Where have the largest earthquakes in the world since 1900 occurred?

Learning Activity

Click here and rotate the globe to view the 10 largest earthquakes in the world since 1900. Point your cursor at an earthquake (shown as an orange marker) to learn more about it.

1. Where are most of these earthquakes located?
   
   Most of the earthquakes appear to be located around the Pacific Rim.
2. How many of the largest earthquakes occurred in North America, and where were they located? (Tip: Place your cursor over an earthquake to learn more about it, including its location).
   
   Three of the largest earthquakes occurred in North America, and all in Alaska. They occurred at Prince William Sound, the Rat Islands, and the Andreanof Islands.
3. Where was the only inland earthquake located?
   
   The only inland earthquake occurred in the Assam – Tibet area.
4. What was the magnitude of the largest earthquake, where was it located, and when did it occur?
   
   The largest earthquake had a magnitude of 9.5, and occurred on May 22, 1960 in Chile.
5. What was the magnitude of the largest earthquake to occur in North America, where was it located, and when did it occur?
   
   The largest earthquake in North America had a magnitude of 9.2, and occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska on March 23, 1964.