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Aleutian Quake: 6.1 Magnitude Rocks Alaska Chain
25 Feb
Summary
- A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Aleutian chain Sunday night.
- The main quake was followed by 60 smaller aftershocks.
- Residents reported feeling light shaking from some tremors.
A significant seismic event occurred Sunday night, with a magnitude 6.1 earthquake striking southwest of Nikolski on the Aleutian chain at 8:11 p.m. Fortunately, no tsunami was generated following the tremor, as confirmed by the National Tsunami Warning Center.
The initial earthquake was succeeded by a swarm of 60 aftershocks, most ranging between magnitude 3 and 4. One notable aftershock reached a magnitude of 5.5. Residents in Nikolski experienced light shaking from a few of the tremors, though the smaller ones were not perceived.
Even residents in Unalaska, located 173 miles away, reported feeling the force of the magnitude 6.1 quake. Alaska Earthquake Center communication manager Elisabeth Nadine described the sequence as a classic main shock and aftershock pattern. The Aleutian region is seismically active due to the Pacific plate subducting beneath the North American plate.
Scientists emphasize that earthquake prediction remains impossible, urging residents to maintain constant preparedness. For ongoing updates on seismic activity in the Aleutians, the Alaska Earthquake Center's website at earthquake.alaska.edu is a valuable resource.
