The 2nd largest earthquake in the world
The second most powerful earthquake in the world occurred in Alaska on March 27, 1964, with a magnitude of 9,1. The only other largest earthquake was Valdivia, Chile, in 1960, with a magnitude of 9,5.
The Alaska earthquake and its damage
The 1964 Alaskan earthquake occurred on a fault between the Pacific and North American plates. Its shock, which lasted more than 4 minutes, was particularly felt in Alaska, around Prince William
Htis event devastated Alaska as well as part of the west coast of Canada. The most significat damage was in an area of 130 000 km2. Additionally, numerous landslides and avalanches occurred. It has affected goats, sheep, deer and elk; which caused their disappearances and the annihilation of their habitat.
The tsunami that followed
Obviously, this big earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Pacific Ocean. The waves were up to 70 meters high. This cost the lives of more than 130 people.
Coastal marshes and forests have been invaded and destroyed by salt water. These areas provided forage for several animals, including moose and migratory birds. The salt water also flooded and devastated several freshwater reservoirs.
Salmon spawning areas have been affected by both salt water and sediment from landslides. This also disrupted the habitat of many other fish and that of clams; which caused their downfall.
On the Canadian side, this natural disaster caused great damage on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Indeed, 58 Port Alberni properties were destroyed and 320 other buildings suffered minor or serious damage. Fortunately, this region did not suffer any loss of life.
Canada’s role in monitoring earthquakes and tsunamis
Since 1961, Canada has participated in the US Seismic Sea Wave Warning System. The country produces seismic readings that help locate and assess earthquakes that cause tsunamis. It also exhibits tide pauge readings regardings the height of tsunamis.
In 1965, Canada was a founding member of the Intergorvernmental Coordination Group for the Pacific Tsunami Warning System. This group is recognized by UNESCO. Initially, this initiative relied on the United States warning system and marked new international recognition of the risk of tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean.
Even today, the Geological Survey of Canada provides seismic data to tsunami warning centers. The data is real-time and streamed over the Internet. This makes tsunami warnings faster and more accurate.
Sources :
https://www.environmentandsociety.org/tools/keywords/great-alaska-earthquake-and-tsunami-1964
https://fr.statista.com/statistiques/660719/tremblements-de-terre-les-plus-puissants/
