Science

4.1 quake is Anchorage area’s biggest aftershock in months

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake centered near Big Lake around 10 a.m. Monday was the largest aftershock of November’s 7.1-magnitude quake since May.

The quake was centered nearly 28 miles deep about 15 miles north of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center.

People in Anchorage felt the shaking. The center hadn’t received any reports from Mat-Su within the first 30 minutes of the quake, despite the epicenter’s location near Big Lake, seismologist Natalia Ruppert said.

The quake, initially rated at 4.2 magnitude, was the largest aftershock of November’s event since May, Ruppert said, but the center is still logging about a dozen small aftershocks every day. People don’t feel those.

There could still be aftershocks for another two years or so, she said. The felt aftershocks are less frequent than they were in the weeks after the main quake.

“But it’s still not over,” Ruppert said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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