M3.0 Earthquake 46 km SE of Atka, Alaska — December 24, 2024
2024-12-24 21:55:31 UTC (2024-12-24) · approx. 9:55 AM UTC-12 local
On December 24, 2024 at 21:55 UTC, a magnitude 3.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 46 km SE of Atka, Alaska, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 51.9412°, -173.6600°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 71 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred 8 days ago 91 km SE of Atka, Alaska. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 48 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-173.6600°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.0 earthquake near Atka, Alaska?
The magnitude 3.0 earthquake that struck 46 km SE of Atka, Alaska on December 24, 2024 at 21:55 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.0 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 3.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 91 km SE of Atka, Alaska. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.0 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000pkvk). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, December 24, 2024). M3.0 Earthquake 46 km SE of Atka, Alaska — December 24, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000pkvk/