Geomorphic effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1964 in the Martin-Bering Rivers area, Alaska
Professional Paper
543-B
By: Samuel J. Tuthill and Wilson M. Laird
Links
- More information: USGS Index Page
- Document: Report (pdf)
- Larger Work: This publication is Chapter B of The Alaska earthquake, March 27, 1964: regional effects
- NGMDB Index Page: National Geologic Map Database Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The Alaska earthquake of March 27, 1964, caused widespread geomorphic changes in the Martin-Bering Rivers area-900 square miles of uninhabited mountains, alluvial flatlands, and marshes north of the Gulf of Alaska, and east of the Copper River. This area is at lat 60°30’ N. and long 144°22’ W., 32 miles east of Cordova, and approximately 130 miles east-southeast of the epicenter of the earthquake.
The geomorphic effects observed were: (1) earthquake-induced ground fractures, (2) mudvent deposits, (3) “earthquake-fountain” craters, (4) subsidence, (5) mudcones, (6) avalanches, (7) subaqueous landslides, (8) turbidity changes in ice-basined lakes on the Martin River glacier, (9) filling of ice-walled sinkholes, (10) gravel-coated snow cones, (11) lake ice fractures, and (12) uplift accompanied the earthquake.
In addition to geomorphic effects, the earthquake affected the animal populations of the area. These include migratory fish, terrestrial mollusks, fur-bearing animals, and man.
The Alaska earthquake clearly delineated areas of alluvial fill, snow and rock avalanche corridors, and deltas of the deeper lakes as unsuitable for future construction.
Suggested Citation
Tuthill, S.J., Laird, W.M., 1966, Geomorphic effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1964 in the Martin-Bering Rivers area, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 543, 28 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/pp543B.
ISSN: 2330-7102 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geomorphic effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1964 in the Martin-Bering Rivers area, Alaska |
| Series title | Professional Paper |
| Series number | 543 |
| Chapter | B |
| DOI | 10.3133/pp543B |
| Year Published | 1966 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Government Printing Office |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Menlo ParkCalif. Office-Earthquake Science Center |
| Description | 28 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | The Alaska earthquake, March 27, 1964: Regional effects (Professional Paper 543) |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Martin-Bering Rivers area |