Essay On Alaska Earthquake

The effects of the Alaskan earthquake, unfortunately are what secured its place as one of the deadliest earthquakes ever recorded. From property damages, to the massive death toll, this earthquake devastated the lives of the people of anchorage, and multiple other towns within its destructive range. Unfortunately, the effects of an earthquake do not strictly come as one configuration. The disaster comes in the form of violent shaking of the earth, tsunamis, landslides and other incidents. Because the earthquake’s focus was approximately 15.5 miles below the surface, which aided the fact it spanned over 100,000 square miles. [2] The Alaska Earthquake was caused by an oceanic plate sinking under a continental plate, otherwise known as subduction. Although the epicenter was approximately 75 miles southeast of the city, Anchorage sustained by far the most damage, as it is incomparably the most densely populated city of Alaska. The city was obliterated due to many insufficiently designed houses, structures, and base (cleared boulevards, walkways, water and sewer mains, electrical frameworks, and other man-made gear), especially in the few avalanche zones along Knik Arm. Two hundred miles southwest, a few regions close Kodiak were raised by 9.1 meters while regions such as Turnagain Arm dropped as much as 2.4 meters. [3] Tidal

Fifteen people died as a result of the earthquake itself. One-hundred and six died from the subsequent tsunami hitting Alaska directly. Prince William Sound, Port Valdez endured a huge avalanche within the ocean, bringing about the deaths of 30 people. A 27-foot wave devastated the town of Chenega, massacring the small town, killing 23 people. Five people passed on from the tidal wave that reached Oregon, and 13 from the wave that impacted California. Damages were estimated around $2.29 billion in U.S. dollars at todays value.