M 3.9 Minor Earthquake Recorded Near Cantwell, Alaska
A magnitude 3.9 earthquake occurred 48 km south-southwest of Cantwell, Alaska, on March 20, 2026. The deep seismic event was recorded at a depth of 74.1 kilometers.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 ml occurred on March 20, 2026, at 09:14:05 UTC. The event was centered approximately 48 km south-southwest of Cantwell, Alaska. The earthquake has been reviewed by seismologists and is part of the routine seismic activity in the region.
Location Details
The seismic activity was located at coordinates 62.98°N and 149.26°W. The earthquake originated at a depth of 74.1 km. In geological terms, this is classified as a deep earthquake (depths greater than 70 km). Deep earthquakes typically cause less intense shaking at the surface than shallower events of the same magnitude.
Impact Assessment
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 2.67, which corresponds to weak shaking. There were no felt reports submitted at the time of the data update. No tsunami advisory, watch, or warning has been issued. There are no reports of damage or injuries associated with this event.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are considered minor. While they are often felt by residents near the epicenter, they rarely cause damage to buildings or infrastructure. Residents in Alaska are encouraged to maintain standard earthquake preparedness as the state is one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice