Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 16, 2024 2:32 pm GMT
On Wednesday morning, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake rocked the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island. This quake is part of an ongoing series of quakes that have puzzled and concerned residents in southwestern British Columbia over the past month.
Recent Seismic Activity
The latest earthquake occurred at 8:35 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers, about 210 kilometers west of Nootka Sound. According to Earthquakes Canada, it is the largest quake reported in this area during the past month. Just a few hours later, at 1:25 p.m., a smaller 2.6-magnitude quake was detected 27 kilometers southwest of Tahsis at a depth of 33 kilometers.
In the previous weeks, the area experienced multiple seismic events, with 60 quakes noted in total recently. Prior to Wednesday’s quake, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Haro Strait on September 26, generating sensitivity across a wide area felt as far north as Nanaimo and south into Washington State.
Insights from Experts
John Cassidy, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, stated, “Earthquakes are fairly common in the Nootka fault zone.” He highlighted that this was a statistically significant event, noting that only 128 earthquakes of 4.2 or greater have been recorded in the last two decades in that area.
Cassidy explained that this seismic activity relates to the movement of the Juan de Fuca plate and the younger Explorer plate. The Juan de Fuca plate moves at 4.5 centimeters per year, while the Explorer plate moves at 2.5 centimeters per year. This discrepancy causes tension along the fault line, resulting in earthquakes.
- Key points include:
– Two-centimeter difference in plate movement can lead to two meters of differential movement over 100 years.
– This creates significant seismic activity in the fault zone that spans 30 to 40 kilometers.
Impact and Precautions
Fortunately, neither of Wednesday’s earthquakes caused any damage or led to tsunami warnings. Cassidy mentioned that he had not received reports of the quakes being felt by the public, primarily due to their depth and remote locations. By contrast, the Haro Strait earthquake, even though it struck 55 kilometers beneath the surface, was felt widely because of its proximity to populated areas.
Earthquake preparedness is vital, especially in regions like British Columbia, where the Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system provides alerts for quakes magnitude 5.0 and larger. This system, active for a month, detects earthquakes seconds after they occur, allowing for brief warnings via TV, radio, and mobile devices.
Cassidy reiterated the importance of being prepared: “We will have small earthquakes every day and larger events that could cause damage about every decade.”
Upcoming Earthquake Drill
The recent quakes serve as a reminder of the need for earthquake awareness. Just weeks before the Great BC ShakeOut drill scheduled for October 17 at 10:17 a.m., residents are encouraged to practice safety measures by dropping, covering, and holding on during a simulated earthquake event. The goal is to help individuals and families prepare for real-life situations.
As people deal with the effects of earthquakes, it’s really important to stay informed and be prepared. Earthquakes can happen often, but being ready can help save lives and reduce damage.
