The Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964

Summary

This is the forth 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 545, in 4 parts, describes the effects on transportation, communications, and utilities.

■ Professional Paper 545–A Effect of the Earthquake of March 27,1964, on the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, Anchorage, Alaska By Malcolm H. Logan, with a section on Television Examination of Earthquake Damage to Underground Communication and Electrical Systems in Anchorage, By Lynn R. Burton

■ Professional Paper 545–B Effects of the Earthquake of March 27,1964, on Air and Water Transport, Communications, and Utilities Systems in South-Central Alaska, By Edwin B. Eckel

■ Professional Paper 545–C Effects of the Earthquake of March 27, 1964, on the Alaska Highway System, By Reuben Kachadoorian

■ Professional Paper 545–D Effects of the Earthquake of March 27,1964, on the Alaska Railroad, By David S. McCulloch and Manuel G. Bonilla

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.

■ 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 (this page).

■ 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