Unexpected Awakening: The ‘Dead’ Fault Line is Showing Signs of Life Again

Recent research is shaking things up about the Tintina fault in Canada. For years, scientists thought this fault, which runs about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) through the Yukon Territory, had been dormant for over 40 million years. However, new findings suggest it may be more active than previously believed.

Researchers at the University of Victoria have discovered what they call fault scarps, signs of past earthquakes, that indicate the fault experienced major movement during the Quaternary period, which began 2.6 million years ago and continues today. This means that significant earthquakes could happen here.

Using advanced technology like satellite and drone surveys, the team identified these scarps near Dawson City. Their work reveals a history of earthquakes that could lead to future events. As lead researcher Theron Finley noted, historical data showed minor earthquakes of magnitude 3 to 4, but nothing indicated the potential for larger quakes until now.

The findings are concerning: the Tintina fault could build up enough strain annually (between 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters) to possibly unleash a catastrophic earthquake that could exceed a magnitude of 7.5. For context, earthquakes of 7.0 or higher can cause extensive damage and injuries, especially in less durable structures.

Interestingly, while ancient landforms showed significant offsets from past movements, more recent landforms from 12,000 years ago showed no movement. This suggests a long period of quiescence, potentially ending soon.

The research also highlights that despite these discoveries, Canada’s National Seismic Hazard Model doesn’t currently classify the Tintina fault as a notable source of seismic activity. This oversight might need revisiting, considering the new evidence.

In the light of these findings, it’s crucial for communities near the Tintina fault to stay informed about earthquake preparedness and safety measures, as the geological landscape beneath them may be more volatile than they think.

To learn more about earthquake preparedness and safety, you can check the Government of Canada for guidelines.

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fault scarps, earthquakes, Tintina fault, University of Victoria