Helicorders, the type of seismometer that recorded data on rolls of paper, used to fill the central area of the Seismology Lab, today the location of the Alaska Earthquake Center. This photo is from the Geophysical Institute's 1969-70 annual report.
A new look at the Alaska Earthquake Center's roots
June 18, 2026
The Alaska Earthquake Center formally started in 1987, but our roots go back much further than that. Take a dive into our origin story—explore firsthand tales from people who helped shape the Earthquake Center, accounts of the biggest shakes in Alaska history, and anecdotes of the constant push to expand earthquake and tsunami science. All of which underscore our mission to help the people of Alaska build resilience and prepare for the next big quake.
Enter this StoryMap and scroll through interactive content, or jump to a particular event using the navigation bar at the top. Enjoy your stroll through history!
Alaska Earthquake Center Timeline
Charlotte Rowe and Steve Estes analyze information from the seismic stations at the Geophysical Institute seismology lab, circa 1989.