Glacier Island, Prince William Sound, Alaska. 1964.
Tectonic Uplift and Subsidence
Dates
Date Taken
1964
Summary
Alaska Earthquake March 27, 1964. The amount of tectonic uplift on Glacier Island in Prince William Sound was shown by the upper limit to which algae of the intertidal zone grew on this on this sea cliff before and after the earthquake. The top of the band of green (still living) algae is near present (post- earthquake) mean high tide. The top of the band of brown (desiccated) algae marks the approximate position of mean high tide before the earthquake. The difference in height between the top of the bands of living and of desiccated algae (3 feet) is a measure of the amount of tectonic uplift in this area.
Summary
Alaska Earthquake March 27, 1964.
The amount of tectonic uplift on Glacier Island in Prince William Sound was shown by the upper limit to which algae of the intertidal zone grew on this on this sea cliff before and after the earthquake. The top of the band of green (still living) algae is near present (post- earthquake) mean high tide. The top of the band of brown (desiccated) algae marks the approximate position of mean high tide before the earthquake. The difference in height between the top of the bands of living and of desiccated algae (3 feet) is a measure of the amount of tectonic uplift in this area.
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Material Request Instructions
Item located in U.S.Geological Survey Photographic Collection, in "Alaska Earthquakes slide Collection", March 27, 1964 earthquake, no. 6ct.
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