The Great Alaska Earthquake

The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, also known as the Great Alaskan earthquake and Good Friday earthquake, occurred at 5:36 PM on Good Friday, March 27, 1964, across south-central Alaska ground fissures, collapsing structures and tsunamis resulting from the earthquake caused about 139 deaths. Lasting four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, the magnitude 9.2 megathrust earthquake was the most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history and the second most powerful earthquake recorded in world history.

600 miles of fault ruptured at once and moved up to 60 feet, about 500 years of stress buildup. Soil liquefaction, fissures, landslides, and other ground failures caused major structural damage in several communities and much damage to property.

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