A small magnitude 1.9 earthquake was recorded Thursday morning about 52 miles northwest of Burwash Landing, near the Alaska–Canada border, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center. No damage or injuries were immediately reported.
The earthquake occurred at 8:12 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time on March 12, at a depth of about 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) beneath the surface, based on preliminary seismic data from the Alaska Earthquake Center.
The epicenter was located in a remote area roughly 305 miles east of Anchorage and about 310 miles northwest of Juneau, far from major population centers. The event was classified as a minor earthquake, meaning it is typically too small to cause noticeable shaking or damage.
Seismologists noted that the earthquake has not yet been reviewed by a seismologist, meaning its magnitude and details could be updated after further analysis.
Scientists with the Alaska Earthquake Center stated that small earthquakes like this occur frequently across Alaska and are typically detected only by seismic instruments, rather than beingfelt by residents.
The area near the Alaska–Canada border is influenced by the Yakutat microplate, which is colliding with the North American plate and contributes to frequent seismic activity across southern Alaska.
Historically, the region has experienced powerful earthquakes, including the 1958 magnitude 7.7 Lituya Bay earthquake, which triggered the tallest tsunami wave ever recorded.
Researchers will continue analyzing seismic data from the event. If residents experienced shaking, they are encouraged to report it through the “Did You Feel It?” system used by the Alaska Earthquake Center to improve earthquake monitoring.
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