Back-to-Back Earthquakes Rattle Alaska Peninsula, Raise Aftershock Concerns

The Alaska Peninsula was struck by another significant earthquake early Monday morning, marking the second major seismic event in the region within a span of four days. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the latest quake occurred at 3:58 AM IST on July 21 with a magnitude of 6.2 and a depth of 48 kilometres. Its coordinates were recorded at latitude 54.99°N and longitude 159.98°W.

The NCS, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), noted that the earthquake’s shallow depth increases the likelihood of aftershocks.

Earlier, on July 17, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter Scale had jolted the same region. That quake struck at 2:07 AM IST at a depth of just 36 kilometres, also making it prone to aftershocks. Its epicentre was located at latitude 54.91°N and longitude 160.56°W.

Shallow earthquakes are typically more dangerous than deeper ones, as seismic waves have less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in more intense ground shaking and a higher potential for damage and casualties.

The Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone is among the most seismically active regions on Earth, having produced more magnitude 8 or higher earthquakes over the past century than any other area. The region is also prone to tsunamis triggered by both earthquakes and coastal or submarine landslides.

In addition to its seismic activity, the area is home to more than 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields, comprising over 75% of all U.S. volcanoes that have erupted in the past 200 years.

Authorities continue to monitor the region closely, warning residents and nearby communities to remain vigilant due to the potential for strong aftershocks and associated hazards.

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