Alaska Earthquake Activity Surges, Redoubt Volcano Not Erupting

The Alaska Volcano Observatory noted that a 5.41 magnitude earthquake that hit south central Alaska, in the Cook Inlet region, at 11:28 local time June 22, 2009 was not related to an increase in activity in Redoubt volcano.  The 5.41 earthquake hit 30 miles southwest of Talkeetna, Alaska, close to the small towns of Willow and Skwentna.  

The earlier 5.41 magnitude quake was followed by a series of smaller earthquakes with another high magnitude 5.67 earthquake hitting the region at 11:55am marking a surge in actvity. The 5.67 magnitude quake hit near two minor volcanoes in the region; the Tanaga Volcano and the Kanaga Volcano. No injuries or damages have been reported.

The 5.41 magnitude quake was also confirmed by the Alaska Earthquake Research Center. Several smaller quakes measuring 3.21, 2.83, 3.07, 1.92, 1.98, 5.67 and 4.24, were felt in the 30 minutes after the initial earthquake. These aftershocks struck the same Cook Inlet region of Alaska at 11:35am, 11:40am, 11:46am. 11:51am, 11:53am, 11:55am, and 11:56am, local time. 

Several smaller quakes had hit the Cook Inlet region of Alaska in the late hours of June 21, 2009 and morning of June 22, 2009 signalling an increase in seismic activity.  Fears that the increased activity may be related to a build up in the Mount Redoubt volcano are unfounded.

Track the latest seismic activity in Alaska at the Alaska Earthquake Information Center's real-time earthquake watch.