From earthquakes, road construction, collisions and sonic booms Lynn Canal residents weigh in on Monday's jolt

Residents along the Lynn Canal experienced a jolting event on Monday afternoon that was later confirmed to be a magnitude 3 earthquake, which initially went undetected by seismic systems due to its location on the edge of the network.

Comment from Gemini:

Several previous LEO Network posts offer relevant context for this recent earthquake near Haines. Several posts highlight the diverse seismic activity in Alaska, including those related to glacial activity ("Dynamic glaciers identified as cause of Southeast Alaska's summer 'ice quakes'" from Juneau, 2021) and the impact of melting glaciers on earthquake occurrences ("Earthquakes caused by melting glaciers?" from Juneau, 2017, and "Lots of Earthquakes" from Ketchikan, 2013). Another post ("Seismologist says earthquake may have triggered mudslide on the Haines Highway" from Haines, 2018) documents a previous earthquake in the Haines area and its potential consequences, highlighting the geological vulnerability of the region. Additionally, a 2023 post from Minto, Alaska ("Earthquakes last longer and feel stronger in parts of Interior Alaska, research finds") discusses how local geology can influence earthquake perception. This range of posts underscores the complex interplay of geological factors in Alaska and how they can contribute to a variety of seismic events, sometimes with effects extending beyond the immediate epicenter.

The initial uncertainty surrounding the source of the "boom" and the delayed identification of the earthquake near Haines underscores the challenges in real-time seismic event detection, particularly in regions with sparse monitoring networks. The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program provides further information on earthquake detection and monitoring (https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards-program). Furthermore, given the proximity of Haines to areas of known glacial activity, the initial speculation about glacial calving as a possible cause is understandable. The Alaska Division of Geology & Geophysical Surveys offers resources on glacial activity and related hazards in Southeast Alaska (https://dggs.alaska.gov/). Investigating the potential connections between earthquakes, glacial melt, and landslides, like the one mentioned in the 2018 Haines post, is crucial for assessing regional risks and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.