Unveiling Canada’s ‘Sleeping Giant’: The Fault With a Hidden Risk of Major Earthquakes

A new study reveals that the Tintina fault in Yukon, Canada, and Alaska, long thought to be inactive, could now trigger a significant earthquake. Researchers found evidence that this fault hasn’t been quiet as previously believed, challenging ideas that it has been dormant for the past 40 million years.

The Tintina fault spans about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from British Columbia to Alaska. Using modern, high-resolution topographic data, scientists discovered an 81-mile-long (130-kilometer) segment that has experienced multiple large earthquakes in the last 12,000 years. With stress building on this fault line, the next quake could exceed a magnitude of 7.5.

A major earthquake could pose serious risks to nearby communities, particularly Dawson City, which has over 1,500 residents. Strong tremors might trigger landslides and impact highways and mining operations. Although the Tintina has seen small quakes of magnitude 3 to 4 in the last two decades, the last significant rupture was over 12,000 years ago.

Researcher Finley noted that more detailed data from satellites, drones, and aircraft allowed them to study the area closely. They discovered fault scarps, which are signs of past earthquakes. Looking at glacial landforms from 12,000 to 2.6 million years ago, they confirmed that the fault has caused major earthquakes over time, with significant strain accumulating lately.

Currently, the fault is building stress at a rate of about 0.2 to 0.8 millimeters each year. Over the millennia, this means a slip deficit of around 20 feet (6 meters) has built up, increasing the likelihood of a future rupture.

Despite this, Finley cautioned that a significant quake is not imminent. “Large earthquakes happen with thousands of years in between them,” he explained. Understanding this fault’s potential risks is crucial, as it hasn’t been considered a major seismic hazard in the existing National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) in Canada. Yet, the findings from this study will be integrated into the NSHM, helping local governments better prepare for possible earthquakes in the future.

This research prompts a critical look at earthquake readiness in northwestern Canada. As we gather more insights into geological risks, it’s essential to stay informed about regional faults that could impact our communities.

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Canada,Earthquakes,seismology