Shaking Ground! Understanding Alaska’s Earthquakes and Tsunamis.
Alaska is a bucket list destination known for rugged terrain, wildlife, glaciers and breathtaking landscapes. It is also one of the most active seismic regions in the world. We have more shakers than the rest of the United States all put together! In fact, if you spent last night in South Central Alaska last night, you might have been rocked awake at 6:47 AM this morning (July 3, 2023) by the 4.6 earthquake that shook the region. In this blog, let’s explore what causes our earthquakes, how frequent they are, what you can do to keep yourself safe, and how to communicate with loved ones during an emergency.
First of all, don’t let your concern for earthquakes deter you from visiting Alaska. Most of our earthquakes are so small that you don’t even notice them! In 2022, we had over 47,000 earthquakes in Alaska (about twice as many as the average). I have probably “noticed” about ten of them this year. Remember that Alaska is huge (1/5th of the size of the US) and that many of these earthquakes happen in remote and unpopulated areas. If you want to know the magnitude of a recent earthquake, you can check here! If you are interested in stories from “the BIG one” (a 9.2 in 1964) here are two books to check out: “Bad Friday” (first account stories) and “8.6, The Great Alaska Earthquake,” (photos and stories… note that the quake was later upgraded to a 9.2)
Alaska is situated along a “subduction zone,” marked by the Aleutian Trench. That is the place where two continental plates, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, are moving toward each other. The Pacific Plate is being pushed under the North American plate at a rate of six centimeters per year, resulting in some of the largest earthquakes of the century.
Note that earthquakes, sub-marine landslides and coastal landslides can all create tsunami’s. All of our coastal towns have tsunami sirens indicating when you should head to higher ground. As of late, our smartphones also give us warnings and tell us what region might be affected. I get, maybe, two notices a year and they have all been false alarms so far. Better safe than sorry! If you are in a coastal town, you will notice directional signs for where to go in the event of a tsunami.
Volcanic activity can also trigger earthquakes. Alaska is part of the “ring of fire” and has over 130 volcanoes! Volcanic eruptions can cause flight delays due to ash in the air, as we discussed in a previous blog.
Here are a few tips in case you do experience a significant earthquake in Alaska.
Discuss communications with your loved ones and travel companions. Texting is often the best way to get a hold of people. You can also use social media to check in so that people know you are safe. If you are going remote, consider getting an “Inreach” Satellite communications device that pairs with your smartphone to send messages when you are not in a cell phone coverage area.
Drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to your hands and knees so you don’t fall down. Don’t get up until the shaking has stopped. Just like they taught you in school, getting under a table or desk is a good idea.
Move away from glass windows, large furniture pieces that are not strapped to a wall and hanging fixtures that could fall.
Do not run outdoors as falling debris can be a hazard. If you are outdoors already, move away from street lights, utility wires and buildings.
Pay attention to tsunami warnings. If you are near the coastline, move to higher ground once the shaking has stopped.
Earthquakes cannot yet be predicted, so just be aware, have a communication plan in place, travel (as always) with a basic first aid kit, and stay informed. A little shaker like this morning’s can make a good travel story and pump a little adrenaline into your system! Just having a little elevated preparedness is the key to staying safe during times of geological unrest.
How do you get here to Alaska? Here are some travel planning links for your convenience!
Compare Prices on Flights to Alaska
Compare Prices and Reviews on Hotels in Alaska
Buy your Milepost Magazine on Amazon today!
MyAlaskaGuide Tour Store (stuff you need when coming to Alaska)
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