Alaska Earthquake Center
Contact
Address
Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Telephone
Regional Partners
- West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
- Alaska Earthquake Information Center
- Alaska Volcano Observatory
Mission
The most seismically active state in the United States, Alaska is the site of the second-largest earthquake ever recorded. In 1964, a magnitude 9.2 earthquake in Prince William Sound caused extensive damage throughout south-central Alaska and generated a pacific-wide tsunami. Seismic monitoring for emergency response and hazards mitigation in the State of Alaska is a federal-state partnership involving the United States Geological Survey, National Weather Service, and the State of Alaska through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Anchorage.
Comprehensive seismic monitoring of the State of Alaska is achieved by integrating seismic monitoring activities/systems at the Alaska Earthquake Information Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, West Coast-Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA) and the National Earthquake Information Center, USGS. The Alaska Earthquake Information Center processes, disseminates and archives seismic data and information from more than 300 seismic sites within the State. Earthquake monitoring and response activities are coordinated with WCATWC and NEIC in order to ensure timely and authoritative monitoring of the State of Alaska for earthquake hazards reduction and mitigation.