What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Alaska in 1964?
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What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Alaska in 1964?
magnitude 9.2
On March 27, 1964 at 5:36pm local time (March 28 at 3:36 UTC) an earthquake of magnitude 9.2 occurred in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska.
What is the name of the most powerful earthquake to ever hit Alaska in 1964?
The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, also known as the Great Alaskan earthquake and Good Friday earthquake, occurred at 5:36 PM AKST on Good Friday, March 27. Across south-central Alaska, ground fissures, collapsing structures, and tsunamis resulting from the earthquake caused about 131 deaths.
Why did the 1964 Alaska earthquake matter 50 years later?
The 1964 earthquake was a defining moment in a territory that had just achieved statehood. Fifty years later, it continues to shape Alaska, its people, and the science of earthquakes. The earthquake occurred at a pivotal time in the development of plate tec- tonic theory.
What was remarkable about the 1964 earthquake?
The Great Alaska earthquake struck at 5:36 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on March 27, 1964. The shaking lasted for more than four minutes, launching several deadly tsunamis and triggering killer landslides. The earthquake also transformed geology, because it revealed that oceanic plates are shoved under continents.
What was the quake that killed most people in the US?
Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the largest earthquake in U.S. history: A monster in Alaska that caused a deadly tsunami, massive landslides, damage from Canada to Hawaii and ultimately killed 131 people.
How many aftershocks were there in the 1964 Alaska earthquake?
11 aftershocks
It shook Alaska’s environment surrounding Prince William Sound and left a footprint of destruction behind. Throughout the day after the initial jolt there were 11 aftershocks that each had a magnitude greater than 6.0. The most significant damage was recorded within an area of 130,000 square kilometers.
