A magnitude 1.7 earthquake struck 29 miles north of Valdez, Alaska, on November 27, 2024, at a depth of 19 miles. The event is unreviewed and part of a seismically active region influenced by tectonic dynamics from the Pacific and North American plates.
On November 27, 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 1.7 occurred approximately 29 miles north of Valdez, Alaska, at 04:23:55 AKST (13:23:55 UTC). This seismic event, located at a depth of 19 miles (30 km), remains unreviewed by a seismologist. It is situated 40 miles northwest of Thompson Pass and shows considerable distance from several regional landmarks, including being 109 miles east of Anchorage and 478 miles northwest of Juneau. This region is known for its complex tectonic activity due to multiple fault lines and plate interactions.
The tectonic setting of Southern Alaska plays a crucial role in the region’s seismic activity. The strongest earthquakes, such as the famous 1964 M9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake, arise from the megathrust fault formed by the convergence of the Pacific and North American plates. Intermediate-depth seismic events, occurring below 20 miles, are associated with the Wadati-Benioff Zone, where the Pacific Plate is subducting. Additionally, crustal seismicity arises from various geological structures and faults, notably those around the Cook Inlet Basin and the Castle Mountain Fault, contributing to notable earthquakes in the area.
In summary, the recent magnitude 1.7 earthquake near Valdez is part of a complex and dynamic seismic landscape in Southern Alaska, characterized by interactions between multiple tectonic features. This event underscores the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity due to its geological settings, following patterns seen in historical earthquakes and current seismic assessments. Such occurrences highlight the ongoing need for careful monitoring and research to better understand and mitigate the potential risks posed by seismic events in this area.
Original Source: earthquake.alaska.edu
