Revitalized Station Bridges Critical Earthquake Detection Gap

Deception Hills Seismic Station Revives: A Decade-Long Journey to Earthquake Monitoring

After a challenging decade, the Deception Hills seismic station (DCPH) has successfully resumed operations in August 2025, providing invaluable data for earthquake monitoring in Alaska. Situated in the coastal hills southeast of Yakutat, DCPH confronted numerous challenges, including bear damage, lightning strikes, and persistent issues with power and communication systems that rendered this crucial station offline for years.

According to Heather McFarlin, the seismic data manager at the Alaska Earthquake Center, “When that station is out, we have one of the largest land-based gaps in our network.” The importance of DCPH is underscored by the potential for magnitude 8 earthquakes in the area, making it essential for accurately determining earthquake magnitudes and locations.

The Critical Role of DCPH in Earthquake Monitoring

As the only seismic station located between Yakutat and Pelican, DCPH plays a pivotal role in the development of an earthquake early warning system for Alaska. The region is marked by a history of significant earthquakes triggered by both onshore strike-slip faults and the offshore subduction zone. Michael West, the director of the Earthquake Center, highlighted that “DCPH practically sits on the Fairweather Fault” and serves as a key station for monitoring seismic activity in both the Yakutat transition area and beyond.

A History Rooted in Tsunami Response

The inception of DCPH dates back to 2002, when it was established as part of the Consolidated Reporting of Earthquakes and Tsunamis (CREST) project. This initiative, funded by NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey, aimed to create a network of well-placed coastal seismic stations for tsunami monitoring.

Located near the top of a ridge, DCPH has always faced challenging environmental conditions, including frequent fog, ocean storms, and wildlife disturbances. The station operated reliably for over a decade, despite occasional outages caused by weather or animal interference.

The Journey Back Online: Overcoming Challenges

The year 2014 brought a significant change when the U.S. Coast Guard began constructing a remote search and rescue communications facility near DCPH. This development offered a solution for connecting the seismic station to a reliable power source and enhanced communication resources.

• The original hut was removed, and the seismic vault was relocated to minimize interference from the Coast Guard’s power generator.
• A new challenge arose when the distance between the seismic instruments and the Coast Guard station extended to approximately 375 feet, complicating data transmission.

Despite the team’s best efforts, various network and administrative issues delayed DCPH’s relaunch, extending downtime for over a decade. By 2019, connections were established between the seismic instruments and the Coast Guard facility, yet data flow remained problematic.

Repair Efforts and Innovations Leading to Success

In 2023, the Earthquake Center field team encountered new complications after lightning damage was reported. Although some equipment was repaired, complete functionality was not achieved. In 2024, further upgrades were made, including the replacement of a damaged communications cable, but due to adverse weather conditions, the project faced further delays.

Upon revisiting in 2025, the team discovered additional bear damage to critical equipment. This prompted the decision to switch to fiber-optic communication cables, which are immune to electrical charges and capable of maintaining data integrity over long distances. This innovative solution required considerable labor to install, reflecting the dedication of the Earthquake Center staff.

Conclusion: The Future of Earthquake Monitoring in Alaska

After relentless efforts spanning years, DCPH has finally rejoined the Earthquake Center network. This station is crucial for monitoring earthquake activity throughout a region marked by various fault lines. As Alaska moves closer to implementing a comprehensive earthquake early warning system, the revival of DCPH significantly enhances the state’s ability to respond to seismic events, ultimately safeguarding communities in this geologically active area.

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