M 5.3 - 51 km SSE of Akutan, Alaska
December 3, 2009 at 01:56:36 UTC
Depth: 63.00 km (Shallow)
Key Takeaway
This moderate earthquake (M5.3) occurred 16 years ago near 51 km SSE of Akutan, Alaska, at a depth of 63.00 km (shallow). It was felt by 4 people.
Moderate
PAGER Alert
Tsunami
Felt Reports
Event Details
| Magnitude | 5.3 mwc |
| Depth | 63.00 km (Shallow) |
| Location | 53.6930N, 165.5180W |
| Community Intensity | III (Weak) |
| Felt Reports (DYFI) | 4 people |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Significance | 433 / 3000 |
| Status | Reviewed |
| Network | us |
| USGS Event Page | View on USGS → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of this earthquake?
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.
How deep was this earthquake?
This earthquake occurred at a depth of 63.00 km, classified as "Shallow". Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface because the energy has less distance to travel before reaching buildings and infrastructure.
Where exactly did this earthquake occur?
This earthquake occurred near 51 km SSE of Akutan, Alaska, at coordinates 53.6930N, 165.5180W. The location is determined by analyzing seismic wave arrival times at multiple monitoring stations.
Were there aftershocks associated with this event?
Aftershock data for this specific event can be explored by viewing nearby recent earthquakes listed below on this page. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area following a larger event, and they can continue for days, weeks, or even months depending on the original earthquake's magnitude.
What does the magnitude of this earthquake mean in practical terms?
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake is classified as "Moderate" — these are widely felt and can cause damage to vulnerable structures, though well-built buildings typically withstand them.
Nearby Recent Earthquakes
201 km SE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 31.60 km deep
164 km ESE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 27.80 km deep
135 km S of Unalaska, Alaska
16 years ago · 4.90 km deep
37 km N of Dutch Harbor, Alaska
16 years ago · 230.10 km deep
88 km SSE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 5.10 km deep
75 km SSE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 33.70 km deep
Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska
16 years ago · 31.10 km deep
63 km SSE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 39.80 km deep
63 km SSE of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 32.10 km deep
85 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska
16 years ago · 63.00 km deep
More Earthquakes in US
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
19 hours ago · 9.34 km deep
229 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
22 hours ago · 0.80 km deep
33 km S of Funny River, Alaska
1 day ago · 51.50 km deep
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
239 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
1 day ago · 5.71 km deep
96 km S of Nikolski, Alaska
1 day ago · 17.00 km deep
231 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
2 days ago · 10.00 km deep
231 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
2 days ago · 10.00 km deep
More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes
93 km E of Hihifo, Tonga
16 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
71 km SSE of Shihezi, China
19 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
19 hours ago · 9.34 km deep
57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan
20 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
69 km E of Tobelo, Indonesia
23 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
132 km ENE of Masohi, Indonesia
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
1 day ago · 51.93 km deep
Mid-Indian Ridge
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
Data from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (ComCat). QuakeScan is not affiliated with the USGS. Event details may be updated as new data becomes available.