Do you live where the ground can settle, slide, or shake violently?

Landslides are likely to be triggered by significant earthquakes, especially on steep slopes and in areas underlain by soft ground. During the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, much of the Turnagain Heights area of Anchorage slid toward Knik Arm because the area is underlain by a kind of soft clay that is particularly hazardous, because it is full of water and will slide easily if shaken violently. The clay in the Anchorage area and other types of soft ground can also intensify the shaking of an earthquake.

Fortunately, most areas that can settle, slide, or shake violently can be identified before the next major earthquake. Even reasonably detailed maps give only an overview of the potential for shaking, liquefaction, landsliding, faulting, and damage. To investigate a particular building site, you should consult an engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, or foundation engineer.