Magnitude 1.2 Earthquake Recorded Near Sutton, Alaska on November 25, 2024
A magnitude 1.2 earthquake occurred near Sutton, Alaska, on November 25, 2024, at a depth of 11.3 miles. The area is known for its seismic activity due to the interaction of tectonic plates, particularly the Pacific and North American plates. This minor seismic event highlights the ongoing geological processes in Southcentral Alaska.
On November 25, 2024, an earthquake measuring magnitude 1.2 occurred 28 miles east of Sutton, Alaska, at 03:08:30 AKST, corresponding to 12:08:30 UTC. This seismic event was recorded at a depth of 11.3 miles (18 km) but has not undergone examination by a seismologist. The earthquake’s epicenter lies in a tectonically active region, approximately 36 miles east of Palmer and 69 miles northeast of Anchorage, among other notable distances from nearby locations.
Southcentral Alaska experiences seismic activity due to various tectonic features, most prominently the megathrust fault between the Pacific and North American plates, which leads to significant earthquakes like the 1964 M9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake. Intermediate-depth earthquakes can be attributed to the Wadati-Benioff Zone, where the subducting Pacific Plate descends beneath the North American Plate, while crustal seismicity is linked to prominent local geological structures, including the Cook Inlet basin and Castle Mountain Fault.
The recorded earthquake on November 25, 2024, reflects the ongoing tectonic activity in Southcentral Alaska, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. While this minor event did not prompt concern, it serves as a reminder of the significant geological forces at play. The history of more powerful earthquakes in the area further emphasizes the importance of monitoring seismic activities continuously.
Original Source: earthquake.alaska.edu
