Alaska Earthquakes
Monitor real-time earthquake activity across Alaska, the most seismically active state in the United States. This page features live USGS updates for all magnitude 1.5+ earthquakes and explains Alaska’s powerful tectonic setting along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Here, the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate at the Aleutian Trench, producing frequent, deep, and sometimes very large earthquakes that shape the region’s seismic landscape.
Understanding the Map
Each colored circle represents an earthquake location. Click any circle to see detailed information including magnitude, location, time, and depth. Use the time filter buttons to view earthquakes from the last hour, 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. Alaska typically shows dozens of earthquakes daily, with particularly high activity along the Aleutian arc.
Latest Quakes Detected in Alaska
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About Alaska Earthquakes
Alaska is North America’s most seismically active region, experiencing more large earthquakes than all other US states combined. The state averages one magnitude 7+ earthquake per year and a magnitude 8+ earthquake every 13 years. This extraordinary seismic activity results from the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate along the 2,500-mile-long Aleutian Trench.
Major Seismic Zones
- Aleutian Megathrust: Subduction zone capable of magnitude 9+ earthquakes, extends from Alaska Peninsula through Aleutian Islands
- Denali Fault: Major strike-slip fault through central Alaska, site of 2002 M7.9 earthquake
- Castle Mountain Fault: Active fault north of Anchorage
- Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault: Transform fault along Alaska-Canada border
- Cook Inlet: Seismically active region including Anchorage metropolitan area
- Interior Alaska: Frequent earthquake swarms and volcanic seismicity
Historical Major Earthquakes
- 1964 Great Alaska (M9.2): Second largest earthquake ever recorded, caused devastating tsunami, 131 deaths
- 1965 Rat Islands (M8.7): Aleutian Islands megathrust event with 10-meter tsunami
- 2002 Denali (M7.9): Largest interior Alaska earthquake, ruptured three faults
- 2018 Anchorage (M7.1): Heavily populated area, extensive damage but no fatalities due to strict building codes
Earthquake and Tsunami Risk
Alaska faces dual threats from earthquakes and tsunamis. The Aleutian Megathrust can generate powerful tsunamis that threaten coastal communities throughout Alaska and the Pacific Ocean. Many Alaska communities have tsunami evacuation routes and regular drills. The Alaska Earthquake Center monitors seismic activity 24/7 and provides critical early warning information.
Why So Many Earthquakes?
Alaska experiences tens of thousands of earthquakes annually. Most are too small to feel, but magnitude 5+ earthquakes occur weekly. The constant convergence of tectonic plates creates continuous stress release through frequent seismicity. Alaska’s position at the junction of multiple plate boundaries makes it one of Earth’s most dynamic seismic laboratories.
🗺️ Related Maps
View broader region: United States Earthquakes
View other states: California | Washington |