On Sunday, a series of moderate to strong earthquakes hit Alaska's western Aleutian Islands and offshore areas, creating what scientists refer to as a 'swarm.' However, the Alaska Earthquake Center reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm.
The seismic events, which occurred around Adak, Amchitka, and Kiska islands, located approximately 1,350 miles west of Anchorage, did not result in any immediate reports of damage or injuries. Among the three remote islands, only Adak Island, with a population of about 300 people, is inhabited.
According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, nine earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 5.0 struck the islands and offshore areas to the south on Sunday morning and afternoon. Three of these quakes measured 6.0 or stronger, with the largest being a 6.3 magnitude temblor offshore.
The earthquake center stated that while the 6.3 magnitude quake at a depth of approximately 11 miles did not raise concerns due to its offshore location and lack of damage reports, subsequent events above magnitude 5.0 were considered expected aftershocks. However, two aftershocks above magnitude 6.0 that occurred around 3 p.m. were deemed unusual, leading to the classification of the quake series as a 'swarm.'
Michael West, the Alaska Earthquake Center director and state seismologist, emphasized that while the swarm included larger-than-normal quakes, there is no need for alarm among Alaska residents. He explained that swarms of moderately large earthquakes are common in the Aleutians and do not necessarily indicate more significant seismic activity. The area has a history of large earthquakes, prompting close monitoring by experts.
It was noted that small earthquake swarms occur every couple of years on average in the subduction zone along the Aleutian chain. A similar swarm took place in May about 350 miles east of the recent activity. The earthquakes on Sunday were determined to be unrelated to recent seismic activity at a volcano near Anchorage that last erupted in 1992.
Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, is situated on the Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic and volcanic activity that encircles most of the Pacific Ocean.
