## Breadcrumb

-  Alaska Science Center 
-  Science 

#           Hazards in Alaska                    Active

      By Alaska Science Center      March 25, 2024    

## The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

### 60 Years Later

Learn More

## 11/30/2018 Anchorage Earthquake

Read More

                  -              Overview           
                  -              Science           
                  -              Data           
                  -              Publications           
                  -              News           

A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important information on the types of hazards that could occur in Alaska and how to better protect you and your families before and during a significant hazard event.

### Natural Hazards

The U.S. Geological Survey provides critical information to help protect communities from the natural hazards that occur every day. Our science is used by emergency responders and policymakers to support public safety, security, and the economic well-being of the Nation. Stay informed and be prepared!
                                      - USGS Natural Hazards  

### Earthquakes

View Media Details

*Damage from the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake. Credit: USGS*

Earthquake hazards will always be with us, but the consequences are not inevitable if we are educated about the appropriate actions when living in earthquake prone areas. The USGS monitors for earthquakes worldwide and reports as soon and accurately as possible all significant earthquakes.
                                      - USGS Earthquake Information
                                      - Alaska Earthquake Center
                                      - Did you feel it?
                                      - Are you prepared?  (PDF)
                                      - Do you know what to do in case of an earthquake?
                                      - View the video of the Great Alaska ShakeOut Drop, Cover, Hold On drill on  Facebook  or  YouTube

### Floods

View Media Details

Flooding causes billions of dollars in damage and threatens lives and property in every state. For more than 100 years, the USGS has played a critical role in reducing flood losses by operating a nationwide streamgage network that monitors the water level and flow of the Nation's rivers and streams.
                                      - USGS Real-time water data for Alaska
                                      - NOAA Flood forecast
                                      - USGS Water Data Collection for Emergency Management

### Volcanoes

Volcanoes are a common sight in south central and western Alaska and can erupt at anytime, often without warning. The USGS Volcano Science Center, along with other federal, state, and university resources, monitor and study Alaska's hazardous volcanoes, and to predict and record eruptive activity.
                                      - USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
                                      - USGS Volcano Status Map
                                      - Is Ash Falling?  Report it here.

### Tsunamis

Alaska is one of five Pacific states in the United States especially vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, or onshore landslides. The USGS, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), assesses the Nation's tsunami hazards, provides tsunami education, and improves its system for tsunami warning.
                                      - USGS Tsunami and Earthquake Research
                                      - NOAA Tsunami Warning Center

### Wildfires

View Media Details

Wildfires can occur in remote, rural, and urban areas. They pose a threat to life and property, and may induce a number of health concerns such as respiratory conditions. USGS has joined researchers from universities and federal and state agencies to address our understanding of wildfire dynamics and ecological impacts in Alaska.
                                      - BLM Alaska Wildland Fire Information
                                      - Alaska Division of Air Quality

### Landslides

Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes (such as the 1964 earthquake), volcanoes, wildfires, and floods. The USGS provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about landslides and provides information to local, State, and Federal planning agencies.
                                      - Landslide Preparedness
                                      - USGS Seismic Landslide Hazards in Anchorage, Alaska  (2009 publication)

### News

                                      - AK News Source
                                      - Anchorage Daily News
                                      - Listen to the radio for public safety instructions;  tune into KFQD 750 AM 

### Other

                                      - Anchorage School District  |  Mat-Su School District
                                      - 511 - Alaska Transportation Info
                                      - Where possible, text instead of calling, so the phone lines remain clear for emergencies.  
                                      - Call 911 for emergencies only.

### Study Area

### Contacts

#### Yvette Gillies

##### Communications and Outreach

Alaska Science Center

ygillies@usgs.gov

907-786-7039

#### Paul Laustsen

##### Public Affairs - Western States

Communications and Publishing

plaustsen@usgs.gov

650-847-8522

#### Steven Sobieszćzyk

##### Media Lead - Natural Hazards

Communications and Publishing

##### Hydrologist/PIO2

Wildland Fire Science

ssobie@usgs.gov

503-853-3425

### Explore Search

                            - Earthquakes
                            - Fire / Wildfires
                            - Floods
                            - Landslides
                            - Tsunamis
                            - Volcanoes
                            - Hazards
                            - Natural Hazards

View All **

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

link

March 25, 2024

####                 The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami              

Alaska Science Center

link

March 25, 2024

####   The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

Learn More

link

November 5, 2019

####                 M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake              

Alaska Science Center

link

November 5, 2019

####   M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake

Learn More

link

February 1, 2019

####                 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards              

Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Subduction Zone Science

link

February 1, 2019

####   Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards

Learn More

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

####                 Did You Feel It?              

Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Communications and Publishing

####                 Alaska Volcano Observatory - Is Ash Falling?              

Reports of ash fall are important to us; we use your observations to assess the character and size of an eruption plume. We report these data to the National Weather Service so they can keep their Ashfall Advisories current. Additionally, reports of NO ashfall during an eruption with expected ashfall are also important to us.

####                 Wildfires: GEOMAC              

Maps of current fire locations and perimeters in the conterminous 48 States and Alaska.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Wildland Fire Science

Below are publications associated with this project.

October 16, 2019

####                 The 30 November 2018 Mw7.1 Anchorage Earthquake              

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Subduction Zone Science

Below are news stories associated with this project.

2018 Anchorage Earthquake

November 30, 2018

####   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...

Read Article

                  - Overview  
A major goal of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. Working with partners throughout all sectors of society, the USGS provides information, products, and knowledge to help build more resilient communities. This site provides important links to a number of hazard related internet sites that provide important information on the types of hazards that could occur in Alaska and how to better protect you and your families before and during a significant hazard event.
Natural Hazards
The U.S. Geological Survey provides critical information to help protect communities from the natural hazards that occur every day. Our science is used by emergency responders and policymakers to support public safety, security, and the economic well-being of the Nation. Stay informed and be prepared!
- USGS Natural Hazards  
Earthquakes        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details*Damage from the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake. Credit: USGS*
Earthquake hazards will always be with us, but the consequences are not inevitable if we are educated about the appropriate actions when living in earthquake prone areas. The USGS monitors for earthquakes worldwide and reports as soon and accurately as possible all significant earthquakes.
- USGS Earthquake Information
- Alaska Earthquake Center
- Did you feel it?
- Are you prepared?  (PDF)
- Do you know what to do in case of an earthquake?
- View the video of the Great Alaska ShakeOut Drop, Cover, Hold On drill on  Facebook  or  YouTube
Floods        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsExit Creek flooding across the road.(Credit: Janet Curran, USGS ASC. Public domain.)
Flooding causes billions of dollars in damage and threatens lives and property in every state. For more than 100 years, the USGS has played a critical role in reducing flood losses by operating a nationwide streamgage network that monitors the water level and flow of the Nation's rivers and streams.
- USGS Real-time water data for Alaska
- NOAA Flood forecast
- USGS Water Data Collection for Emergency Management
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are a common sight in south central and western Alaska and can erupt at anytime, often without warning. The USGS Volcano Science Center, along with other federal, state, and university resources, monitor and study Alaska's hazardous volcanoes, and to predict and record eruptive activity.
- USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
- USGS Volcano Status Map
- Is Ash Falling?  Report it here.
Tsunamis
Alaska is one of five Pacific states in the United States especially vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, or onshore landslides. The USGS, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), assesses the Nation's tsunami hazards, provides tsunami education, and improves its system for tsunami warning.
- USGS Tsunami and Earthquake Research
- NOAA Tsunami Warning Center
Wildfires        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsDeer Creek fire of 2004 in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. (Public domain.)
Wildfires can occur in remote, rural, and urban areas. They pose a threat to life and property, and may induce a number of health concerns such as respiratory conditions. USGS has joined researchers from universities and federal and state agencies to address our understanding of wildfire dynamics and ecological impacts in Alaska.
- BLM Alaska Wildland Fire Information
- Alaska Division of Air Quality
Landslides
Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes (such as the 1964 earthquake), volcanoes, wildfires, and floods. The USGS provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about landslides and provides information to local, State, and Federal planning agencies.
- Landslide Preparedness
- USGS Seismic Landslide Hazards in Anchorage, Alaska  (2009 publication)
News- AK News Source
- Anchorage Daily News
- Listen to the radio for public safety instructions;  tune into KFQD 750 AM 
Other- Anchorage School District  |  Mat-Su School District
- 511 - Alaska Transportation Info
- Where possible, text instead of calling, so the phone lines remain clear for emergencies.  
- Call 911 for emergencies only.
Study AreaContactsYvette GilliesCommunications and OutreachAlaska Science CenterEmailygillies@usgs.govPhone907-786-7039Paul LaustsenPublic Affairs - Western StatesCommunications and PublishingEmailplaustsen@usgs.govPhone650-847-8522Steven SobieszćzykMedia Lead - Natural HazardsCommunications and PublishingHydrologist/PIO2Wildland Fire ScienceEmailssobie@usgs.govPhone503-853-3425Explore Search- Earthquakes
- Fire / Wildfires
- Floods
- Landslides
- Tsunamis
- Volcanoes
- Hazards
- Natural Hazards
View All ** 
                  - Science  
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
LabellinkMarch 25, 2024                The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami                On March 27, 1964 at 5:36 p.m. local time an earthquake of magnitude 9.2 occurred in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska, approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) beneath the surface. In addition to the earthquake, the event triggered a major tsunami that caused casualties and damage from the Kodiak Islands to northern California.ByAlaska Science CenterlinkMarch 25, 2024  The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami  On March 27, 1964 at 5:36 p.m. local time an earthquake of magnitude 9.2 occurred in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska, approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) beneath the surface. In addition to the earthquake, the event triggered a major tsunami that caused casualties and damage from the Kodiak Islands to northern California.Learn More**linkNovember 5, 2019                M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake                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).ByAlaska Science CenterlinkNovember 5, 2019  M7.1 November 30, 2018 Anchorage Earthquake  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).Learn More**linkFebruary 1, 2019                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...ByEarthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Subduction Zone SciencelinkFebruary 1, 2019  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...Learn More** 
                  - Data  
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Label                Did You Feel It?              
Feel an earthquake? Report it here. View reported earthquakes in your area.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Communications and Publishing                Alaska Volcano Observatory - Is Ash Falling?              
Reports of ash fall are important to us; we use your observations to assess the character and size of an eruption plume. We report these data to the National Weather Service so they can keep their Ashfall Advisories current. Additionally, reports of NO ashfall during an eruption with expected ashfall are also important to us.
                Wildfires: GEOMAC              
Maps of current fire locations and perimeters in the conterminous 48 States and Alaska.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Wildland Fire Science 
                  - Publications  
Below are publications associated with this project.
LabelOctober 16, 2019                The 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 WitterByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Subduction Zone Science 
                  - News  
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Label2018 Anchorage EarthquakeNovember 30, 2018  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...
Read Article**