Welcome to this week’s seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center, where scientists monitor ground shaking across the state 24/7.
Highlights from This Week
- Total earthquakes recorded: Around 350
- Strongest quake: Magnitude 4.6 on October 1, located west of Kodiak Island
- Felt reports: 3 earthquakes were reported felt by residents
Remembering the 1995 Minto Flats Earthquake
This week also marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Minto Flats earthquake (Magnitude 6). Many Fairbanks residents still remember the vigorous shaking that day.
The Minto Flats region sits between two major strike-slip fault systems, making it capable of producing earthquakes larger than magnitude 7. Over the past century, this area has experienced several notable seismic events.
A Scientifically Unique Region
What makes Minto Flats especially interesting is a rare type of signal called Very Low Frequency (VLF) Earthquakes. These signals are usually seen only in subduction zones, but scientists have also recorded them here.
VLF earthquakes often happen shortly before larger quakes, offering valuable clues about how major earthquakes begin, something researchers are still trying to fully understand.
Learn More
The 1995 event is now part of a virtual museum exhibit about Interior Alaska earthquakes. You can explore it here: Shake: Earthquakes in Interior Alaska (UAF Museum Exhibit)
