The Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964

Summary

This is the third in a series of six reports that the U.S. Geological Survey published on the results of a comprehensive geologic study that began, as a reconnaissance survey, within 24 hours after the March 27, 1964, Magnitude 9.2 Great Alaska Earthquake and extended, as detailed investigations, through several field seasons. The 1964 Great Alaska earthquake was the largest earthquake in the U.S. since 1700. Professional Paper 543, in 10 parts, describes the regional geologic effects.

■ Professional Paper 543–A Slide-Induced Waves, Seiching and Ground Fracturing Caused by the Earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kenai Lake, Alaska, By David S. McCulloch

■ Professional Paper 543–B Geomorphic Effects of the Earthquake of March 27, 1964 in the Martin-Bering Rivers Area, Alaska, By Samuel J. Tuthill and Wilson M. Laird

■ Professional Paper 543–C Gravity Survey and Regional Geology of the Prince William Sound Epicentral Region, Alaska, By J.E. Case, D.F. Barnes, George Plafker, and S.L. Robbins

■ Professional Paper 543–D Geologic Effects of the March 1964 Earthquake and Associated Seismic Sea Waves on Kodiak and Nearby Islands, Alaska, By George Plafker and Reuben Kachadoorian

■ Professional Paper 543–E Effects of the Earthquake Of March 27, 1964 in the Copper River Basin Area, Alaska, By Oscar J. Ferrians, Jr.

■ Professional Paper 543–F Ground Breakage and Associated Effects in the Cook Inlet Area, Alaska, Resulting from the March 27, 1964, Earthquake, By Helen L. Foster and Thor N.V. Karlstrom

■ Professional Paper 543–G Surface Faults on Montague Island Associated with the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, By George Plafker

■ Professional Paper 543–H Erosion and Deposition on a Beach Raised by the 1964 Earthquake, Montague Island, Alaska, By M.J. Kirkby and Anne V. Kirkby

■ Professional Paper 543–I Tectonics of the March 27, 1964 Alaska Earthquake, By George Plafker

■ Professional Paper 543–J Effects of the Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964 on Shore Processes and Beach Morphology, By Kirk W. Stanley

The Alaska Earthquake Professional Papers

The U.S. Geological Survey published the results of investigations of the Alaska earthquake of March 27, 1964, in a series of six Professional Papers.

■ Professional Paper 541 is an introduction to the story of a great earthquake—its geologic setting and effects, the field investigations, and the public and private reconstruction efforts.

■ Professional Paper 542 describes the effects of the earthquake on Alaskan communities.

■ Professional Paper 543 describes the earthquake’s regional effects (this page).

■ Professional Paper 544 describes the effects of the earthquake on the hydrologic regimen.

■ Professional Paper 545 describes the effects of the earthquake on transportation, communications, and utilities.

■ Professional Paper 546 is a summary of what was learned from a great earthquake about the bearing of geologic and hydrologic conditions on its effects, and about the scientific investigations needed to prepare for future earthquakes

First posted August 29, 2013