Other Seismic Sources

Earthquakes caused by faults or tectonic plate movement are by far the most common cause of ground motion in Alaska, but there are other sources too. The seismic instruments at the Earthquake Center’s stations are very sensitive, sometimes detecting shaking too faint for a human to feel. These events can range from the pounding of storm-driven ocean waves on shore to the percussive calving of glaciers, from human-generated blasting at mines to tumbling landslides, and more. They can even include the footsteps of wildlife near a seismic station. Explore some of these more unusual sources in the tabs above.