Initial analysis by the US Geological Survey puts the magnitude of the earthquake that just struck near Anchorage, Alaska at a 7.0. It’s a big temblor causing significant damage to buildings and roads. But we measure earthquakes on a logarithmic scale. Each step on the scale indicates an earthquake released about 32 times more energy than the prior figure. For instance:
Exactly how powerful the Anchorage, Alaska earthquake was
A car is trapped on a collapsed section of the offramp in Anchorage, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and buckled roads Friday morning in Anchorage, prompting people to run from their offices or seek shelter under office desks, while a tsunami warning had some seeking higher ground. (AP Photo
Image: AP Photo
We may earn a commission from links on this page.