The last major synthesis of the geology of Alaska was Areal Geology of Alaska (P. S. Smith, 1939, U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 192). Up to that time, less than half of what was then the Territory of Alaska had been surveyed by geologists, even by the crudest exploratory standards. As a consequence, Professional Paper 192 was concerned primarily with the general spatial distribution, lithology, and relative ages of rock units and Quaternary deposits in Alaska with incidental mention of structure, metallic mineral deposits, and coal resources. Since 1939 there has been a vast increase in the amount and diversity of earth science research in Alaska. The initial impetus was during World War II when expanded studies of mineral resources, surficial deposits, and Aleutian Arc volcanoes were undertaken throughout Alaska. In the post-war years there has been an explosive expansion of geologic and geophysical mapping and research both onshore and offshore. This accelerated effort was spurred on by the emergence of Alaska as a major petroleum producer, by the discovery of major metallic mineral deposits at various localities in the state, and by the extensive systematic helicopter-supported mapping and resource appraisals that have been carried out mainly by government agencies as part of the requirements for Alaska land classifications. In addition, the great 1964 earthquake stimulated intense interest in neotectonic activity and geologic hazards state-wide. As a result of work since 1939, modern geophysical and geologic data are now available for much of Alaska, and few areas remain unexplored.

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The MW (moment magnitude) 7.9 Denali fault earthquake on 3 November 2002 was associated with 340 kilometers of surface rupture and was the largest strike-slip earthquake in North America in almost 150 years. It illuminates earthquake mechanics and hazards of large strike-slip faults. It began with thrusting on the previously unrecognized Susitna Glacier fault, continued with right-slip on the Denali fault, then took a right step and continued with right-slip on the Totschunda fault. There is good correlation between geologically observed and geophysically inferred moment release. The earthquake produced unusually strong distal effects in the rupture propagation direction, including triggered seismicity.