Earthquake Strikes Alaska Peninsula
On April 18, 2025, a 10.8-mile deep earthquake with a magnitude type of Ml occurred 50 miles south of Mt. Dutton on the Alaska Peninsula. This event has not been reviewed by a seismologist but was felt in various areas including Emmons Lake, Cold Bay, and Pavlof Volcano.
Tectonic Setting
Seismic activity in the Alaska Peninsula region is influenced by the Aleutian megathrust, where strong earthquakes are generated. Notable recent earthquakes include the 2020 Simeonof Earthquake and the 2021 Chignik Earthquake. Intermediate depth seismicity is also observed in the Wadati-Benioff Zone where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate. This zone extends along the Aleutian Arc, Alaska Peninsula, and Cook Inlet. Crustal seismicity in the region is attributed to the Kodiak Shelf Fault Zone and the volcanic arc, with notable earthquakes linked to volcanic eruptions.
Overall, the Alaska Peninsula experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, with most being too deep and small to be felt. However, significant events such as the 1999 and 2001 Kodiak Island earthquakes have caused damage to communities in the region.
It is important for residents and authorities in the Alaska Peninsula region to be prepared for seismic activity given the tectonic features that influence earthquake occurrence in the area.
Source
Photo credit earthquake.alaska.edu
