video by @TheEarthMaster
Earthquake activity in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, one of the world's most notable fault lines, has been observed, following an unusual calm in the Pacific Plate.
Reports by several geological organizations show that disturbance depth was around 10 kilometers off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada early in the morning on September 14, 2023.
The initial seismic episode was measured at 4.0 on the Richter scale, and was followed by a series of lesser tremors, including a couple reaching 3.7.
Although these seismic occurrences display a clear activity increase in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the US Geological Survey's (USGS) map shows minimal movement in the Western Pacific.
These silent periods are being closely watched as earthquake activity often escalates in these situations.
Meanwhile, within the continental United States, less significant tremors have been reported, notably in California and around Mount St. Helens.
The alert level, however, remains green signifying no imminent threat.
Nick Zentner from Central Washington University likens the subduction process in the Cascadia Subduction Zone to a diving board.
The Juan de Fuca Plate, pushing down on the North American Plate, finally recoils when the pressure is too intense, resulting in powerful earthquakes.
Over the past two weeks, four medium-sized quakes, ranging from 3.0 to 3.4 on the Richter scale, have occurred in this Zone, a frequency observed as common by USGS.
But experts cannot predict when the next major event may take place.
More details:
Four Recent Earthquakes in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Normal?
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