M 3.8 Minor Earthquake Strikes 111 km NE of Wiseman, Alaska

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.8 ml was recorded 111 km northeast of Wiseman, Alaska. The event occurred on March 23, 2026, at 00:50:29 UTC (March 22, 2026, at 4:50 PM local time). The seismic event was automatically recorded by the USGS.

Location Details

The earthquake was centered at coordinates 68.227°N, 148.603°W. It originated at a depth of 226.4 km. This is classified as a deep earthquake, as it occurred well below the 70 km threshold. Deep earthquakes are typically felt over a wider area but result in less intense surface shaking compared to shallow earthquakes of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

The USGS assigned the event a Maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 1, indicating that shaking was likely not felt by the population. There have been no felt reports submitted by the public, and no tsunami advisories, watches, or warnings are in effect. No damage or injuries are expected from an event of this magnitude and depth.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are considered minor. They are common in seismically active regions like Alaska and rarely cause damage. Residents are reminded that while this event was deep and likely not felt, it is always important to be prepared for seismic activity by securing heavy furniture and having an emergency plan in place.

Source

Data provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.