Nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience damaging earthquake shaking
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake Anchorage Walking Tour
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.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
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.
Unveiling Earthquake History
Unveiling Earthquake History
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.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Current Research:
Earthquake Hazards in Southeastern Alaska
Characterizing the Active Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault System
Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone Studies
Alaska Seismic Hazard Map
M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
Recently Completed Research:
Denali Fault Paleoseismology
Denali Fault Slip Rate
Tsunami – If you feel shaking for more than 20 seconds and it is difficult to stand, or the tsunami siren is heard move inland to higher ground.
- Story Map: A Hidden Wave Emerges - Tsunami Hazard in Upper Cook Inlet
- Tsunamis in Alaska
- Coastal Alaska is Tsunami Country (Flyer)
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
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 zone Seismic 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...
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 44
River terraces elevated along the Fairweather Fault
USGS scientists Richard Lease and Adrian Bender examine river terraces elevated tens of meters above the modern channel level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Kaknau Creek, Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Surveying the Taan Fjord tsunami runup
USGS scientists investigate trees knocked over by the tsunami at the mouth of Taan Fjord. Flow depth here was likely 5 m based on the height of branches stripped off trees in the background. This event had the 4th highest tsunami runup ever recorded.
USGS scientists investigate trees knocked over by the tsunami at the mouth of Taan Fjord. Flow depth here was likely 5 m based on the height of branches stripped off trees in the background. This event had the 4th highest tsunami runup ever recorded.
Geologists' camp on Unga Island, Alaska
USGS geologists' camp overlooking Unga Village on Unga Island, Alaska.
USGS geologists' camp overlooking Unga Village on Unga Island, Alaska.
Collecting seismic data in Taan Fjord
USGS scientists collect seismic data to image the 2015 Taan Fjord landslide in southeast Alaska.
USGS scientists collect seismic data to image the 2015 Taan Fjord landslide in southeast Alaska.
Investigating a trench across the Fairweather Fault
USGS Research Geologist Chris DuRoss investigates earthquake-faulted stratigraphy exposed in a hand-dug trench across the Fairweather Fault scarp. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS Research Geologist Chris DuRoss investigates earthquake-faulted stratigraphy exposed in a hand-dug trench across the Fairweather Fault scarp. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Walking along the Fairweather Fault scarp
USGS scientists Adrian Bender and Peter Haeussler walk along the base of a ~10 m tall escarpment formed during past ground-rupturing earthquakes on the Fairweather Fault. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
USGS scientists Adrian Bender and Peter Haeussler walk along the base of a ~10 m tall escarpment formed during past ground-rupturing earthquakes on the Fairweather Fault. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Surveying the Fairweather Fault trace
USGS Geologist Adrian Bender surveys a trace of the 1958 Fairweather Fault earthquake surface rupture. The trace forms a linear, uphill-facing, 1-2 m tall escarpment flanked by trees that were likely tilted during the 1958 earthquake. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS Geologist Adrian Bender surveys a trace of the 1958 Fairweather Fault earthquake surface rupture. The trace forms a linear, uphill-facing, 1-2 m tall escarpment flanked by trees that were likely tilted during the 1958 earthquake. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Shaking of Frontier Building — Anchorage, Alaska, During Mw7.1 Earthquake, January 24, 2016
This video presents a visualization of shaking that was recorded in the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Mw7.1 earthquake, January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska. It exhibits how a tall building behaves and performs during strong earthquake shaking.
This video presents a visualization of shaking that was recorded in the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Mw7.1 earthquake, January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska. It exhibits how a tall building behaves and performs during strong earthquake shaking.
Coring earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake
USGS scientists work with academic collaborators from the University of Ghent (Belgium) to core earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake, Alaska.
USGS scientists work with academic collaborators from the University of Ghent (Belgium) to core earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake, Alaska.
Shaking in the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the M7.1 January 24, 2016, Iniskin, 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 Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the M7.1 January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault offshore southeastern Alaska. Rectangles show locations of the two USGS-led marine geophysical surveys in May and August 2015. The third cruise was offshore Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and southern Alaska in September 2015.
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault offshore southeastern Alaska. Rectangles show locations of the two USGS-led marine geophysical surveys in May and August 2015. The third cruise was offshore Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and southern Alaska in September 2015.
Sediment core showing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska
Sediment core showing sandy tsunami deposits over soil from an upland environment on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Sediment core showing sandy tsunami deposits over soil from an upland environment on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Soil pit on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska
Soil pit exposing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Soil pit exposing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake
"1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake" is an eleven minute video highlighting the impacts and effects of America's largest recorded earthquake. It is an expanded version of the four minute video "Magnitude 9.2". Both were created as part of USGS activities acknowledging the fifty year anniversary of the quake on March 27, 2014.
"1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake" is an eleven minute video highlighting the impacts and effects of America's largest recorded earthquake. It is an expanded version of the four minute video "Magnitude 9.2". Both were created as part of USGS activities acknowledging the fifty year anniversary of the quake on March 27, 2014.
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake is a short video relating how the largest quake in U.S. history had profound and lasting impacts on our lives. The video features USGS geologist George Plafker who, in the 1960's, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event.
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake is a short video relating how the largest quake in U.S. history had profound and lasting impacts on our lives. The video features USGS geologist George Plafker who, in the 1960's, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event.
Driftwood Bay, Umnak Island, Alaska
In the Fox Islands of Alaska, Driftwood Bay on Umnak Island faces the deep-sea trench formed by the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone.
In the Fox Islands of Alaska, Driftwood Bay on Umnak Island faces the deep-sea trench formed by the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone.
USGS team looking at a tsunami-rafted log above Stardust Bay, Alaska
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
The Susitna Glacier thrust fault southwest of the toe of the Susitna Glacier. The rolled over tundra reflects the fault trace.
The Susitna Glacier thrust fault southwest of the toe of the Susitna Glacier. The rolled over tundra reflects the fault trace.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Peter Haeussler measures offset of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault.
Peter Haeussler measures offset of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Patty Craw, DGGS, stands in front of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. The November 3 earthquake started with an M7.2 earthquake along this fault.
Patty Craw, DGGS, stands in front of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. The November 3 earthquake started with an M7.2 earthquake along this fault.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Helicopters and satellite phones were integral to the geologic field response. Here, Peter Haeussler is calling a seismologist to pass along the discovery of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. View is to the north up the Susitna Glacier. The Denali fault trace lies in the background where the two landslides can be seen.
Helicopters and satellite phones were integral to the geologic field response. Here, Peter Haeussler is calling a seismologist to pass along the discovery of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. View is to the north up the Susitna Glacier. The Denali fault trace lies in the background where the two landslides can be seen.
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.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
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.
Unveiling Earthquake History
Unveiling Earthquake History
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.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Current Research:
Earthquake Hazards in Southeastern Alaska
Characterizing the Active Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault System
Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone Studies
Alaska Seismic Hazard Map
M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
Recently Completed Research:
Denali Fault Paleoseismology
Denali Fault Slip Rate
Tsunami – If you feel shaking for more than 20 seconds and it is difficult to stand, or the tsunami siren is heard move inland to higher ground.
- Story Map: A Hidden Wave Emerges - Tsunami Hazard in Upper Cook Inlet
- Tsunamis in Alaska
- Coastal Alaska is Tsunami Country (Flyer)
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
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 zone Seismic 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...
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 44
River terraces elevated along the Fairweather Fault
USGS scientists Richard Lease and Adrian Bender examine river terraces elevated tens of meters above the modern channel level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Kaknau Creek, Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS scientists Richard Lease and Adrian Bender examine river terraces elevated tens of meters above the modern channel level on the west side of the Fairweather Fault. Location: Kaknau Creek, Icy Point, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Surveying the Taan Fjord tsunami runup
USGS scientists investigate trees knocked over by the tsunami at the mouth of Taan Fjord. Flow depth here was likely 5 m based on the height of branches stripped off trees in the background. This event had the 4th highest tsunami runup ever recorded.
USGS scientists investigate trees knocked over by the tsunami at the mouth of Taan Fjord. Flow depth here was likely 5 m based on the height of branches stripped off trees in the background. This event had the 4th highest tsunami runup ever recorded.
Geologists' camp on Unga Island, Alaska
USGS geologists' camp overlooking Unga Village on Unga Island, Alaska.
USGS geologists' camp overlooking Unga Village on Unga Island, Alaska.
Collecting seismic data in Taan Fjord
USGS scientists collect seismic data to image the 2015 Taan Fjord landslide in southeast Alaska.
USGS scientists collect seismic data to image the 2015 Taan Fjord landslide in southeast Alaska.
Investigating a trench across the Fairweather Fault
USGS Research Geologist Chris DuRoss investigates earthquake-faulted stratigraphy exposed in a hand-dug trench across the Fairweather Fault scarp. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS Research Geologist Chris DuRoss investigates earthquake-faulted stratigraphy exposed in a hand-dug trench across the Fairweather Fault scarp. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Walking along the Fairweather Fault scarp
USGS scientists Adrian Bender and Peter Haeussler walk along the base of a ~10 m tall escarpment formed during past ground-rupturing earthquakes on the Fairweather Fault. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
USGS scientists Adrian Bender and Peter Haeussler walk along the base of a ~10 m tall escarpment formed during past ground-rupturing earthquakes on the Fairweather Fault. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Surveying the Fairweather Fault trace
USGS Geologist Adrian Bender surveys a trace of the 1958 Fairweather Fault earthquake surface rupture. The trace forms a linear, uphill-facing, 1-2 m tall escarpment flanked by trees that were likely tilted during the 1958 earthquake. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
USGS Geologist Adrian Bender surveys a trace of the 1958 Fairweather Fault earthquake surface rupture. The trace forms a linear, uphill-facing, 1-2 m tall escarpment flanked by trees that were likely tilted during the 1958 earthquake. Location: Crillon Lake, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Shaking of Frontier Building — Anchorage, Alaska, During Mw7.1 Earthquake, January 24, 2016
This video presents a visualization of shaking that was recorded in the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Mw7.1 earthquake, January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska. It exhibits how a tall building behaves and performs during strong earthquake shaking.
This video presents a visualization of shaking that was recorded in the Frontier Building in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Mw7.1 earthquake, January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska. It exhibits how a tall building behaves and performs during strong earthquake shaking.
Coring earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake
USGS scientists work with academic collaborators from the University of Ghent (Belgium) to core earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake, Alaska.
USGS scientists work with academic collaborators from the University of Ghent (Belgium) to core earthquake-related submarine landslide deposits in Skilak Lake, Alaska.
Shaking in the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska
This video presents a visualization of how the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the M7.1 January 24, 2016, Iniskin, 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 Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska, shook during the M7.1 January 24, 2016, Iniskin, Alaska, earthquake. The building was instrumented by U.S. Geological Survey to obtain data to study its behavior and performance during strong shaking.
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault offshore southeastern Alaska. Rectangles show locations of the two USGS-led marine geophysical surveys in May and August 2015. The third cruise was offshore Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and southern Alaska in September 2015.
Study region along the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault offshore southeastern Alaska. Rectangles show locations of the two USGS-led marine geophysical surveys in May and August 2015. The third cruise was offshore Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and southern Alaska in September 2015.
Sediment core showing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska
Sediment core showing sandy tsunami deposits over soil from an upland environment on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Sediment core showing sandy tsunami deposits over soil from an upland environment on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Soil pit on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska
Soil pit exposing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
Soil pit exposing tsunami deposits on Sitkalidak Island, Alaska.
1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake
"1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake" is an eleven minute video highlighting the impacts and effects of America's largest recorded earthquake. It is an expanded version of the four minute video "Magnitude 9.2". Both were created as part of USGS activities acknowledging the fifty year anniversary of the quake on March 27, 2014.
"1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake" is an eleven minute video highlighting the impacts and effects of America's largest recorded earthquake. It is an expanded version of the four minute video "Magnitude 9.2". Both were created as part of USGS activities acknowledging the fifty year anniversary of the quake on March 27, 2014.
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake is a short video relating how the largest quake in U.S. history had profound and lasting impacts on our lives. The video features USGS geologist George Plafker who, in the 1960's, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event.
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake is a short video relating how the largest quake in U.S. history had profound and lasting impacts on our lives. The video features USGS geologist George Plafker who, in the 1960's, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event.
Driftwood Bay, Umnak Island, Alaska
In the Fox Islands of Alaska, Driftwood Bay on Umnak Island faces the deep-sea trench formed by the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone.
In the Fox Islands of Alaska, Driftwood Bay on Umnak Island faces the deep-sea trench formed by the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone.
USGS team looking at a tsunami-rafted log above Stardust Bay, Alaska
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
The Susitna Glacier thrust fault southwest of the toe of the Susitna Glacier. The rolled over tundra reflects the fault trace.
The Susitna Glacier thrust fault southwest of the toe of the Susitna Glacier. The rolled over tundra reflects the fault trace.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Peter Haeussler measures offset of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault.
Peter Haeussler measures offset of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Patty Craw, DGGS, stands in front of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. The November 3 earthquake started with an M7.2 earthquake along this fault.
Patty Craw, DGGS, stands in front of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. The November 3 earthquake started with an M7.2 earthquake along this fault.
Denali Fault: Susitna Glacier
Helicopters and satellite phones were integral to the geologic field response. Here, Peter Haeussler is calling a seismologist to pass along the discovery of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. View is to the north up the Susitna Glacier. The Denali fault trace lies in the background where the two landslides can be seen.
Helicopters and satellite phones were integral to the geologic field response. Here, Peter Haeussler is calling a seismologist to pass along the discovery of the Susitna Glacier thrust fault. View is to the north up the Susitna Glacier. The Denali fault trace lies in the background where the two landslides can be seen.