AI Tries To Write The News: Earthquake shakes Juneau; Mendenhall Glacier leaves the lake
- Mark Sabbatini
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Editor’s note: AI Tries To Write The News is a weekly feature where a commercial AI blog tool is asked to write news stories about notable local events of the past week, with excerpts of the results provided. The intent is to familiarize readers with what AI-generated news content looks like, and should not be considered factual or "reporting" in any sense other than as a basis of comparison to the human-written articles.
Stories for the week of Nov. 30
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Dec. 3, 2025: Global report highlights Mendenhall Glacier’s rapid retreat as a catalyst of climate change, warns impacts may speed up
Local researchers know the future of glacial lake outburst floods largely depends on how quickly Mendenhall Glacier retreats. The magnitude of that change is serving as a case study in a global report released this fall, showing it may also have extensive economic and cultural impacts.
Many Juneau residents have watched the glacier’s rapid melt over the past two decades as it withdraws into the mountains. As early as 2002, scientists predicted that within two decades, the Mendenhall would transition from a lake-calving glacier to a mountain glacier. According to the case study, the glacier has retreated over four kilometers since its Little Ice Age maximum around 1760 and is now losing approximately 48 meters annually.
This October, researchers said the glacier could pull from Mendenhall Lake within the next few years. But in November, community members and scientists witnessed the transformation firsthand. Áakʼw Tʼáak Sítʼ — Tlingit for the glacier behind the little lake — has officially left its creation behind for the first time…
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AI-generated story: The Mendenhall Glacier Retreat: Impacts of Its Separation from Mendenhall Lake and Future Environmental Concerns
The Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning natural landmark near Juneau, Alaska, has long been a symbol of the region’s icy wilderness. As of November this year, the glacier no longer touches Mendenhall Lake for the first time in recorded history. This dramatic retreat marks a significant moment in the ongoing story of climate change and its effects on glacial landscapes. Scientists warn that this separation will bring a range of environmental impacts, some of which are already unfolding.
What Happened to the Mendenhall Glacier?
The Mendenhall Glacier has been retreating steadily for decades, but the recent event where it no longer reaches the lake is unprecedented. The glacier once extended directly into Mendenhall Lake, feeding it with meltwater and icebergs. Over time, rising temperatures have caused the glacier to melt faster than it can accumulate new ice. This imbalance has caused the glacier’s front to pull back, leaving a gap of exposed land between the ice and the lake.
This retreat is not just a local curiosity. It reflects a global trend where glaciers worldwide are shrinking due to climate warming. The Mendenhall Glacier’s separation from the lake is a clear, visible sign of these changes.
Environmental Impacts of the Glacier’s Separation
The retreat of the glacier and its separation from the lake will affect the local environment in several ways:
Changes in Water Levels and Temperature
The glacier has been a major source of cold meltwater for Mendenhall Lake. Without direct contact, the lake will receive less ice and cold water input. This can cause the lake’s water temperature to rise, affecting aquatic life that depends on cold conditions.
Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems
Fish species such as salmon rely on cold, oxygen-rich water to thrive. Warmer lake temperatures can reduce oxygen levels, stressing fish populations. The retreat may also change the timing and volume of water flow, disrupting spawning cycles…
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Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Dec. 6, 2025: Magnitude 7.0 earthquake 58 miles north of Yakutat shakes Juneau
An earthquake with a reported magnitude of 7.0 occurred at about 11:42 a.m. Saturday 55 miles north of Yakutat, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake caused notable shaking for at least 30 seconds at the main terminal at Juneau International Airport, where Juneau Assembly members and other city leaders are meeting for their annual retreat. Deputy City Manager Robert Barr read an announcement to the room a few minutes later that the National Weather Service Juneau has determined there is no tsunami threat to the area.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of about six miles, according to the USGS.
"More than 20 aftershocks over magnitude 3 have followed the mainshock so far, with the largest aftershocks ranging from M4 to M5.1," the Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks reported in a Facebook post at 1:05 p.m.…
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AI-generated story: Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Yakutat Followed by Over 20 Aftershocks
(Editor’s note: The figures cited by the AI engine appear to be largely accurate)
A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.0 shook the region about 56 miles north of Yakutat on Saturday, causing concern among residents and authorities. The initial quake was followed by more than 20 aftershocks, some strong enough to be felt across a wide area. This event highlights the seismic activity common to this part of Alaska and raises questions about preparedness and safety in the region.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake struck late Saturday morning, centered offshore approximately 56 miles north of Yakutat, a small city on Alaska’s southeastern coast. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the magnitude at 7.0, categorizing it as a major earthquake capable of causing significant damage depending on location and depth.
Epicenter location: 56 miles north of Yakutat, Alaska
Magnitude: 7.0
Depth: Approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) below the surface
Time: Late morning local time on Saturday
The quake was felt strongly in Yakutat and surrounding communities, with reports of shaking lasting for several seconds. Residents described the experience as intense but brief, with some minor damage reported to buildings and infrastructure.
Aftershocks and Their Impact
Following the main quake, seismologists recorded over 20 aftershocks in the same region. These aftershocks ranged in magnitude from 3.0 to 5.2, with several strong enough to cause additional concern. Aftershocks are common after a major earthquake as the earth’s crust adjusts to the new stresses.
Number of aftershocks: More than 20
Strongest aftershock magnitude: 5.2
Duration: Aftershocks continued for several hours after the main event
These aftershocks can pose risks such as triggering landslides, damaging weakened structures, and causing anxiety among residents. Emergency services in the area remained on alert to respond to any incidents resulting from these tremors…
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
