Scientists Analyze Thanksgiving Day Quake, Compare to 2018 Seismic Event
The Alaska Earthquake Center has provided insights into a magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Southcentral and Interior Alaska on Thanksgiving morning. This seismic event, dubbed the Susitna Earthquake, has sparked comparisons with the notable M7.1 earthquake that occurred on November 30, 2018.
Comparison of the Susitna Earthquake to the 2018 Seismic Event
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, while the Susitna Earthquake occurred near the same area as the 2018 event, it is not classified as an aftershock. Austin Holland, the center’s director of operations, clarified that the distinction of aftershock is a man-made term not directly reflected in geological activity.
Details of the Susitna Earthquake
- Date: Thanksgiving morning (2023)
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Location: Near Susitna, close to past earthquake epicenters
- Depth: The quake was sufficiently deep, influencing its felt intensity.
Holland emphasized that the Susitna Earthquake was outside the rupture area of the 2018 quake, which helps categorize seismic events. Additionally, he noted that the timing of the quake, just days before the seventh anniversary of the 2018 event, is coincidental rather than indicative of a pattern.
Seismic Impact Across Regions
The earthquake produced varied experiences for residents, with some individuals located further from the epicenter reporting stronger and longer shaking. This disparity arises from the earthquake’s depth and the way seismic waves propagate through different geological materials.
For instance, areas like Nikiski experienced amplified effects due to sediment dynamics in the Cook Inlet Basin, where seismic waves can sometimes become trapped, leading to more prolonged shaking for residents. Holland explained that such variations are common and highlight the complexity of seismic wave interactions.
Earthquake Early Warning Systems
An interesting development occurred when some residents received notifications on their Android devices at the onset of the quake. This capability, added to the Android system a year prior, has not frequently activated in Alaska, primarily due to the geographic distribution of seismic activities.
The Alaska Earthquake Center is working on enhancing its earthquake early warning systems. This initiative aims to provide residents with a few seconds to tens of seconds of warning before the most intense shaking occurs.
With ongoing studies and adjustments to warning systems, the Alaska Earthquake Center continues its commitment to improving public safety and preparedness for future seismic events.
