A recent geological study investigating a massive fault line along the West coast of the US and Canada has caused significant concern within the scientific community. The study, published in ‘Science Advance’ on June 7, offers a crucial update on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, spanning 600 miles, after nearly five decades. Utilizing state-of-the-art geophysical instruments onboard a vessel, researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of the seafloor structures along the entire coastline for 41 days in 2021, employing seismic imaging techniques.
The findings reveal alarming movements of tectonic plates within the Cascadia Subduction Zone, indicating an impending convergence and locking of plates, leading to a potentially catastrophic release of pressure. Scientists caution that such an event could trigger a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Projections suggest that earthquakes of up to 9.0 magnitude could occur, accompanied by tsunamis towering over 100 feet. States like California, Oregon, and Washington in the US are particularly at risk.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the projected quake could result in the loss of 10,000 lives and cause damages worth $80 billion in Oregon and Washington alone. California may also face earthquakes reaching magnitudes of up to 8.3. However, the unpredictable nature of earthquakes makes it challenging to pinpoint when such pressure release might occur. Nevertheless, the study underscores the urgency for heightened preparedness and risk assessment.
Suzanne Carbotte, a marine geophysicist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who led the research, emphasized the significance of the study’s findings. She noted that existing models used by public agencies rely on outdated and low-quality data from the 1980s, while the megathrust’s intricate geometry surpasses previous assumptions. The study offers a new framework for evaluating earthquake and tsunami hazards, highlighting the need for enhanced risk assessment measures.