Yakutat Bay earthquakes of 1899

Background. During September 1899, a series of severe earthquakes occurred in the region around Yakutat Bay in Alaska. The most powerful of these occurred on September 3 and September 10 at about noon, local time. The area was sparsely populated, resulting in no recorded fatalities, but the earthquakes were notable for the degree of elevation recorded, up to 47 feet, and for the effects on the glaciers in the region.

Magnitude Debate. The magnitude of the September 3rd large shock is debated, ranging from 8.2 to 8.5. The second earthquake on September 10th was also a comparably large shock, with magnitudes ranging from 8.2 to 8.6. These figures represent approximations based on available data, reflecting the uncertainty in historical seismic measurements for these specific events.

Environmental Effects. The immediate effect of the earthquake on the glaciers of the Yakutat Bay region was the shattering of ice at the margins of the glaciers. Additionally, the earthquakes were notable for the degree of elevation recorded, up to 47 feet. Seismographs throughout the world recorded the earthquake of September 10, as well as the earlier and later shocks during September.

Human Response. When they reached Yakutat they found the place empty, and the whole village camped out on the hill behind the village. The source records this observation without stating a cause, so no connection to the earthquakes is asserted here.