The United States Geological Survey recorded
a Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake at a depth of 11.4 km about 106 km to the northeast
of Chignik Lake on the Alaskan Peninsula, slightly after 12.50 pm local time (slightly after 9.50 pm GMT) on Saturday 12 November 2016. There are no reports of any
damage or casualties associated with this event, but people have
reported feeling it locally.
The approximate location of the 12 November 2016 Alaskan Peninsula Earthquake. Google.
Alaska
lies on the North American Plate, with the Pacific Plate underlying the
ocean to the south. The Aleutian Trench runs along much of the south
coast of the Alaskan Peninisula and te Aleutian Islads, with the Pacific Plate being subducted beneath this and
passing under Alaska as it sinks into the Earth. The 4 January quake
occurred in the far southeast of the state; east of the extent of the
Aleutian Trench. Off the coast of southeast Alaska the Pacific and North
American Plates pass one-another horizontally, with the Pacific Plate
moving northward and the North American to the south (a transform plate
margin). This is not a smooth process, and the plates frequently stick
together, then break apart as the pressure builds up, causing
Earthquakes.
Subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American
Plate fueling earthquakes and volcanism on the Alaskan peninsula. Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Witness
accounts of quakes can help geologists to understand these events and
the rock structures that cause them. If you felt this quake (or if you
were in the area but did not, which is also useful information) you can
report it to the USGS here.
See also...
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.