The Science Behind the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

[USGS Newsroom <oc_web@xxxxxxxx>]

Title: USGS Newsroom

The Science Behind the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

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The Science Behind the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

Posted: 20 Mar 2014 10:00 AM PDT

Summary: Why does the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake Matter 50 Years Later? Scientific experts will talk about a half-century of scientific and monitoring advances triggered by the 1964 events

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Contact Information:

Yvette  Gillies, USGS ( Phone: 907-786-7039 ); Susan Buchanan, NOAA ( Phone: 301-427-9000 ); Amy Hartley, UAF ( Phone: 907-474-5823 );

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Why does the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake Matter 50 Years Later? Scientific experts will talk about a half-century of scientific and monitoring advances triggered by the 1964 events.

The 1964 earthquake occurred at a pivotal time in the history of plate tectonics theory, giving scientists a context to understand the hazards of megathrust earthquakes, and more importantly, it led to the creation of modern national programs to reduce risk from earthquakes and tsunamis. 

What:	Press conference on the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami — the science behind the earthquake and tsunami, what we learned from the events, and how we are better prepared today for similar natural hazards.
Who:	Peter Haeussler, Research Geologist and Alaska Coordinator for Earthquake Hazards, U.S. Geological Survey Paul Whitmore, Director, NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center Michael West, State Seismologist, Director, Alaska Earthquake Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks
When:	Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Alaska time
Where:	U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Leslie Holland-Bartels Main Conference Room #206 Glenn Olds Building 4210 University Drive Anchorage, Alaska

An audio bridge will be available for remote participation:  703-648-4848, (or toll free 855-547-8255) Security code: 77680#

Resources for the news media, including links to videos, photos, and a fact sheet are available on the USGS "1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami" website.