2002 Denali Earthquake

Home

On November 3, 2002, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake ruptured a 300-km
section of the Denali Fault.  Here are some photos in the vicinity of where
the fault cuts across the Richardson Highway, one of two roads running
north-south between Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Most of these photos were taken in the summer after the earthquake.
Other sites: USGS for photos and information ; UAF's Geophysical Institute.
Here's a summary of a study from our group at Caltech (Chen Ji).


Here is my favorite photo, looking westward at the landslides over
Black Rapids Glacier, which is a few miles west of the Richardson Highway.
Notice that the landslide went part way up the other side of the glacial valley!
Photo: USGS


This shows a nice view (looking northward) of the pipeline and
Richardson Highway, including a short stretch damaged by the earthquake.
Photo: USGS


View looking southward on 11/10/02, just after the earthquake.
The fault (and the offset here) is right-lateral.
Photo: Shannon & Wilson, Inc.


Here's a close-up of the glider beams designed to accommodate offset resulting
from up to a M8.0 earthquake.  The earthquake was M7.9 -- they were lucky!
Before the earthquake, the pipeline was situated where I am standing.
Photo: Walter Tape


This photo bears testament to the stability of a log cabin.
Yes, it fell off its supports (see where my right hand is).
But considering that it was literally on top of a M7.9 rupture,
it is impressive that the structure sustained no visible damage.
Photo: Walter Tape


Look out for on-coming traffic!
Photo: USGS


There are several trees like these, split right up the center by the earthquake.
The ground is riddled with cracks throughout the area.
Photos: Walter Tape


Looking westward at the landslides on Black Rapids Glacier.
Photo: USGS

Looking eastward at the landslides on Black Rapids Glacier.
Photo: USGS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------