A magnitude 1.2 earthquake occurred on November 25, 2024, near Sutton, Alaska. Although minor, it is part of a larger tectonic landscape influenced by significant seismic activity from the interaction of the Pacific and North American plates. The quake’s depth was recorded at 11.3 miles, and it has not undergone seismological review.
On November 25, 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 1.2 occurred near Sutton, Alaska, precisely located 28 miles east of the town. The quake was recorded at 03:08:30 AKST (12:08:30 UTC) and had a depth of 11.3 miles (18 km). This seismic event has not yet been examined by a seismologist. The earthquake took place 36 miles east of Palmer and approximately 69 miles northeast of Anchorage, among other notable nearby locations.
The tectonic dynamics of Southcentral Alaska are primarily influenced by the interaction of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. This region experiences a variety of seismic activities due to different tectonic features. The most powerful earthquakes arise from the megathrust fault at the interface of these plates, notably exemplified by the 1964 M9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake. Furthermore, intermediate-depth seismic events occur within the Wadati-Benioff Zone, where the Pacific Plate subducts toward the mantle, resulting in significant earthquakes that lead to considerable shaking and infrastructural damage.
In summary, the recent magnitude 1.2 earthquake near Sutton marks one of the minor seismic events within the extensive tectonic activity prevalent in Southcentral Alaska. Understanding these events and their geological implications aids in monitoring the region’s seismic risk and enhancing preparedness for potentially larger quakes.
Original Source: earthquake.alaska.edu
