An earthquake of magnitude 1.7 occurred near Glennallen, Alaska, on November 26, 2024, with a depth of 12.4 miles. This event was not reviewed by a seismologist and is part of a complex tectonic setting due to the interactions between the Pacific and North American plates.
On November 26, 2024, an earthquake measuring 1.7 in magnitude occurred approximately 45 miles southwest of Glennallen, Alaska. The tremor struck at 12:37:40 AKST, with a reported depth of 12.4 miles (20 km) and coordinates of 61.7951°N latitude, 146.733°W longitude. Notably, this seismic event has not undergone thorough review by a seismologist. The earthquake was situated near several notable locations, including Pump Station 11, Copper Center, and Valdez, but remained relatively minor in magnitude compared to previous significant seismic events in the region.
The tectonic setting of Southern Alaska plays a pivotal role in earthquake formation. Significant seismic activity in this area is primarily driven by the megathrust fault at the interaction between the Pacific and North American plates. The region has experienced formidable earthquakes, such as the 1964 M9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake. Additionally, intermediate-depth seismicity arises from the Wadati-Benioff Zone, indicating the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate. The crustal seismicity particularly stems from the Cook Inlet basin and notable local faults.
In conclusion, the earthquake recorded near Glennallen is part of a complex seismic network in Southern Alaska. The region’s tectonic activity, driven by the interactions of major plates, continues to generate earthquakes that impact the local geography. The minor nature of this specific event nonetheless highlights the ongoing seismic risks inherent to the area, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and research by seismologists.
Original Source: earthquake.alaska.edu
